Last season the Silverbacks opened up their two-game showcase stand with a win against the Langley Rivermen.
The ’Backs could not replicate last year’s success, losing their first game of the season in a close 3-2 contest, as Will Campion scored twice for Langley, last Thursday.
“We played technically sound, but the game didn’t go our way,” said ’Backs head coach Brandon West.
The Rivermen’s Nick Trenciansky made 25 saves, several of which were highlight-reel calibre, stopping the high flying Silverbacks offence.
Campion scored both his goals in the second, and goals from Jared Turcotte and Brett Stewart tied the game before the start of the final period.
Langley rookie, Justin Fregona converted Adam Sinclair’s pass late in the third for the game winner.
In the dying seconds of the game, the BCHL leading goalscorer Ross Heidt made a strong move through the crease, but Trenciansky was equal to the challenge.
The Silverbacks returned to the Prospera Centre, in Chilliwack, less than 24 hours after their game with Langley to face the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
Josh Blanchard broke the scoreless deadlock early in the second period thanks to a nice feed to Josh Laframboise.
Just over five minutes later, Nick Hutchison added to the Silverbacks’ lead, before Colton Thibault put the game out of reach for the ’Dogs.
Silverbacks starter, Angus Redmond only faced 15 shots as he made his second shutout of the season, in just five starts, and seventh of his BCHL career.
“We played very aggressively, and that is probably why we won. We just have to make sure we don’t cross the line.”
After splitting their outing at the Showcase, the Silverbacks find themselves breathing down the neck of the Vees in the Interior Division standings, just a single point off their pace.
West is adamant that the team’s depth is a large part of their early success.
“Everyone is expected to contribute, whether that is by physical play, playing fast or scoring goals,” said West.
October is busy for the ’Backs as they play 12 games this month.
The team will look to make the most of home ice advantage with seven of this month’s games being played at home.
“It doesn’t matter if we’re at home or on the road, we aren’t looking past Friday’s game against a very good team.”
The Silverbacks return to the Shaw Centre this Friday, where they open up a five-game home stand against the Wenatchee Wild at 7 p.m., the league’s only undefeated team.
Also making the visit to the Shaw Centre during the home stand will be Trail, Merritt, Nanaimo and Prince George.
On Monday, the ’Backs released goaltender Zach Dyment and signed Brandon Kegler.
“Angus (Redmond) is our guy but we expect to get Brandon in soon, and have a one-two-punch we can rely on.”