Salmon Arm, B.C. – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks welcomed in a Coastal opponent in the Powell River Kings for the lone matchup of the season.
Neither team found the back of the net in a competitive first period. The Silverbacks had the lone powerplay opportunity when Brendan Giles took a tripping penalty at the 14:57 mark but Salmon Arm was unable to capitalize. Both goalies started strong with the shots on goal after the opening frame, 15-10 in favour of the Silverbacks.
The scoring started in the second period for both teams. At the 15 minute mark, Noah Samanski gets a centering feed all alone and takes two swings at it before it finds the back of the net for the Kings 1-0 lead. The lead didn’t last long as under two minutes later, Cole Cooksey fires one along the ice from a sharp angle and sneaks it under the pads to tie up the game 1-1 with his 11th of the season. To end off the middle frame, the Silverbacks are handed a lengthy powerplay when Cruz Scanzano takes down Roenick Jodoin after the play leading to some rough stuff. Coming out of the pile, Scanzano gets a roughing penalty, an interference penalty, and a 10 minute misconduct, Quentin Harvie gets a roughing penalty, and Tucker Shedd also gets to the box for roughing, giving the Silverbacks a 4 minute powerplay overall.
The Silverbacks grab two goals in the third period to take the win. Still on the powerplay to start the period, Roenick Jodoin wires home a one-timer to get the lead for the Silverbacks 2-1 with his 18th goal of the year. 9 seconds later, right off the ensuing faceoff, the Kings go in on a two-on-one rush and Brendan Giles tips home the tying goal, 2-2. At the 6:56 mark, Riley Ashe takes the puck from behind the back of the net, goes end to end up the left wing, and rips the puck into the twine to regain the lead for the Silverbacks, 3-2. It was Ashes 10th goal of the season. A couple penalties to end off the period, one a side, but neither can take advantage.
The Silverbacks outshoot the Kings 46-21. Daniel Dirracolo makes 19/21 saves for his fourth straight win.
(Photo credit: Kristal Burgess)
