Ben Dalpe scored the game-winning goal and added an assist, and Hunter Miska turned in a 23-save performance between the pipes as the Penticton Vees soured the SilverBacks' pre-season finale with a 4-1 victory Saturday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
Dalpe, the younger brother of Carolina Hurricanes forward Zac, snuck down the left-wing 12 minutes into the first period and ripped a shot past SilverBacks netminder Angus Redmond to give the Vees a two-goal lead they would not relinquish.
Salmon Arm fell victim to the discipline bug with two forwards ejected for checks from behind inside the opening eleven-and-a-half minutes, and could never recover Saturday.
The Vees opened the scoring on a five-on-three as captain Brad McClure re-directed a hard centring pass from linemate Ryan Gropp from the low slot. Dalpe would add the hosts' second goal shortly after Salmon Arm's Jack Berezan was tossed for a frightening-looking check on Penticton rearguard Alex Coulombe.
Salmon Arm would draw to within one just before the end of the first period on a power-play of their own, when forward Harlan Orr rifled a low shot from the high slot that snuck past Miska.
The Vees would add to their lead in period two, first on a point blast from Chris Rygus that tickled the top corner. The hosts made it 4-1 midway through the frame on a similar goal to Dalpe's off the stick of Travis Blanleil that chased netminder Redmond in favour of 20 year-old Adam Clark.
The offense ground to a halt at both ends of the rink following Blanleil's tally, though, as the SilverBacks found themselves stumped by tough goaltending for the second straight night. Saturday may not have been a night to remember for the 'Backs, but it will certainly serve as a learning experience heading into a week of preparation for the Bauer BCHL Showcase.
Up Next: The SilverBacks open the 2013-14 regular season at the Showcase in Chilliwack next Saturday afternoon against the Victoria Grizzlies. Game time is 12 noon.
