Tuesday, November 30, 2010

20-Year-Old Dman Acquired

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have acquired defenceman Kevin Mills from the Calgary Canucks of the AJHL for defenceman Justin Krabben, Clayton Petrie and future considerations. The Silverbacks acquired Petrie from the Cowichan Valley Capitals for future considerations.

The 1990 born rearguard was in his third season with the club and had played in 25 games registering 14 assists and collected 54 penalty minutes. Last season the Calgary resident scored seven times and had 30 points in 56 contests along with four points in four playoff games. In 2008/2009 the 6'0" 200 pounder picked up two goals and seven points in 18 contests.

Prior to Junior the right-handed shooter played Midget "AAA" for the Calgary Northstars in the AMHL where in 2007/2008 he had nine goals and 24 points in 29 games and in 2006/2007 he had two goals and six points in 27 contests.

Mills becomes the fifth 1990 born player on the 'Backs of the allotted six in the BCHL. He is also the sixth import of the eight allowed at one time and overall he is the tenth of the allowed 12 on the season.

Kevin also has a scholarship to Princeton University for next season.

Justin Krabben was in his second season with the Silverbacks and had one goal and 11 points in 30 games. In his rookie campaign the 1991 born rearguard collected one goal and five points in 52 contests. The Rocky Mountain House, Alberta resident heads back to his home province where he played his midget hockey in Red Deer with the Optimist Rebels. In 2008/2009 the 6'4" 175 pounder registered ten goals and 21 points in 33 games while in 2007/2008 he posted one goal and ten points in 36 contests.

Krabben improved immensely in his two seasons in Salmon Arm.

Petrie was also a member of the Rebels where last season he had 16 goals and 31 points in 34 games. This season with Cowichan Valley the 1992 born Red Deer, Alberta resident had two goals and six points in 23 contests.

Chase Martin Dealt

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have traded goaltender Chase Martin to the Cowichan Valley Capitals for future considerations. The 1992 born netminder was acquired back on October 20th along with future considerations from the Spruce Grove Saints for Taylor Fauchoux.

The Medicine Hat, Alberta resident filled in nicely for injured goalie Kris Moore with a pair of wins over Vernon along with a victory over Powell River.

The 5'9" 175 pounder also pushed incumbant Kurt Williams to step up his game. After Martin's arrival Kurt won four of six games including replacing Chase in his last appearance against Westside and turning aside all 18 shots he faced for the victory. In those six games Williams allowed three goals three times, four once, two once, and none as mentioned against the Warriors. With consistant playing time the 1991 born netminder is playing the best hockey of his career.

Overall Salmon Arm went 9-7 without the services of Moore.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Week 12's Power Rankings

Interior Conference:

1 .(3) Salmon Arm Silverbacks (5-4 W @ QUE, 7-4 W @ QUE, 6-3 W @ PG)
  • First team to to sweep three game roadtrip up North this season.
2.(4) Vernon Vipers (4-1 W vs. TRA)
  • Seven of next nine games on the road.
3.(5) Westside Warriors (7-3 W vs. LAN, 9-4 W vs. PG, 5-1 W vs. PEN)
  • Highest scoring team in the Interior Conference with 4.1 per game.
4.(1) Penticton Vees (4-2 W vs. MER, 1-5 L @ WES, 7-5 W @ COQ)
  • Powerplay 30.7 % at home but 14.9 % on road.
5.(2) Trail Smoke Eaters (1-4 L @ VER, 2-3 L @ MER)
  • Now 6-9 on the road this season.
6.(6) Merritt Centennials (2-4 L @ PEN, 4-3 W vs. PG, 3-2 W vs. TRA)
  • Finished November 6-5.
7.(7) Quesnel Millionaires (4-5 L vs. SA, 4-7 L vs. SA)
  • Scoring slightly up at 2.7 per game in last nine.
8.(8) Prince George Spruce Kings (4-9 L @ WES, 3-4 L @ MER, 3-6 L vs. SA)
  • New coach 0-3 to extend losing streak to ten games.


Coastal Conference:

1.(1) Powell River Kings (3-6 L vs. NAN, 2-1 W @ NAN, 4-1 W @ AV)

  • Finally lost in regulation! :-O.
2.(3) Victoria Grizzlies (3-4 L @ SUR, 5-2 W @ COQ, 5-3 W @ LAN)
  • Have won five of last six.
3.(2) Langley Chiefs (3-7 L @ WES, 5-1 W vs. SUR, 3-5 L vs. VIC)
  • 1-2-1 in last four games.
4.(4) Surrey Eagles (4-3 W vs. VIC, 1-5 L @ LAN)
  • Played only eight games in Movember.
5.(5) Nanaimo Clippers (6-3 W @ POW, 1-2 L vs. POW, 4-3 W vs. CV)
  • Played 13 games in November.
6.(7) Alberni Valley Bulldogs (1-0 W @ CV, 1-4 L vs. POW)
  • Have allowed second fewest goals against in Conference at 3.1 per contest.
7.(6) Cowichan Valley Capitals (0-1 L vs. AV, 3-4 L @ NAN)
  • 14th best in powerplay, 15th in penalty kill.
8.(8) Coquitlam Express (2-5 L vs. VIC, 5-7 L vs. PEN)
  • Winless in six games 0-4-1-1.

Salmon Arm 6 @ Prince George 3

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Night 59

In Prince George the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (21-9) rallied from down two goals to defeat the Spruce Kings (6-25-0-2) 6-3. Trailing 3-1 the 'Backs rattled off five third period goals to extend their winning streak to four games. Awarded a 5 on 3 power play early in the final frame Salmon Arm scored twice to tie the game and then killed off a 5 on 3 to keep the game tied until shortly after taking the lead for good. Josh Manson was once again excellent on the back end with two goals and the 1991 born convert now has six tallies and 15 points in his last 12 games. Kurt Williams was also solid in net making 34 stops for his fourth win in his last six appearances. It is now the fourth separate four game winning streak of the.season.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Knowles/Kehler/Dupas Audio

Salmon Arm Silverbacks forward Brett Knowles is red hot with seven goals and 12 points in his last six games. The 1991 born winger is coming off his first career BCHL hat trick where all three tallies were tipped in and including Friday night his last four goals have been deflected home. On the season the Vanderhoof resident is now tied for the team lead in goals with 15 and 28 points overall in 27 games. Last season the 5'11" 175 pounder finished with six goals and 16 points in a mononucleosis shortened 41 game campaign.









Salmon Arm Silverbacks General Manager & Head Coach Tim Kehler discusses special teams success, getting retribution for a couple of hits, and Dave Killip along with Brett Knowles being rewarded points wise.









Prince George Spruce Kings Head Coach Dave Dupas took over for Ed Dempsey on Monday November 22nd. Dempsey had been with the Sprucies for seven seasons and led the franchise to a Royal Bank Canada Cup final in 2007.

Dupas started last season with the Williams Lake Timberwolves before being let go on November 9th with a 5-14-1-0 record. Prior to the BCHL Dupas coached the Okanagan Rockets in the BCMML for two seasons leading the franchise to two third place finishes in 2008/2009 with a 22-10-8 record and in 2007/2008 with a 22-12-6 mark.







Salmon Arm @ Prince George Lines

Salmon Arm:

Knowles - Killip - Muller
Cassidy - Gannon - Michelle
TenVaanholt - Gervais - Mistal
Cave - McKissock -

Atkinson - Vasaturo
Friedel - Manson
Krabben - Elliott
Reardon

Williams
Moore

DeJersey/Martin/Zulinick

Prince George:

Martell - DeSousa - Berra
Khaira - Murdoch - Khan
Manlow - Tiechko - Ashdown
- Ryan -

Henderson - Fillion
Esau - Earnest
Davies - Datoff

Thompson
Wright

Fornwald/Hambrook/Spraggs/Wiebe

Salmon Arm Silverbacks 7 @ Quesnel Millionaires 4

Night 58

In Quesnel the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (20-9) used strong special teams to catapult into first place in the Interior Conference with a 7-4 victory over the Millionaires (6-21-1-2). Tied at two in the second period the 'Backs scored their next four goals on the power play finishing four-for-eight while also killing off four penalties. 1991 born linemates Brett Knowles from Vanderhoof and Dave Killip from Kelowna led the charge with Knowles collecting a very rare hattrick of tip-ins along with five points in total while the Western Michigan University commit Killip embarked on a four point night.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Elliott/Kehler/Hedley Audio

Salmon Arm Silverbacks defenceman Justin Elliott was acquired from the Coquitlam Express along with Paul de Jersey for Michael Krgovich. The 1992 born rearguard recorded his first point of the season on November 19th in a 2-1 loss to the Penticton Vees. In his first season in the BCHL the North Vancouver resident played in 19 games with the Express and has now appeared in six with the 'Backs.

Last season the 6'2" 200 pounder played for the Grandview Steelers in the PIJHL where he had nine goals and 19 points in 47 games with only 12 penalty minutes. In 2008/2009 Elliott was a member of the Vancouver Northwest Giants in the BCMML where he posted a goal and seven assists in 40 contests.









Salmon Arm Silverbacks General Manager & Head Coach Tim Kehler discusses dealing with a 75 minute delay, the return of Kris Moore, and Dustin Cave's physical play as a forward.









Quesnel Millionaires General Manager & Head Coach Doug Hedley discusses Adam Harris' unorthodox style, an experienced vet playing with two rooks, and one of Anderson White's best games.







Salmon Arm @ Quesnel Lines

Salmon Arm:

Knowles - Killip - Muller
Cassidy - Gannon - Michelle
TenVaanholt - Gervais - Mistal
Cave - McKissock - DeJersey

Atkinson - Vasaturo
Friedel - Manson
Reardon - Krabben

Moore
Williams

Elliott/Martin/Zulinick

Quesnel:

Buckellew - French - Gould
Buckingham - Graboski - Kerr
Spring - Blessing - Hardy
Burgart - Huisman - DeVries

Higgins - Smutek
Thompson - Gonzales
White - Roorda

Harris
Halcrow

Allbee/Zgraggren

Salmon Arm Silverbacks 5 @ Quesnel Millionaires 4

Night 57

In Quesnel the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (19-9) started great and held on late to defeat the Millionaires (6-20-1-2) 5-4. Led by captain Dave Killip Salmon Arm jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead with the 1991 born Kelowna resident chipping in a goal and two assists. Early in the second frame the 'Backs added to their lead when 21 assist man Clinton Atkinson scored his first goal of the season to go along with all those helpers and some "sick" sideburns. Down 5-1 with five minutes left the Mills scored twice in 20 seconds and once more with a minute remaining to put a scare into their opposition. Kris Moore recorded the victory and made his return to the net after missing 16 games.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

DeJersey/Kehler/Hedley Audio

Salmon Arm Silverbacks forward Paul de Jersey was acquired from the Coquitlam Express along with Justin Elliott for Michael Krgovich. In six games with the Silverbacks the 1992 born winger has a goal and two points after recording the same in ten contests with the Express. Last season the West Vancouver resident broke into the BCHL with Burnaby and in 41 games he had two goals and four points. The 6'2" 185 pounder has showed great hands so far in his short time with the club.









Salmon Arm Silverbacks General Manager & Head Coach Tim Kehler discusses a very physical Westside squad, the strong play of Bryce Gervais, and the return of Kris Moore.









Quesnel Millionaires General Manager & Head Coach Doug Hedley discusses playing well as of late, bringing in Chris Blessing & Thomas Hardy, dealing for a goaltender, and trading Clayton Chessa for Shawn Mueller.







Salmon Arm @ Quesnel Lines

Salmon Arm:

Knowles - Killip - Muller
Cassidy - Gannon - Michelle
TenVaanholt - Gervais - Mistal
- Cave - DeJersey

Atkinson - Vasaturo
Friedel - Manson
Reardon - Krabben
Elliott

Moore
Williams

Martin/McKissock/Zulinick

Quesnel:

Graboski - French - Kerr
Burgart - Huisman - DeVries
Hardy - Allbee - Gould
Spring - Buckingham - Blessing

Higgins - Smutek
Thompson - Gonzales
White - Roorda

Halcrow
Harris

Buckellew/Zgraggren

Monday, November 22, 2010

Week 11's Power Rankings

Interior Conference:

1 .(4) Penticton Vees (4-5 L @ SA, 6-3 W vs. TRA, 2-1 W @ SA, 10-1 W vs. PG)
  • Three game winning streak after losing three of four.
2.(3) Trail Smoke Eaters (3-6 L @ PEN, 4-2 W vs. PG)
  • Last nine games against QUE, PG, & PEN.
3.(5) Salmon Arm Silverbacks (5-4 W vs. PEN, 1-2 L vs. PEN, 5-4 OTW vs. WES)
  • Won five of last six games.
4.(1) Vernon Vipers (2-5 L @ POW, 4-3 OTW @ COQ, 4-5 OTL @ LAN, 2-1 W @ SUR)
  • 4-3-0-4 in last 11 games.
5.(2) Westside Warriors (5-4 W vs. PG, 4-5 OTL @ SA)
  • 6-1-0-1 in last eight games.
6.(8) Merritt Centennials (1-2 L @ CV, 3-0 W @ NAN, 1-6 L @ VIC, 2-3 L @ AV)
  • Lost three of last four games by one goal.
7.(6) Quesnel Millionaires (3-4 OTL @ VIC, 5-6 OTL @ NAN, 0-3 L @ AV, 2-4 L @ CV)
  • One win in 15 road games.
8.(7) Prince George Spruce Kings (4-5 L @ WES, 2-4 L @ TRA, 1-10 L @ PEN)
  • Seven game losing streak.


Coastal Conference:

1.(1) Powell River Kings (5-2 W vs. VER, 1-1 T @ SUR, 4-1 W @ COQ, 1-1 T @ LAN)

  • Have not lost in regulation since October 23.
2.(4) Langley Chiefs (10-2 W vs. COQ, 5-4 OTW vs. VER, 1-1 T vs. POW)
  • 3-0-1-0 after 3-7-0-2 stretch.
3.(2) Victoria Grizzlies (4-3 OTW vs. QUE, 6-5 OTW vs. CV, 6-1 W vs. MER)
  • Next seven games away with 5-5-0-1 road record.
4.(3) Surrey Eagles (1-1 T vs. POW, 1-2 L vs. VER)
  • 0-1-1-1 after three game winning streak.
5.(6) Nanaimo Clippers (6-5 OTW vs. QUE, 0-3 L vs. MER, 3-1 W @ AV)
  • Have won four of last five contests.
6.(8) Cowichan Valley Capitals (2-1 W vs. MER, 5-6 OTL @ VIC, 4-2 W vs. QUE)
  • 4-0-0-1 in last five games.
7.(7) Alberni Valley Bulldogs (3-0 W vs. QUE, 1-3 L vs. NAN, 3-2 W vs. MER)
  • 2-6 in last eight games.
8.(5) Coquitlam Express (2-10 L @ LAN, 3-4 OTL vs. VER, 1-4 L vs. POW)
  • League worst road penalty kill @ 62.9%.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Reardon/Kehler/Yopyk Audio

Salmon Arm Silverbacks defenceman Jayson Reardon made his return to the lineup on Friday night after missing 11 games due to injury. Now in his third year in the BCHL the 1990 born rearguard has five points in 13 games. Last year with the 'Backs the Lumby resident had a goal and ten points along with 83 penalty minutes in 51 contests. The 6'1" 210 pounder spend his first year in the league with the Trail Smoke Eaters where he registered three points along with 63 PIMs in 54 games. Reardon was dealt from Trail to Salmon Arm on May 25, 2009 in return for forward Colin Lidster.

Back in 2007/2008 Jayson played for the Chase Chiefs in the KIJHL along with Silverbacks captain Dave Killip where in 51 games he had 17 goals and 34 points along with 156 PIMs. He also played for the Okanagan Rockets in the BCMML in 2006/2007 with Killip where he posted five goals and 19 points along with 68 PIMs in 40 contests.









Salmon Arm Silverbacks General Manager and Head Coach Tim Kehler discusses a rare special teams loss, Jayson Reardon's return, and an update on Kris Moore.









Westside Warriors General Manager and Head Coach Darren Yopyk is in his second season with the club. Last year he led the Warriors to a third place finish in the Interior Conference with a 38-18-1-3 record. In the playoffs Yopyk's team defeated Trail 4-1 in the first round and lost 4-2 to the Penticton Vees in the Conference Semi-Finals.

Prior to joining Westside Darren spent four years on the coaching staff at Merrimack College following a playing career at Princeton University. He discusses juggling eight defenceman, his goaltending situation, and the play of Alex Grieve & Grayson Downing.







Salmon Arm Silverbacks 1 vs. Penticton Vees 2

Friday, November 19, 2010

Cave/Kehler/Harbinson Audio

Salmon Arm Silverbacks defenceman Dustin Cave is coming off an eventful weekend where he recorded his first point and first fight of the season. In Vernon on Friday night the Tappen resident assisted on the tying goal on the way to a 3-2 victory and the next night down two goals his fisticuffs sparked his team to a third period comeback for a 4-3 win. Born in 1994 the rearguard is the second youngest player on his team behind only Morgan Zulinick.

Last season the 5'11" 190 pounder played for the UFA Bisons in the Alberta Midget Hockey League where he had seven assists in 34 games.









Salmon Arm Silverbacks General Manager and Head Coach Tim Kehler discusses Devin Muller joining Dave Killip & Brett Knowles, rolling lines with 11 forwards, and keeping the Vees in their own zone.









Penticton Vees' General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson disscusses .







Salmon Arm vs. Penticton Lines

Salmon Arm:

Knowles - Killip - Muller
Cassidy - Gannon - Michelle
TenVaanholt - Gervais - Mistal
- McKissock - DeJersey

Atkinson - Vasaturo
Friedel - Manson
Krabben - Elliott
Reardon

Williams
Martin

Cave/Moore/Zulinick

Penticton:

O'Donnell - MacMillan - Betz
Hall - Milan - Johnston
Loik - Mountain - Holka
Benik - Iacobellis - Polk

Johnson - Bezzo
Hlookoff - LaLeggia
Beaulieu - Stecher

Faust
Rumpel

Bannor/Berry/Nicholishen/Robbins

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Night 50

In Penticton the Vees (16-8-0-1) tightened up the Interior Conference standings with a 6-3 victory over the Trail Smoke Eaters (18-9-0-1). The Vees built up a 3-0 40 minute lead on even strength goals before the game turned into a powerplay affair in the third period where five of six markers were scored on the man-advantage. Trail closed to within one goal with a pair of goals 27 seconds apart two and a half minutes into the final frame before Penticton delievered the knockout blow six minutes later with a pair of markers 90 seconds apart. For the Peaches it was their first win in thier last three tries against the Smokies in a game which featured three fights.

In Powell River the Kings (19-4-1-2) handed the Vernon Vipers (12-8-1-5) their third straight loss with a 5-2 victory. Trailing 2-0 after two late goals in the first the Snakes tied the game with a goal in the second and one a minute into the third period. The game remained tied until half way through the final stanza when the Kings regained their lead with goals 44 seconds apart. Powell River has now recorded at least a point in eight straight games whereas the Vipers are now 2-3-0-3 in their last eight contests.

In Duncan the Cowichan Valley Capitals (10-15-0-2) won their third straight game with a 2-1 victory over the Merritt Centennials (7-13-0-5). Trailing 1-0 the Caps tied the game on the powerplay in the first and went ahead for good four minutes into the final period. Overall Cowichan Valley has won four of their last five games. Merritt meanwhile has dropped back-to-back one-goal games after a three game winning streak of their own.

In Nanaimo the Quesnel Millionaires (6-17-1-2) staged a miracle comeback to gain a point with a 6-5 overtime loss to the Clippers (11-10-1-3). Trailing 5-0 22 minutes into the game the Mills went to work with two goals in the second period and three more in the third to force overtime. 1992 born Qualicum Beach resident Kyle Kramer completed a four point night with the double OT winner. For the Clips it was their third straight win while Quesnel has recorded at least a point in their last three contests.

In Langley the Chiefs (16-8-0-4) snapped the Coquitlam Express' (10-10-1-4) three game winning streak with a 10-2 victory. The Chiefs scored four times on the powerplay and once shorthanded to build up a 8-0 lead before trading off goals with the Express in the final ten minutes of the game. 1990 born North Vancouver resident and Rochester Institue of Technology commit Brandon Thompson doubled his goal total on the season with a four goal night. For Langley the win was their second straight after a 2-8-0-2 span.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Salmon Arm Silverbacks 5 vs. Penticton Vees 4

Night 49

In Salmon Arm the Silverbacks (17-8) won their fourth straight game with a 5-4 victory over the Penticton Vees (15-8-0-1). Jumping out to a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes the 'Backs squandered a multi-goal lead for the third time in three games against the Vees this season and began the third period tied at three. In the final frame SA went back up by two and held on late for their fourth straight one-goal victory. Overall on the season the club is now 10-1 in one-goal games while 10-2 at the Sunwave Centre. All five of the Gorilla's goals were of highlight reel quality.

In Victoria the Quesnel Millionaires (6-17-1-1) recorded points in back-to-back games for the first time since the first two games of the season with a 4-3 overtime loss against the Grizzlies (14-9-0-1). Quesnel recovered from trailing 1-0 and 2-1 to hold a brief 3-2 lead in the second period before Victoria tied the game two minutes later and the two teams played the next 25 minutes scoreless. With the OT defeat the Mills leave the Silverbacks as the only team in the league without an extra time defeat.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Martin/Kehler/Harbinson Audio

Salmon Arm Silverbacks goaltender Chase Martin has appeared in six games so far and has a 5-1 record. The 1992 born netminder has won against Powell River, Victoria, Coquitlam, and Vernon twice with his lone loss coming against Penticton. Currently the 5'9" 165 pounder is on a three game winning streak with three one-goal victories in a row including one win in overtime.









Salmon Arm Silverbacks General Manager and Head Coach Tim Kehler discusses a pair of dubs over Vernon, success on special teams, a 9-1 record in one-goal games, and his two newest players.









Penticton Vees' General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson disscusses spending extra time in the gym, the WJAC in Penticton, Paul Bezzo, and Michael Betz.







Salmon Arm vs. Penticton Lines

Salmon Arm:

Knowles - Killip - Muller
Cassidy - Gannon - Michelle
TenVaanholt - Gervais - Mistal
Cave - McKissock - DeJersey

Atkinson - Vasaturo
Friedel - Manson
Krabben - Elliott

Williams
Martin

Moore/Reardon/Zulinick

Penticton:

O'Donnell - MacMillan - Holka
Hall - Milan - Johnston
Loik - Mountain - Polk
Benik - Iacobellis - Robbins

Johnson - Bezzo
Hlookoff - LaLeggia
Beaulieu - Stecher

Rumpel
Faust

Bannor/Berry/Betz/Nicholishen

Friday, November 5, 2010

Friedel/Kehler/Dempsey Audio

Salmon Arm Silverbacks defenceman James Friedel has now played four games with the club and has registered a goal along with a fight. The 1991 born rearguard also appeared in 15 games this season for the Drayton Valley Thunder of the AJHL where he had a power play goal and three points along with 40 penalty minutes. Since joining the team the Kamloops resident has been a reliable and steady defenceman.









Salmon Arm Silverbacks General Manager & Head Coach Tim Kehler discusses containing the Vees' cycle, a couple of calls that went against his squad, and the progression of Devin Muller's game.









Prince George Spruce Kings General Manager and Head Coach Ed Dempsey discusses a three game winning streak, Alex Wright/Zac Ashdown/Trent Murdoch, the intelligence of captain Rjay Berra, and Justin Fillion's ice time.







Salmon Arm vs. Prince George Lines

Salmon Arm:

Knowles - Killip - Mistal
Cassidy - Gannon - Michelle
Zulinick - Gervais - Neufeld
TenVaanholt - McKissock - Muller

Atkinson - Vasaturo
Friedel - Manson
Krabben - Cave

Williams
Martin

Krgovich/Moore/Reardon

Prince George:

Ashdown - DeSousa - Berra
Fornwald - Tiechko - Earnest
Khaira - Manlow - Murdoch
Khan - Ryan - Spraggs

Henderson - Fillion
Esau - Datoff
Davies - Wiebe

Thompson
Wright

Hambrook/Hannas

Night 39

In Langley the Surrey Eagles (13-9) abilterated the Chiefs (13-7-0-2) on special teams for a 8-4 victory. Finishing five-for-seven on the powerplay, six-for-six on the penalty kill, and adding a shorthanded goal to boot the Eagles have now won three straight against Langley. Making his Eagles' debut 1991 born Trail resident Steve Koshey potted his first two goals of the season to go along with an assist.

In Port Alberni the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (11-5-1-1) squandered a two goal lead but recovered to defeat the Nanaimo Clippers (7-8-1-3) 3-2 in double overtime. Up 2-0 after a pair of powerplay markers the Dogs gave up goals in the late stages of both the second and third periods to force the extra session where for the fifth time this season they were victorious. 1990 born Prince Rupert resident and Western Michigan commit Frank Slubowski shone once again making 37 saves for the win.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Night 38

In Victoria the Grizzlies (12-6-0-1) won their third straight game with a 6-3 victory over the Nanaimo Clippers (7-8-1-2). Victoria jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with two goals 13 second apart in the first four minutes of the game only to have Nanaimo tie the game before two more goals by the Grizz in a crazy first frame to lead again by two. The top players for Victoria shined again as 1991 born Lindsay, Ontario resident Matt Ginn made 44 saves, 1991 born Calgary resident and Cornell commit Joel Lowry had a hattrick, and 1990 born Richmond Hills, Ontario resident David Morley chipped in four helpers.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Salmon Arm Silverbacks 2 @ Penticton Vees 4

Week Eight's Three Stars

1. Powell River Kings goaltender Michael Garteig impressively played in three games in three days this week which is a rare accomplishment in itself. During the three contest though the 1991 born netminder allowed only one goal in each game with a .957 save percentage in wins over Coquitlam and Langley twice. The Prince George resident now leads the league in both goals against average (1.55) and save percentage (.937). The 6'1" 185 pounder also leads the BCHL in wins (13), shutouts (4), and minutes played (1120).

Last season in a backup role Garteig appeared in 26 games and went 15-11 with a 2.92 GAA and .893 save percentage.

2. Prince George Spruce Kings goaltender Alex Wright won both games he started with a 1.41 GAA and .958 save percentage. First the 1990 born netminder turned aside 34 shots in a 3-2 double overtime victory over Merritt and two days later he did the Cents in again with 34 saves in a 3-1 win. The PG resident returned to the Sprucies in mid-October and overall in six contests has a 3.87 GAA and .900 save %.

The 6'2" 185 pounder is in his third season with the Junior "A" franchise but also joined the WHL Prince George Cougars last season where in 18 games he went 4-10-1 and had a 4.48 GAA along with a .876 save %. Prior to moving across town Wright went 5-7 in 14 games with a 3.17 GAA and a .893 save %. During the 2008/2009 season in a backup role Alex appeared in 20 contests and posted a 6-10-1 record with a 2.53 GAA along with a .913 save %.

3. Alberni Valley Bulldogs forward Casey Bailey played in three games and scored six goals along with one assist. Overall the 1991 born winger has scored in four straight games with eight goals in that time. On the season the Anchorage, Alaska resident had ten goals and 21 points in 17 games played.

Last season the 6'2" 190 pounder had 13 goals and 24 points in 51 total games.

Week Eight's Power Rankings

Interior Conference:

1 .(1) Vernon Vipers (4-3 W @ QUE, 2-3 OTL vs. VIC)
  • Points in six straight games.
2.(6) Westside Warriors (4-2 W vs. SUR, 5-3 W @ SUR)
  • Snapped Surrey's four game winning streak.
3.(2) Trail Smoke Eaters (2-5 L vs. VIC, 6-2 W vs. PEN)
  • Three games left on 4-1 homestand.
4.(4) Penticton Vees (6-3 W vs. VIC, 4-2 W vs. SA, 2-6 L @ TRA)
  • Won't play again until the 9th.
5.(3) Salmon Arm Silverbacks (10-7 W vs. VIC, 2-4 L @ PEN)
  • Six of next seven games at home after five consecutive victories there.
6.(7) Quesnel Millionaires (3-4 L vs. VER, 2-1 OTW vs. MER)
  • 3-0-1 when holding opponent to one goal or less.
7.(8) Prince George Spruce Kings (3-2 OTW vs. MER, 3-1 W vs. MER)
  • Three straight wins including two in OT.
8.(5) Merritt Centennials (2-3 OTL @ PG, 1-2 OTL @ QUE, 1-3 L @ PG)
  • 1-1-0-2 against PG and Quesnel in last four games.

Coastal Conference:

1.(1) Powell River Kings (2-1 W @ COQ, 6-1 W vs. LAN, 4-1 W vs. LAN)
  • Have given up a goal per game less than any other team.
2.(2) Victoria Grizzlies (3-6 L @ PEN, 7-10 L @ SA, 5-2 W @ TRA, 3-2 OTW @ VER)
  • Recovered to spilt Interior roadtrip.
3.(3) Surrey Eagles (3-1 W @ COQ, 2-4 L @ WES, 3-5 L vs. WES)
  • Acquired defencemen Josh Monk and Steve Koshey.
4.(4) Langley Chiefs (3-2 W @ NAN, 1-6 L @ POW, 1-4 L @ POW)
  • Have dropped five of last seven games.
5.(6) Coquitlam Express (1-3 L vs. SUR, 1-2 L vs. POW)
  • Winless in six games.
6.(8) Nanaimo Clippers (2-1 W @ CV, 2-3 L vs. LAN, 4-3 W vs. AV)
  • Charles-Alexy Premont records first win on Sunday.
7.(5) Alberni Valley Bulldogs (4-3 OTW @ CV, 8-4 W vs. CV, 3-4 L @ NAN)
  • Have scored one more goal than allowed.
8.(7) Cowichan Valley Capitals (1-2 L vs. NAN, 3-4 OTL vs. AV, 4-8 L @ AV)
  • Next four on the road with a 1-8-0-1 record so far.

Night 37

In Prince George the Spruce Kings (5-15-0-2) won their third consecutive game with a 3-1 victory over the Merritt Centennials (4-11-0-5). Returning to the Sprucies in mid-October, 1990 born Prince George resident Alex Wright was outstanding for a second straight game with 34 saves two nights after allowing two goals with 34 saves as well. The third-year netminder had his shutout bid spoiled with six minutes remaining. Offensively 1990 born PG resident Justin Fillion had two goals and in total has six on the season for third most amongst defenceman in the league.

In Powell River the Kings (15-4-1-1) swept a first place two game series at home with the Langley Chiefs (13-6-0-2) after a 4-1 victory. For a third straight day 1991 born Prince George resident Michael Garteig allowed only one goal after 24 saves. Powell River finished the month of October with a 10-1-1-1 record after a 5-3 September. For the Chiefs it was their fifth loss in the last seven games coming off of an eight game winning streak and starting the season 11-1-0-2.

In Nanaimo the Clippers (7-7-1-2) rattled off four unanswered goals to defeat the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (10-5-1-1) 4-3. Trailing 1-0 the Clip show tied the game in the first period and then rattled off three goals in a seven minute span in the second frame to take a big enough lead to hold off a two goal Bulldog rally.