Merritt, BC – For the fourth and second last time this season, it was the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (17-14-3-1) and the Merritt Centennials (10-22-3-2) meeting in an Interior Division Clash. Johnny Hicks, and Jaxson Murray were the story the last time the two teams met as Murray’s hat-trick, and Hicks’ 53 saves catapulted the Centennials to a 5-4 victory over Salmon Arm. Merritt took a two to one lead in the season series heading into Friday night’s action.
Matthew Tovell (13-12-2-0, 2.78 GAA, ,920 S%, 3 SO) got the nod for the Silverbacks following his time representing Salmon Arm at the All Star Game, while Johnny Hicks (8-8-3-0, 3.36 GAA, .919 S%) was in net for the Centennials.
The first period started off with a quick pace as both teams looked to make their presence known in the contest. The Centennials had a few early opportunities to get the early lead, but Matthew Tovell was up to the challenge as he steered aside multiple shot attempts. As the Silverbacks weathered the storm, it was the line of Ryan Gillespie, Jules Boilard, and Raoul Boilard getting things going as Raoul (8) was able to get the ‘Backs on the board with a shot that went high and over the glove of Hicks to open the scoring. That only other entry to the score sheet came late in the period when Nathan Mackie took a late roughing penalty to give the Centennials a man-advantage. A successful penalty kill got the ‘Backs into the break with a 1-0 lead. Shots in the opening period were 15-11 in favor of Salmon Arm.
The Silverbacks were able to extend their lead to two goals Just forty seconds into the middle frame as it was Tristan Allen (4) scoring against his former team with a seeing-eye shot from the blueline. That was just the start for the Silverbacks as the middle frame saw an offensive outburst. The rest of the scoring came in the second half of the period as they added three more goals in the frame. It was Lynden Hanvold (2), Ryan Gillespie (7) and Hayden Stavroff (6) all adding singles to give the ‘Backs a commanding five goal cushion into the final period. Shots in period were 17-14 in favor of Salmon Arm.
Connor Sullivan came into action for the Centennials as they pulled Johnny Hicks after two periods of play. The final frame was a slower speed than what we saw in the first two periods as the Silverbacks looked to coast home towards a second straight victory. There was just one penalty in the final period, and the Silverbacks were unable to capitalize as Sullivan stood his ground. It ended up being a scoreless third period, as the Silverbacks were able to close out the game and take it home by a 5-0 final.
Next up for the Silverbacks will be Saturday night at the Shaw Centre. The ‘Backs will welcome the West Kelowna Warriors into town for the first time this season. All kids 15 and under will get in free thanks to Big Steel Box! Puck drop will be tomorrow night at 6:00PM.
Photo courtesy of Chris Fowler
