The Salmon Arm Silverbacks were stung by the Merritt Centennials in home and away games over the weekend.
Friday’s (Feb. 23) contest between the two teams at Shaw Centre ended in a nail-biter shootout that saw Merritt win 3-2. Salmon Arm’s goals were delivered within seconds of each other in the third period. Ty Paisley potted the first at 11:06, assisted by Isaac Lambert and Ryan DeAngelis. At 11:48, Patrick Raftery added a single aided by Tristan Allen and Tanner Walos. Minutes later, the Cents were able to capitalize on tripping call for Silverback Casy Laylin to tie the game at 2-2. Merritt’s Jack Zilliotto secured the win in the shootout.
Merritt goaltender Andrew Ballantyne stopped 49 shots on net, while Salmon Arm’s Eli Pulver stopped 30.
The following evening, the Silverbacks were shut out in a 4-0 decision for the Cents at Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.
After the weekend’s games, the Silverbacks remain in third place with 55 points in the BCHL Interior Division, behind the West Kelowna Warriors (62) and the Penticton Vees (69).
The Cents and the Silverbacks face off again in Merritt on March 1. The following night, the Silverbacks are back on home ice to face off against the Trail Smoke Eaters.
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