The L. Turner Contracting Salmon Arm SilverBacks Atom A Development team claimed third when they hosted teams from around the province this past weekend.
Friday’s tilt saw the home team squeak by Winfield. Ty Bailey ran interference while Malcolm Petty set up Colby Feist who opened scoring for the ’Backs. Feist then exploded for the next five goals for the ’Backs. Winfield would answer back goal for goal, tying it up with six minutes left in the game. Marino Bordin put the ’Backs ahead with a highlight-reel goal, driving through most of the visiting team before putting the puck in the net, while sliding across the ice on his belly. Winfield scored with two minutes left but, just 20 seconds later, Zander Stewart sealed the win for the SilverBacks. Feist was named MVP.
Saturday morning saw the ’Backs defeat Trail 5-0. The Feist brothers handled the offence and Gabriel Murriels-Allaway captured the shut-out and took MVP honours. The second goal was a beauty, as Jarred Feist tipped in a Marino Bordin slapshot from the face-off dot.
In the afternoon, Salmon Arm faced Williams Lake and extended their winning streak to three games. The ’Backs spread the scoring around with goals from Colby Feist (2), Taylor Howard, Connor Johnson, Zander Stewart, Brayden Hessler, Jarred Feist and Ty Bailey. Assisting were Bordin, Brendan Mayes (3), Malcolm Petty, Leighton Boyd, Blake McBeth and Connor Kociuba. Ben Bannister was strong in net, narrowly missing a shutout as Williams Lake scored their lone goal with five minutes left. Connor McKee took home the MVP for his never-quit attitude.
Strong play saw Salmon Arm into the second seed for the playoffs, setting them on a collision course with regular season- leading Vernon. The teams traded a pair of goals to take the game into the third period tied 2-2. Both goals for the ’Backs came from Colby Feist. Vernon took the lead five minutes into the third and continued on for the win. Korbin Forsyth was a defensive force for the SilverBacks and was awarded the MVP award.
Off to Rogers
The Save On Foods Atom Saints had an experience to remember when they won a contest to play a game in Vancouver’s Rogers Arena this past Sunday.
The game was offered by the Canucks Alumni Association and was against the North Delta Atom team. Although the North Delta team came out on top 8-7, it was more about the experience of playing in the big arena.
The team members were announced as they came in. Trent Poroznuk called the toss and won the right to the Canucks’ bench. The game was filmed and played back on the Jumbotron just like you would see at a pro game.
The team played a fantastic game. Scoring for the Saints was Trent Poroznuk with five, as well as Kyle Chorlton off a sweet assist from Carter Campbell. Rounding off the scoring was a great goal from Brandon Jacobson, who found out that battling in front of the net really pays off. Special appreciation goes to the Saints who made the trip: Kyle Chorlton, Trent Poroznuk, Ben Lutz, Brian Biccum, Carter Campbell, Anthony Materi, Brandon Jacobsen, Aiden Hougan, Steven Tate, Jayden Storey and Austin McKelvie.
Missed by the team were Brydon Howkins, Adrian Main,Teagen Webster-Locke and Coby Jagt. Matt Campbell stepped in and did a great job refereeing.
Great finale
The Pee Wee Tier 2 Silvertips played the host team to begin a tournament in Kamloops Friday. The ’Tips had a fantastic showing but fell shy of a win with a final score of 3-1.
The Podollan Inn- sponsored Tier 2 ’Tips then played a tight contest versus Campbell River. It was 3-2 at ice clean time but Salmon Arm fell behind, despite a strong effort, taking a 5-2 loss.
Saturday was a 7:45 a.m. puck drop versus Vancouver. The ’Tips hung in, keeping the loss respectable at 4-0.
Saturday afternoon the Silvertips showed their grit against Williams Lake, pulling off a huge 9-1 upset, a nice way to end 2012. Congratulations go to tournament MVPS: Tyler Chartier, Riley Keyes, Colton Dodge and Sebastien Archambault.