Night 120

In Surrey at the South Arena the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (38-18-2-1) played one of their best defensive games of the season in a 4-1 victory over the Eagles (35-22-1-2). Allowing one goal or less for the first time since January 25th the Apes did an outstanding job of protecting the front of the net and keeping the Eagles to the outside. All six defenceman were also very good in getting the puck out of the defensive zone on their first oppurtunity.

Opening the scoring half way through the first period Josh Manson beautifully kept the puck in at the blueline and passed to Devin Gannon who sent the puck in front off the skate of Brett Knowles for his 29th goal of the season. 40 seconds into the second period and three ticks after a powerplay expired Surrey tied the game. Salmon restored the lead halfway through the middle stanza though as nine seconds after a powerplay of their own expired Mike Hammond niftly worked the puck out of the corner and found Devin Muller wide open at the side of the net for his 12th. In the third period the 'Backs scored twice 35 seconds apart on great three-way passing plays. First Morgan Zulinick and Hammond set up Brad Reid for his 23rd followed by Knowles feeding Dave Killip cross ice where he centered in front for a Gannon tip in and his 22nd marker of the year.

With the two points Mike Hammond takes over the BCHL points lead and barring a 20 point game from Massimo Lamacchia he will win the Brett Hull Trophy. It will be the second straight year that a Silverback takes home the award after 120 points from Mark Zengerle last season.

Still to be decided is who Salmon Arm will play in the playoffs as a win in thier final game against Coquitlam will result in a second place finish and a series against the Quesnel Millionaires for a second straight year. Anything but the two points and the Apes finish third and take on the Centennials of Merritt.