Game Preview: GM #26 Vees vs. Silverbacks

Photo: Cherie Morgan

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Game Time: 6:00 pm PST

Location: SOEC, Penticton

Radio: Bounce 800 AM

Webcast: Flo Hockey 

Season Series

Dec. 8 Penticton 0 at Salmon Arm 1

Dec. 9 Salmon Arm at Penticton, 6:00 pm PST

Dec. 30 Penticton at Salmon Arm, 6:00 pm PST

Feb. 2 Penticton at Salmon Arm, 6:00 pm PST

Feb. 19, Penticton at Salmon Arm,  2:00 pm PST

Mar. 23, Salmon Arm at Penticton, 6:00 pm PDT

Penticton Vees

GM & Head Coach: Fred Harbinson

Record : GP 25 19-2-2-2 (1^st, Interior)

Last Game: 1-0 loss at Salmon Arm (Dec. 8)

Home: 12-0-0-0

Away: 7-2-2-2

GF: 104

GA: 53

Power Play: (27/82) 32.9% 1^st

Penalty Kill: (17/70) 75.7% 13^th

Scoring Leader: Ryan MacPherson (11-17-28)

The Penticton Vees had their four-game win streak come to an end Friday, losing 1-0 to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks at the Shaw Centre. Last night was just the second regulation loss for the Vees this season and first since opening night, back on September 22^nd. That was a run of 24 games with at least a single point.

Friday marks the first shutout loss for the Vees since January 7^th, 2023, when they were blanked 3-0 in Prince George.

Penticton knows how to bounce back, as they are 5-0-0-0 coming off a loss, outscoring the opposition 26-6. After the Vees previous loss, they rebounded to blank the Trail Smoke Eaters 5-0 at home the next game.

Penticton is missing a few regulars from the lineup and lost another in Billy Renfrew last night. He was hurt in the first period and did not return. Renfrew’s status is unknown for tonight’s game. Conyr Hellyer and Anselmo Rego remain sidelined with injuries, and Simon Meier is away at Switzerland’s World Junior Selection Camp. Max Heise, who has missed the last two games, is a game-time decision tonight.

Goalie Will Ingemann was excellent last night in defeat, as he stopped 30 of 31 shots. It was his first regulation loss in 17 games. Despite the setback, he lowered his goals-against average (GAA) to 1.65 and raised his save percentage (SV%) up to .935. He is first in GAA and second in SV% in the BCHL this season.

The Vees can take comfort they are looking to rebound at home, as they are 11-0 at the SOEC this season and have won 53 consecutive home games. Should be a large crowd and great energy in the building, as it’s the team’s annual Teddy & Toque Toss.

It’s a good test for a shorthanded group, coming off a gut-wrenching loss. Penticton played a great road game Friday. Can they use last night’s loss as motivation and earn a weekend split?

Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Head Coach: Tyler Shattock

2023-24 : GP 23 15-7-0-1(4^th, Interior)

Last Game: 1-0 win vs. Penticton (Dec. 8)

Home: 11-1-0-0

Away: 4-6-0-1

GF: 73

GA: 58

Power Play: (13/71) 18.3% 15^th

Penalty Kill: (11/64) 82.8% 2^nd

Scoring Leader: Tristan Allen (3-15-18)

The Silverbacks pulled out a last-second win Friday, as Ryan Gillespie scored the winning goal with 24 seconds left in the third period. Gillespie’s pass went off the leg of Vees’ defenceman Matthew Biotti and in. Talk about a hometown bounce.

Salmon Arm proved why they are one of the best home teams in the BCHL, as they improved their home record to 11-1 with last night’s win.

Goaltender Eli Pulver picked up his second shutout of the season with his 28-save performance.

One area the ‘Backs have had their issues is on the road. Salmon Arm has won just four of their first 11 road games this season. The Silverbacks are coming off a 4-0 shutout loss to West Kelowna in their last road outing back on December 2^nd.