Cody Michelle had two goals and an assist while Devon Gannon and Matt Cassidy each had a goal and two assists for Salmon Arm as the Merritt Centennials were doubled 8-4 by the SilverBacks on Saturday night.
Salmon Arm built a 4-0 through the first period on goals by Josh McKissock, Brett Knowles, Michelle and David Killip.
In the second period, Cassidy and Michelle added to the lead for the Backs before the Cents replaced starter Jared Andersen in goal with Tyler Steel. After that, Merritt got some momentum and Steve Wall scored to cut the score to 6-1 heading into the third period.
Salmon Arm's Bryce Gervais made it 7-1 on a power play at 3:39 of the third before the Centennials struck for three straight goals from Justin Lachance, Regan Soquila and Jeff Jones to pull Merritt within three. Gannon restored the four goal spread for the SilverBacks and rounded out the scoring with 6:29 to go in the game.
Andersen took the loss for the Cents in goal, making nine saves on 15 shots while Steel kicked out 27 shots in relief. Lydon Stanwood, an affiliate goaltender from the KIJHL's Kamloops Storm, made 19 saves for his first career BCHL win for Salmon Arm.
Merritt finished the night 3/5 on the power play while the SilverBacks went 2/7 with the man advantage.
The Centennials return to action Tuesday night in Vernon against the two-time RBC Cup champion Vipers. Salmon Arm's next game is Sunday afternoon at home against Trail.
