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Weekend Preview: Final Double-Header for Silverbacks & Vees

Salmon Arm, B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks and Penticton Vees will play their final head-to-head games in the round robin of the Okanagan Cup this weekend.

The first of a double-header goes this evening at the South Okanagan Events Centre at 6 p.m., while the rematch is set for tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at the Shaw Centre.

The Backs are 1-4-1 so far in the Okanagan Cup exhibition tournament, while the Vees are 8-0. Penticton defeated Salmon Arm 7-0 and 8-2 in the tournament’s opening weekend.

3 Things of Note

1) SPECIAL TEAMS

It’s been a common theme for the Backs so far in the Okanagan Cup, as they’ve yet to win the special teams battle in any of their games. Last Friday they struck twice on the power play, yet they allowed three power play goals to the Vernon Vipers. On Saturday, they only allowed one power play goal against on four Vernon attempts, but went 0-for-3 on the man advantage.

Special teams continued to be a point of emphasis at practice this week and against a team like the Vees, who are operating at over 35 per cent on the power play and over 90 per cent on the PK, it’s going to need to stand out if the Backs want to pick up some points.

2) NEW FACES

The Silverbacks added a couple forwards to their roster last week, in 19-year-old Cameron Recchi and 20-year-old Sullivan Mack. Recchi, who compiled 23 points in 41 games in the NAHL last for the Maryland Black Bears, is expected to make his debut this weekend, while Mack, who put up staggering numbers for Kimball Union Academy with 44 goals and 70 points last year, is following league quarantine protocols after being acquired from the Wenatchee Wild.

3) VEES ROLLING

The Silverbacks are going to need to bring their A-game this weekend, as the Vees have allowed two goals or less in seven of their eight games, and they’ve scored four or more goals in six of their games. Six of their eight wins have been by three or more goals.

After two close games with the West Kelowna Warriors on Oct. 2 and 3, Penticton defeated them 7-3 and 6-0 this past weekend.

Players to Watch

SILVERBACKS: CARTER LONEY

Loney had his best game so far of the exhibition season on Saturday against the Vipers, not just because he registered a goal and an assist — picking up his first tally in the BCHL — but also because he seemed to have an extra jump in his step all night long.

The Winnipeg native is now up to five points in six Okanagan Cup games so far and is showing why he’s an offensive threat almost anywhere on the ice.

VEES: JACKSON NIEDERMAYER

Niedermayer had a four-point game last Friday and then scored on Saturday, giving him a solid five-point weekend.

Last season he had 23 goals and 45 points in 52 games. This year, the 19-year-old is expected to be a point-per-game player.

Tune In

As always, all games will be streamed live on HockeyTV.

Additionally, if you want to catch the game on the big screen and get the full viewing experience, Salmar Classic Theatre is showing the game tonight! Tickets must be purchased beforehand, so call the Maximum Edge Hockey Shop or head there between 12 and 4 p.m.! Kids tickets are just $5!

There will also be a FREE radio stream available at https://mixlr.com/sa-silverbacks.