‘Backs drop 1 goal game at home to Merritt.

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Backs Talk

The Silverbacks fell 2-1 at home to the Merritt Centennials on Wednesday night at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm.

The ‘Backs opened the scoring just 5:36 into the opening period with Carson Bolduc penalized for slashing, Colton Thibault potted his third of the season with Josh Blanchard assisting on the short-handed marker. The Silverbacks outshot the Centennials 8-5 in the first frame.

The second period was scoreless, and Cam Coutre was called for boarding for the lone penalty in the period. The Centennials outshot the home team 14-13 but the Silverbacks lead 1-0 into the third.

The first goal of the final frame didn’t come until the final five minutes, as the Cents Ryan Forbes scored his second of the season to tie the game 1-1 at 15:28. Josh Blanchard was then called for high-sticking at 17:21, giving the Cents their fifth power-play of the night. And in the final seconds of the man-advantage and 42 seconds remaining in regulation, Nick Jermain scored his eighth to give the visitors their first and only lead.

The Centennials outshot the Silverbacks 13-10 in the third and 32-31 Cents total.

Brandon Kegler stopped 30 of 32 shots in his first game in the BCHL game and with the Silverbacks. The 18-year-old of Leduc, Alberta was acquired last week from the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes. Angus Redmond played in the first eight games to start this season.

The season series with the Centennials is now tied 1-1, after the Silverbacks opened with a 7-5 victory in the Nicola Valley on Tuesday, September 15th. The two teams will meet next on Sunday, October 25th at 2p.m. in Merritt.

The loss is also the first for the ‘Backs versus an Interior division opponent this season, now 3-1-0-0.

The Silverbacks are now preparing for back-to-back home games this weekend, beginning Saturday night, October 10th and again Sunday afternoon, October 11th at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm, as the ‘Backs wrap up their longest home stand of the season at five games.

The Silverbacks (5-2-2-0) sit second in the Interior Division with 12 points, four behind the first place Penticton Vees (8-1). The West Kelowna Warriors (5-3-0-1) are one point behind the Silverbacks, in third.

The Nanaimo Clippers (6-3) will visit the Shaw Centre Saturday night at 7p.m. and the Prince George Spruce Kings (1-6-0-1) are set to visit Sunday afternoon at 3p.m.

Each Silverbacks and BCHL game is webcast live, PPV http://bchl.fasthockey.com as well as audio only http://bit.ly/1s0deO7 and, each ‘Backs road game is live at CKVS 93.7 FM http://voiceoftheshuswap.ca

Tune into CKVS each Monday night throughout the season beginning at 7p.m. for 30 minutes or more of Silverbacks talk, including interviews and news from around the BCHL.’Backs

Silverbacks and Cents tonight in Salmon Arm.

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Backs Talk

The Silverbacks are back in action tonight (Wednesday) on home ice, hosting the Merritt Centennials at 7p.m. at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm.

The Silverbacks are undefeated at the Shaw Centre with 3 victories and 2 ties early in this 2015-16 season. The ‘Backs earned 3 of 4 points to begin their 5 game home stand last weekend, a 4-4 tie with the Wenatchee Wild Friday night, October 2nd and a 5-2 victory over the Trail Smoke Eaters Saturday night, October 3rd.

Tonight will be the second of 7 regular season meetings with the Centennials, and the Silverbacks opened the season series with a 7-5 win Tuesday, September 15th in the Nicola Valley. The ‘Backs played catchup in the first period after the Cents opened the scoring and lead 5-3 after 20 minutes. The Silverbacks scored a pair of power-play goals and the other short-handed in the first frame. The ‘Backs then potted the final 4 goals of the game, a pair in both the second and third periods. The Silverbacks 1-for-6 with the man-advantage and 4-for-5 on the penalty kill including the short-handed goal. Carson Bolduc and Ross Heidt each scored twice as the Silverbacks finished ahead on the shot clock as well, 48-28.

The ‘Backs penalty-kill is ranked second in the BCHL at 88.89% with 4 short-handed goals and 6 power-play markers against. Merritt’s PK is 17th, at the bottom of the league at 64.44%. The Cents have allowed 16 power-play goals against and have scored 4 short-handed. The Silverbacks power-play is ranked ninth in the league at 18.37% and 9 goals, while the Cents have 11 power-play goals and sit fifth at 21.57%.

The Centennials come into the Shuswap on a 2 game losing skid, after falling 5-4 this past Sunday, October 4th to the Eagles in Surrey and Friday losing 6-1 to the Vees in Penticton.

As well tonight, the Penticton Vees (7-1) host the Trail Smoke Eaters (2-5) at 7p.m. in the only game around league. The Vees have rattled off 7 consecutive wins after opening the season by losing 4-2 to the Silverbacks Friday, September 11th at the Shaw Centre.

The Silverbacks have 12 points in 8 games and are second in the Interior Division standings, 2 back of the Vees. The West Kelowna Warriors (5-3-0-1) sit third, 1 point behind the ‘Backs after the Warriors lost 3-2 last night in 4-on-4 OT at home to the Coquitlam Express (5-4-1-0). The Centennials are fifth in the division, 1 point back of the Vernon Vipers (4-5-0-1) and the Vipers are just 1 behind the Warriors.

Nick Hutchison has scored 3 goals and 1 assist and has points in the past 3 games. The 20-year-old has 6 goals, 5 assists for 8 games in his second season with the Silverbacks. He leads the team in scoring with 11 points and is 17th overall in BCHL scoring. Ross Heidt leads the ‘Backs with 7 goals, along with 3 assists for 10 points in 8 games and 20th in BCHL scoring. Josh Blanchard has 10 points as well, 4 goals and 6 helpers. Blanchard along with Josh Laframboise each scored 3 points last Saturday. Taro Hirose scored his first of the season last weekend and has 8 assists for 9 points.

Angus Redmond has played in all 8 games for the Silverbacks, the 20-year-old in his fourth and final season with the ‘Backs has a record of 4-1-2-0, .922 goals-against-average and 2.10 saves-percentage. 18-year-old Brandon Kegler of Leduc, Alberta is awaiting his BCHL debut after being acquired last week from the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL and Leduc Oil Kings Midget AAA program.

The Cents have scored 40 goals, while allowing 46 in their first 10 games. Zak Bowles and Colin Grannary lead Merritt in scoring and are seventh and eighth in the BCHL respectively, with 15 points in 10 games. Bowles, who is in his second season with the Centennials and third in the BCHL has 7 goals and 8 assists in 10 games. Grannary is in his second BCHL season and with Merritt, he has scored 6 goals and 9 helpers.

The Silverbacks have outscored their opponents 23-12 in the first 5 home games, and 44-26 total the ‘Backs have outscored the opposition in the 8 regular season games.

Tonight (Wednesday) is game 3 of this 5 game home stand, the longest of the season in Salmon Arm. The Silverbacks have their second Friday night off from game action later this week, as the ‘Backs prepare for back-to-back games this weekend at the Shaw Centre versus the Nanaimo Clippers (6-3) Saturday night, October 10th at 7p.m. and the Prince George Spruce Kings (1-6-0-1) will visit Sunday afternoon, October 11th at 3p.m.

The Silverbacks and Cents meet again at the end of this month Sunday, October 2nd at 2p.m. at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.

Tune into CKVS each Monday night throughout the season beginning at 7p.m. for 30 minutes or more of Silverbacks talk, including interviews and news from around the BCHL.

Silverbacks host Smoke Eaters tonight, after a ‘Wild’ Friday night.

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Backs Talk

The Silverbacks (4-1-2-0) are back on home ice tonight (Saturday) for game 2 of a 5 game home stand at the Shaw Centre at Salmon Arm, as the ‘Backs are set to the host the Trail Smoke Eaters (2-4-0-0) at 7p.m.

The Silverbacks are now unbeaten in their first 4 games at the Shaw Centre, after battling to a 4-4 tie with the Wenatchee Wild last night (Friday). Each team got into penalty trouble in the opening period, as Josh Laframboise was called for slashing at 5:34. Damian Chreck was then assessed 4 minutes for roughing, 5 for fighting and a game misconduct as he was called for knocking down the Wild’s Tyler Rockwell in front of Angus Redmond. Kyle Stephan of the Wild jumped in to defend his teammate and he also received 5 for fighting and a game misconduct, all at 5:58.

The Wild opened the scoring on the ensuing 5-on-3 man-advantage with August Von Ungern’s 2nd of the season at 6:24. With 5:58 remaining in the first frame, Cam Coutre was penalized 5 minutes for kneeing along with a game misconduct. The home team lost 1 forward and 1 defenceman as the visitors took a 1-0 lead into the second period. The Wild outshot the Silverbacks 11-7.

The ‘Backs had a pair of power-plays in the first and failed to capitalize on their third opportunity early in the second period. But Nick Hutchison found the back of the net at 9:25 to tie the game 1-1, with Jared Turcotte in on the play for an assist. The Silverbacks took their first lead of the game with Riley Booth off for high-sticking and 85 seconds after Hutchison’s goal, Colton Thibault potted a short-handed goal for his second of the season at 10:50 from Phil Middleton.

Each team continued to battle back, as the Wild tied the game 2-2 with Von Ungren’s second of the game and third of the season at 15:57. And with 1:25 remaining in the second period and Carson Bolduc off for kneeing, Taro Hirose scored his first of the season for the Silverbacks and second short-handed marker of the night. Ross Heidt picked up the assist.

The ‘Backs outshot the Wild 15-12 in the second period and the Silverbacks lead 3-2 into the third.

After 4 goals in the second period, the final 20 minutes of regulation provided 3 more. Wenatchee tied the score 3-3 at 14:29.

Brett Stewart’s third of the season put the home team back in front, 4-3 at 15:51 from Booth and Turcotte. But the Wild answered with the final goal of the game in the final 2:06.

The Silverbacks outshot Wenatchee 9-8 to finish regulation time. The first overtime, 5 minutes of 4-on-4 saw each team fire a pair of shots on goal and 5 minutes of 3-on-3 action ended with each team recording two shots. Angus Redmond made his seventh consecutive start and stopped 31 of 35 shots, and the ‘Backs fired 35 shots on goal.

Special teams saw, the ‘Backs finish 0-for-3 on the power-play but, 4-for-5 on the penalty kill including 2 short-handed goals.

The tie gives the Silverbacks 10 points in 7 games and 2 points behind the Penticton Vees who lead the Interior Division with 12 points in 7 games. The Vees beat up on the Merritt Centennials 6-1 last night (Friday) at Penticton. The ‘Backs sit second in the division, 2 points ahead of both the West Kelowna Warriors and the Cents who have now played 9 games to the others 7 games. The Cents will be the next opponent at the Shaw Centre coming up this Wednesday, October 7th at 7p.m.

The Silverbacks ended the Wild’s 5 game win streak to start this season but the first place Mainland Division team is now unbeaten in 6 heading into West Kelowna tonight.

The Smoke Eaters come into the Shuswap at the bottom of the Interior Division, with 4 points in 6 games after losing both of their Bauer BCHL Showcase games last week at Chilliwack, Trail fell 4-1 to the Wild and lost 6-3 to the Prince George Spruce Kings. Trail is 3 points back of the Vernon Vipers who sit fifth, the Vipers are 1 point back of the Warriors and Centennials.

The Smokies have scored 19 goals, and have allowed 28 in their 6 games, while the Silverbacks have 30 goals for and 18 against.

Logan Mick, Marcus Mitchell and Sam De Melo sat out for the ‘Backs on Friday night. As Mitch Newsome and goalie Brandon Kegler made their debuts in a Silverbacks jersey, Kegler backing up Angus Redmond.

The Silverbacks will make their first and only regular season visit to Wenatchee on Friday, January 8th.

Each Silverbacks game is webcast live, PPV http://bchl.fasthockey.com as well as audio only http://bit.ly/1s0deO7 and, each ‘Backs road game is live at CKVS 93.7 FMwww.voiceoftheshuswap.ca

Tune into CKVS each Monday night throughout the season beginning at 7p.m. for 30 minutes or more of Silverbacks talk, including interviews and news from around the BCHL.

A historic hockey night tonight in Salmon Arm.

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Backs Talk

History will be made tonight (Friday) at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm, as the Silverbacks (4-1-1-0) host the Wenatchee Wild (5-0) at 7p.m.

The Wild of Wenatchee, Washington are the new addition to the BCHL this season. The Wild are also the only unbeaten team with 10 points in their first 5 games, 2 points up on the Chilliwack Chiefs for first in the Mainland Division. The Wild have allowed just 7 goals thus far, while scoring 24.

Tonight will be Brandon Kegler’s debut in a Silverbacks jersey. The 18-year-old of Leduc, Alberta was acquired earlier this week. Zach Dyment, the second season Silverback netminder has been released. Kegler is 6’2, 200lbs and was drafted by the Saskatoon Blades in the Western Hockey League. He stopped 69 of 80 shots in 3 WHL games in 2013-14. Most recently with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Kegler has also played in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

The ‘Backs come into this weekend after a 3-0 shutout victory over the Alberni Valley Bulldogs at the Bauer BCHL Showcase at Chilliwack on Friday, September 25th. The Silverbacks began the event with a 3-2 loss to the Langley Rivermen, the ‘Backs first loss of the season on Thursday afternoon, September 24th at Prospera Centre.

The Wild come into the Shaw Centre after a 3-1 win over the Smoke Eaters and a 3-2 victory versus the Vernon Vipers last week at Chilliwack.

The Silverbacks earned 9 points in 6 games in September, and are second in the Interior Division, 1 point back of first which is occupied by the Penticton Vees (5-1). The ‘Backs are 1 point ahead of both the Merritt Centennials (4-4) and West Kelowna Warriors (4-3). The Centennials beat up on the Warriors 9-1 earlier this week Wednesday, September 30th at the Nicola Valley.

3 Silverbacks lead the team in scoring after the first 6 games. Ross Heidt has 6 goals and 2 assists, Nick Hutchison has scored 4 goals and 4 helpers, while Taro Hirose has yet to score a goal but has 8 assists in the 6 games.

The Wild are lead by forward Mike Coyne with 8 points, 1 goal and 7 assists in 5 games. Defenceman Tyler Rockwell has 4 goals and 2 assists in 5 games with Wenatchee.

The Wild have the league maximum of 6 import players, including 3 Canadians. A player hailing from outside of Washington state, Colorado, Florida and Missouri is ruled an import with the Wild. Among the imports are Canadian forwards Kyle Stephan of Barrie, Ont., Mathew Baker of Midhurst, Ont. and defenceman Logan Milliken of Canmore, AB.

The ‘Backs play game 2 of this 5 game home stand tomorrow night (Saturday) when they host the Trail Smoke Eaters (2-4) and will be at home to the Merritt Centennials on Wednesday, October 7th. Both games are 7p.m. starts at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm.

The Silverbacks will make their first and only regular season visit to Wenatchee on Friday, January 8th.

Each Silverbacks game is webcast live, PPV http://bchl.fasthockey.com as well as audio only http://bit.ly/1s0deO7 and, each ‘Backs road game is live at CKVS 93.7 FMwww.voiceoftheshuswap.ca

Tune into CKVS each Monday night throughout the season beginning at 7p.m. for 30 minutes or more of Silverbacks talk, including interviews and news from around the BCHL.

‘Backs back in action today at Bauer BCHL Showcase.

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Backs Talk

The Silverbacks (3-1-1-0) meet their first Island Division team this morning at 10a.m., the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (1-3-0-0) as the ‘Backs play their second of two regular season games at the Bauer BCHL Showcase at Chilliwack.

The Silverbacks opened the event yesterday by losing 3-2 to the Langley Rivermen.

Neither team found the back of the net in the first frame, with the Rivermen outshooting the Silverbacks 13-10.

Jared Turcotte scored the games first goal, a power-play marker from Elijiah Barriga at 11:26 of the second period. Turcotte of Moor Park, California and first season Silverback with his second goal in his first five games.

The Rivermen tied the game less than three minutes later and on the power-play with Cam Coutre off for boarding. And with 85 seconds remaining in the middle period Langley took it’s first lead, 2-1 after 40 minutes. The ‘Backs outshot the Rivermen 10-9 and Langley lead 22-20 on the shot clock into the final frame.

The Rivermen began the third period by going ahead 3-1 at 4:38.

But at 8:56, defenceman Brett Stewart fired a shot past Rivermen starter Nickolas Trenciansky. Stewart’s second goal of the season, from Carson Bolduc and Taro Hirose. Then third power-play goal in the game got the Silverbacks within one, 3-2.

The Rivermen outshot the ‘Backs 8-7 in the third period and 30-27 Langley lead on the shot clock overall. Angus Redmond made 27 saves in the team’s first loss of the season.

The Bulldogs lost 4-1 to the Penticton Vees yesterday at the Showcase as well as, the Merritt Centennials scored four goals in the third to come back and win 5-3 over the Surrey Eagles.

Brett Stewart of the Silverbacks, spent the past two seasons with the Bulldogs. The 19-year-old scored 15 goals and 45 points in 95 games.

After the Bauer BCHL Showcase, the Silverbacks next game action isn’t until Friday, October 2nd when they will host the BCHL’s newest team, the Wenatchee Wild at 7p.m. at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm. That game will be the first of a five game home stand which will wrap on Sunday, October 11th at the versus the Prince George Spruce Kings.

Tune into CKVS each Monday night throughout the season beginning at 7p.m. for 30 minutes or more of Silverbacks talk, including interviews and news from around the BCHL.

Silverbacks begin Bauer BCHL Showcase this afternoon.

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Backs Talk

The Silverbacks are back in action this morning (Thursday) as they open the Bauer BCHL Showcase at the Prospera Centre in Chilliwack. The ‘Backs (3-0-1-0) begin with the Langley Rivermen (2-1-0-0) early this afternoon (Thursday) at 1p.m. and will take on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs tomorrow morning (Friday) at 10a.m. The four day BCHL Bauer Showcase event concludes on Sunday as each team will play two regular season games in front of university and pro scouts, along with fans.

The Silverbacks come into the Showcase atop the Interior Division standings and atop the BCHL, after earning 7 of 8 points in their first four games. The ‘Backs have three wins and an overtime loss after facing two other Mainland Division opponents this past weekend at the Shaw Centre. The Silverbacks met two other Mainland Division opponents this past weekend at the Shaw Centre, shutting out the Coquitlam Express 6-0 on Saturday night, September 19th before salvaging a 4-4 tie with the Chilliwack Chiefs on Sunday, September 20th in Salmon Arm.

Today will be just the second game on the road for the Silverbacks in this young season. The ‘Backs came from behind on Tuesday, September 15th over the Merritt Centennials scoring the final four goals in the final two periods for a 7-5 victory in the Nicola Valley.

Ross Heidt scored three goals and one assist last weekend, and with 6 goals and 2 assists in the first four games, Heidt is second in BCHL scoring. Nick Hutchison has 3 goals and 4 assists in four games as two of the league’s top 5 scorers are Silverbacks.
The Rivermen are coming off of a 5-3 loss at home to the Wenatchee Wild on Sunday in Langley.

Silverbacks head coach Brandon West with his thoughts pre-game.

Each Silverbacks game this season will be webcast live PPV http://bchl.fasthockey.com as well as, each game will be broadcast live audio only http://bit.ly/1s0deO7 and, each ‘Backs road game will be broadcast live at CKVS 93.7 FM http://www.voiceoftheshuswap.ca
Tune into CKVS each Monday night throughout the season beginning at 7p.m. for 30 minutes or more of Silverbacks talk, including interviews and news from around the BCHL.

‘Backs win third straight, host Chilliwack this afternoon.

Posted on September 20, 2015 by Backs Talk

The Silverbacks have won their first 3 games early in this BCHL season, after scoring 6 goals last night and shutout the Coquitlam Express 6-0 in Salmon Arm. The ‘Backs will play their second game of the weekend this afternoon and versus another Mainland opponent as they host the Chilliwack Chiefs at 3p.m. at the Shaw Centre. The Chiefs are 1-2 after losing 8-3 last night to the Vipers in Vernon.

The ‘Backs got out to a 3-0 lead in the opening period last night. Carson Bolduc potted his third goal in two games, a power-play goal from Ross Heidt and Taro Hirose at 4:37. Josh Blanchard, celebrating his 19th birthday found the back of the net for his second of the season and on the ‘Backs second man-advantage, Elijiah Barriga assisted at 16:20. And just 16 seconds later, Matty Saharchuk scored his first of the season and first as a Silverback from Colton Thibault and Damian Chreck at 16:36. The ‘Backs outshot the Express 22-7 in the first frame.

Heidt scored the only goals in the middle period, his fourth and fifth of the season and each on the power-play. The ‘Backs lead 4-0 at 9:47 with Hirose and Cameron Trott assisting and 5-0 at 14:53 from Bolduc and Hirose. The Silverbacks outshot Coquitlam 18-2 in the second period and lead 40-9 on the shot clock after 40 minutes.

Nick Hutchison potted the only goal of the final frame, his second of the season and unassisted at 2:06 and 5-on-5. The ‘Backs outshot the Express 22-8 in the third and the Silverbacks finished ahead 62-17 overall on the shot clock.

The ‘Backs power-play finished 4-for-7, while the penalty-kill was 8-for-8.

Angus Redmond earned his first shutout of the season, stopping 17 Express shots.

19-year-old Blanchard’s thoughts after last night.

Brandon West, the head coaches thought’s after last night’s game and pre-game today.

The Silverbacks are atop the Interior Division with 6 points in 3 games, along side the Penticton Vees who are 3-1 in their first 4 after losing 4-2 in the opener last weekend in Salmon Arm. The Vernon Vipers are off to a 2-2-0-1 start, while the Merritt Centennials, West Kelowna Warriors and Trail Smoke Eaters all have four points.

The Silverbacks will finish September at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack, the ‘Backs take on the Langley Rivermen on Thursday, September 24th at 1p.m. and meet the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Friday, September 25th at 10a.m.

Each Silverbacks and BCHL game is webcast live, PPV http://bchl.fasthockey.com/ and audio only http://bit.ly/1pkztYv as well as, each ‘Backs away game is broadcast live at CKVS 93.7 FM http://www.voiceoftheshuswap.ca Tune into CKVS each Monday night throughout the season beginning at 7p.m. for 30 minutes or more of Silverbacks talk, interviews, as well as news from around the BCHL.

Silverbacks salvage 1 point in Chilliwack at the Bauer BCHL Showcase.

Posted on September 20, 2015 by Backs Talk

The Silverbacks finished their weekend off on Sunday night, salvaging a 4-4 tie with the Chilliwack Chiefs at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm.

The visitors opened the scoring with back-to-back goals, 1:06 apart in the first half of the first period.

Matty Saharchuk got the home team on the board with his second of the season and second in as many nights at 9:39 from Colton Thibault and Riley Booth.

And Ross Heidt tied the game 2-2 at 10:15 with his third goal in two games, Carson Bolduc and Cameron Trott picked up the assists.

The Chiefs took the lead back, 3-2 at 12:23. ‘Backs second season goalie Zach Dyment made his first start of the regular season last night but was relieved by Angus Redmond after 3 goals on 6 shots.

The ‘Backs tied the score 3-3 before the opening period was over, Jared Turcotte of Moor Park, California scored his first of the season at 16:34 with Nick Hutchison and Elijiah Barriga assisting on the power-play marker.

The Silverbacks outshot the Chiefs 14-13 in the first frame.

The Chiefs scored the only goal in the middle period to take the lead back, 4-3 at 3:52 on the power-play as Brandon Wagner was off for interference. The home team outshot the visitors 15-11 in the second period.

And in the third period, Hutchison scored the lone goal to tie the game 4-4 with 5:28 remaining in regulation time. Phil Middleton and Barriga assisted on the goal which sent the game into 4-on-4 overtime. The ‘Backs outshot the Chiefs 15-11 in the third and 44-34 Silverbacks after 60 minutes.

The first five minute extra frame and five minutes of 3-on-3 OT saw the Chiefs outshoot the ‘Backs 7-4.

The Silverbacks outshot Chilliwack 48-42 overall, as Angus Redmond stopped 33 of 34 shots in relief. The ‘Backs finished 1-for-7 with the man-advantage, and 1-for-2 with the PK.

Hutchison finished with a goal and an assist for the Silverbacks, while Barriga picked up a pair of helpers.

Heidt now leads the BCHL in scoring with 6 goals and 2 assists in 4 games.

The Silverbacks lead the Interior Division at 3-0-0-1, 7 points in four games. The Penticton Vees have 6 points and have 3 wins and 1 loss in 4 games.

The ‘Backs will be back in action on Thursday, September 24th as they open the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack versus the Langley Rivermen (2-1) at 1p.m. The Silverbacks finish the Showcase versus the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (1-2) at 10a.m. Friday, September 25th.

The ‘Backs will then return to Salmon Arm and prepare for five game home stand which begins on Friday, October 2nd with the Wenatchee Wild at 7p.m. at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm.

Each Silverbacks and BCHL game is webcast live, PPV http://bchl.fasthockey.com/ and audio only http://bit.ly/1pkztYv as well as, each ‘Backs away game is broadcast live at CKVS 93.7 FM http://www.voiceoftheshuswap.ca Tune into CKVS each Monday nightthroughout the season beginning at 7p.m. for 30 minutes or more of Silverbacks talk, interviews, as well as news from around the BCHL.Silver

‘Backs back in action at home tonight, third regular season game and first vs. Mainland oppenant.

Posted on September 19, 2015 by Backs Talk

The Silverbacks get back into action at home tonight at 7p.m. at the Shaw Centre for the first of back-to-back home games this weekend, beginning with the Coquitlam Express.

Tonight will be the first non divisional opponent of this young regular season, after the ‘Backs 7-5 victory over the Centennials in Merritt this past Tuesday, September 15th and their 4-2 win at home over the Penticton Vees to open the season last Friday, September 11th at Salmon Arm.

The Silverbacks are tied atop the Interior Division standings with the West Kelowna Warriors, Vees and Centennials. The Vernon Vipers have three points in four games after losing 4-3 in 4-on-4 overtime last night (Friday) at home to the Express.

The Trail Smoke Eaters have one win in three games, Coquitlam is now 2-1 and tied atop the Mainland Division with the Wenatchee Wild who have won their first two games.

Ross Heidt and Taro Hirose, both second season Silverbacks each have five points in their first two games. Heidt has scored three goals, while Hirose has one goal along with four assists.

19-year-old import player Elijiah Barriga has potted two goals and one assist in his first two BCHL games, while second season forward and import, 20-year-old Nick Hutchison has one goal and two assists. Salmon Arm’s Carson Bolduc has a pair of goals after scoring twice in Merritt on Tuesday.

20-year-old Angus Redmond has played each of the first two games in goal, and has stopped 56 of 63 shots.

‘Backs head coach Brandon West with his thoughts pre-game.

The Silverbacks and Express won’t meet again until Friday, February 12th at the Lower Mainland for the back end of the season set.

The ‘Backs are set to the host the Chilliwack Chiefs tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon at 3p.m. at the Shaw Centre.

The Vipers host the Chiefs tonight at 6p.m., the Vees will be in West Kelowna for 7p.m. and the Smoke Eaters host the Centennials at 7:30p.m.

The ‘Backs will play back-to-back games against Mainland Division opponents as they open the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack on Thursday afternoon, September 24th versus the Langley Rivermen at 1p.m. The Silverbacks will then take on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs Friday morning, September 25th at 10a.m. for their second and final game of the Showcase at Prospera Centre.

The ‘Backs will return to Salmon Arm and begin a five game home stand, their longest of season at the Shaw Centre. The newest addition to the BCHL will be begin the home stand, as the Wenatchee Wild will visit Salmon Arm on Friday, October 2nd for a 7p.m. start.

Silverbacks come back and win in the Nicola Valley, Carson Bolduc scored twice.

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Backs Talk

The Silverbacks have started this BCHL season with back-to-back wins, after outscoring the Centennials 7-5 last night (Tuesday) at Merritt.

The Cents scored the first goal, 4:52 into the first period. With Phil Middleton penalized for roughing, Ross Heidt opened the scoring for the ‘Backs at 8:56 short-handed. Taro Hirose assisted on the 1-1 goal. The home team restored it’s lead just over two minutes later, before Nick Hutchison tied the game 2-2 from Josh Blanchard at 13:34.

Merritt then potted a pair of goals and just 10 seconds apart, with the first on the power-play as Aiden Salerno was off for slashing. The Centennials went ahead 4-2 into the final three minutes of the opening frame, before Brett Stewart found the back of the net from Hirose with the man-advantage at 17:26. But the Cents weren’t finished, Merritt took it’s second two goal lead of the period in the final two minutes. The ‘Backs outshot the Cents 16-13 in the first but, Merritt lead 5-3 after 20 minutes.

The Silverbacks scored the only two goals in period 2, and Salmon Arm’s Carson Bolduc scored both goals to tie the game 5-5 after 40 minutes. The visitors outshot the Cents 19-9 in period 2.

The ‘Backs picked up where Bolduc left off in the second period, as Heidt gave the Silverbacks their first lead of the game at 7:31. Hirose assisted on the 6-5 go ahead goal.

Bolduc tells us how he is feeling, playing in just two games with less than a handful of practices in the past week.

Marcus Mitchell potted his first BCHL goal and finished the scoring at 17:48 from Elijiah Barriga.

The ‘Backs scored the final four goals of the game and earned their second consectuive victory.

The Silverbacks outshot the Centennials 8-6 in the third, and 48-28 the ‘Backs lead overall on the shot clock.

With the power-play, the Silverbacks finished 1-for-6 and on the penalty-kill the ‘Backs ended 6-for-7 including a short-handed marker.

Silverbacks assistant coach Misko Antisin with his thought’s post-game.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, the West Kelowna Warriors put together an 8-3 victory at home over the Trail Smoke Eaters in the only other game on the BCHL schedule.

Salmon Arm is at the top of the Interior Division standings with four points in two games during the first five days of the BCHL regular season. The West Kelowna Warriors also have two wins and four points, but the Warriors split their home-and-home set with the Centennials this past weekend.

The second of six regular season meetings in the Interior division between the Silverbacks and Centennials is set for Wednesday, October 7th at 7p.m. at Salmon Arm. The ‘Backs will be back in the Nicola Valley on Sunday afternoon, October 26th for 2p.m. start.

The Silverbacks will be back in game action this weekend on Saturday night, September 19th at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm versus the Coquitlam Express in a 7p.m. start. As well as, the ‘Backs will host the Chilliwack Chiefs on Sunday afternoon, September 20th beginning at 3p.m.