By BCHL.ca / September 12, 2009 /
You couldn't blame the Salmon Arm SilverBacks for being happy to be rid of the Vernon Vipers until early November. After opening the season in Vernon a night earlier, the 2009 Interior Conference Finals opponents battled in another tight game Saturday with the Vipers once again coming out on top by the narrowest of margins.
Trailing 3-1 in the third period, Salmon Arm scored a pair of goals in the span of 1:31to send the game to overtime. But an extra time winner from Adam Thompson clinched two points and a perfect weekend against a fierce rival for the defending RBC Cup champions.
Travis Statchuk ignited the SilverBacks offence on Saturday, scoring a pair of goals, while defending Interior MVP Mark Zengerle rounded out Salmon Arm's scoring. The Vipers received goals from newcomers Jonathan Milhouse and Dylan Walchuk after Mike Collins scored the lone marker of the first period.
Salmon Arm now travels north for a three-game set against Williams Lake, Quesnel and Prince George while the Vipers embark on a home-and-home series with the Smoke Eaters that begins Friday in Trail.
Westside 4 @ Quesnel 3
The Westside Warriors saved the best for last Saturday, scoring a pair of unanswered goals in the third period to clinch their second consecutive road victory to open the season on Saturday night in Quesnel.
After Cam Reid scored twice through two periods, Brendan Ellis and Kyle Singleton tallied to secure the Warriors' win. Spencer Grabowski, Brett Howe and Lucas Ford replied for the Millionaires.
Westside netminder Kevin Jebson turned aside 28 shots to pick up the victory, while Kirby Halcrow stopped 20 of the 24 shots sent his way in a losing effort for the Mills.
Quesnel will have another chance to jump into the win column on Sunday afternoon when they host the Penticton Vees at 2 PM, while the Warriors will attempt to wrap a perfect three-game northern trip with a win in Williams Lake.
Penticton 9 @ Prince George 2
The Penticton Vees lost a number of offensive weapons after icing a veteran-laden squad a season ago, but the early return on their replacements indicates that another explosive group is already in place.
Veteran forward Denver Manderson set up a trio of goals on Saturday, and newcomers Eric Filiou, Beau Bennett and JC Lirette combined for eight points in a convincing road win over Prince George.
Spruce Kings forward Brooks Robinson opened the scoring just 41 seconds into the game, but the Vees quickly took control by pouring on six first period goals, including three with the man advantage. The power play was a constant threat for Penticton, who finished the night 5-for-8 and added a shorthanded marker.
Prince George will try to rebound following a disappointing opening weekend with a Wednesday visit to Quesnel, while the Vees will attempt to wrap a three-for-three northern trip with a visit to the Millionaires.
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