A week ago, Vernon Vipers goalie Colin Reay was the story of the game when he earned a shutout against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in a 4-0 Vipers win.
In a rematch between the two teams Friday, Nov. 1, Andrew Ballantyne answered in kind.
The Silverbacks netminder was sensational Friday night, stopping all 44 shots he faced to lead his team to a 3-0 victory.
It was the second career B.C. Hockey League shutout for Ballantyne, 20, who in six games with the Silverbacks this season has a sparkling 0.953 save percentage and 1.63 goals against average.
Ballantyne had his work cut out for him early as the Vipers out-shot the backs 19-7 in a scoreless first period, and made multiple sprawling saves.
Late in the second period, Patrick Raftery netted his fourth goal of the season to give the Silverbacks a 1-0 lead. The goal was reviewed as Raftery appeared to push goaltender Reay along with the puck over the goal line, but after the review, the goal stood.
The Silverbacks out-shot the Vipers 19-7 in the period and used an insurance goal from Liam Beamish just before the 15-minute mark.
An empty-net goal from Liam Bursaw sealed the game at 3-0.
With the win, the Silverbacks stay right on the heels of the Penticton Vees for first place in the Interior West division, two points back with a record of 9-3-2-0-0.
The Vipers are now last in the division with a record of 4-8-3-0-0, tied with the West Kelowna Warriors with 11 points but with one extra game played.
Vernon is back in action on the road against the Warriors tonight, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. The Silverbacks also play tonight, at home against the last-place Blackfalds Bulldogs at 6 p.m.
