Four goals on one power, and both teams had two goals each.
Merritt scored two shorthanded goals in the second period on a five minute Silverbacks power play enroute to a 3-2 win in the Shaw Centre. Coming in with just one regulation loss at home, Salmon Arm had to face the team that dealt them that blow in the Merritt Centennials.
Opening the scoring 7:17 in was Christian Sabin of the Centennials as he was able to pickup a rebound and beat Matthew Armitage with the assist going to Bradley Cocca who worked the puck off the right wall with the original shot. Armitage came up with a huge save late in the period on a Centennials 2-on-1. With a delayed penalty to the Silverbacks, Armitage made the save and Merritt took a penalty after the whistle to even the penalties out and keep it at five on five.
In the second a hit to the head on Hudson Schandor left the Silverbacks sophmore on the ice for a few minutes. He was helped off the ice by two teammates but would later return for Salmon Arm. The penalty awarded gave Salmon Arm a five minute power play and that’s where Shaw Centre attendees were treated to a wild 3:33. Merritt scored their first shorthanded goal after Nick Granowicz stole the puck behind the net and was able to wrap it in giving the visitors a 2-0 lead.
24 seconds later Trevor Adams from the right faceoff circle took a shot that clanged off the post and into the net for Salmon Arm to get on the board. 25 second after, Tyson Gayfer in his first game back since October 21st was setup in the slot and fired in his fifth goal of the season to tie the game at two.
With six minutes left in the game and two minutes left in the Silverbacks power play, Merritt would strike again down a man. Matthew Verboon was clipped in the offensive goal and with no call on the play the Cents would go the other way on a 3-on-2. Bradley Cocca drove the goal with a shot, and Granowicz was there to convert on the rebound.
In the third Salmon Arm would pull their goalie for the extra attacker, but couldn’t beat Roden to tie the game.
FAST FACTS:
- Loss is just the second in regulation for Salmon Arm this season
- When trailing after two periods, Salmon Arm is now 5-7
- Matthew Armitage has allowed eleven goals since joining the Silverbacks, just three have been at even strength
TOP PERFORMERS:
Playing with some fire tonight, Trevor Adams scored for to bump a three game goal drought. He used his speed well again tonight and created a number of good opportunities for Salmon Arm. On the back end, Cole Nisse was used quite a bit tonight. He saw time on the penalty kill which shows the coaches are trusting the young defenceman more and more. He also made a few good pinches and had some shots on goal in this one.
