Burns Lake, BC – For the second time in as many days it was the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (22-16-4-1) and the Prince George Spruce Kings (23-16-4-1) squaring off at the Tom Forsyth Memorial Arena for the 2023 BCHL Road Show. Salmon Arm sneaked away with a 2-1 overtime victory in game one of the two game set as CJ Foley played hero in overtime to give the Silverbacks the extra point. The two teams came into the afternoon matchup deadlocked at 49 points.
Matthew Tovell (18-13-3-0, 2.55 GAA, .925 S%, 4 SO) got the start for the Silverbacks, while Jordan Fairlie (19-10-3-0, 2.83 GAA, .895 S%, 3 SO) got the start for Prince George.
The first period of play was similar to the first period in game one of the weekend as it was a tight-checking twenty minutes of play. The parade to the penalty box continued in the opening frame, as both teams went to the box on two separate occasions. But the story of the period was the other side of the special team units as both penalty killing sides made several shot blocks, and important clears to propel their teams to the kill. Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the opening twenty, as Matthew Tovell and Jordan Fairlie both looked sharp for their teams. Shots were deadlocked at 7-7 after the first period.
The middle frame started off with a similar style to which we saw in the first four periods of play over the weekend, as both teams continued the tight checking style. The scoring started midway through the period as Ben LeFranc (3) was able to beat Tovell with a shot from the blue line to give the Spruce Kings their first lead of the weekend. Salmon Arm was able to fight back quickly as Jules Bollard (6) showed off some impressive hand-eye coordination as he batted one by Jordan Fairlie to tie things up. Just a few moments later, It was Isaac Lambert (13) following up on a rebound opportunity, and lifting the puck high and over the blocker of Fairlie to give the ‘Backs their first lead of the game. Both teams kept the flow to the penalty box steady late in the period as they were several penalties on both sides. The Silverbacks earned a five-on-three opportunity late in the frame, and Nathan Mackie (22) was able to capitalize as he deflected a pass from Owen Beckner to give the ‘Backs a two goal lead. Shots in the middle frame were 14-7 in favour of Salmon Arm.
The pace of play changed early in the final frame as Prince George came out of the gates looking like a team on a mission. It was a tough start for the ‘Backs as Prince George was able to get three goals in the first eight minutes of the third. Linden Makow (14), Jack Stockfish (13) and Kai Greaves (5) got on the board for the Spruce Kings to give them their second lead of the game. Salmon Arm continued to push in the second half of the period, but were unable to beat Jordan Fairlie. The Spruce Kings found a way to take down the Silverbacks 4-3.
Next up for the Silverbacks will be the final home game for the month of February as the ‘Backs close out their season series with the Merritt Centennials. All kids 15 and under will get in free thanks to our friends at Prime Electric. Puck drops at 7:00PM.
Photo by XANDER HOLCOMB – Recap Courtesy of TONY TROZZO
