The Cents went into hostile territory and did what only they have done before by coming away with a 3-2 win against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
The first period saw the Cents spend a lot of time early in their own zone, but on their first foray into the offensive end with some extended pressure they’d convert. Christian Sabin poked the puck across the line after being set up by Nick Granowicz and Brad Cocca. Despite chances on the powerplay that goal would stand up as the lone one of the first. Austin Roden made the start for the Cents and stopped all 6 shots he faced in the first while the Cents fired 9 shots on net.
The middle frame saw the Cents squander two more chances on the powerplay before Matt Kopperud was sent off after a hit up high on Hudson Schandor. Initially there was no call on the play, but after Schandor laid on the ice for a time, got some attention from the trainer, the refs assessed a 5 minute major to Kopperud and a game misconduct. The Cents would actually convert first shorthanded. Nick Granowicz picked the pocket of goalie Matt Armitage and tucked it into the open cage to make it 2-0. The Silverbacks wasted no time after that, scoring two quick answering goals within a minute. However, Granowicz wasn’t done with just one short handed goal, he’d add another on a 3-2 rush with Brady Ziemer and Brad Cocca to make it 3-2. Shots after 2 were 28-15.
In the third the Cents had to kill off some penalties, and thanks to the play of Austin Roden escaped with the victory as they hung on to win 3-2. Final shots were 33-26 in favour of the Cents, but the team went 0/5 with the extra man, and is now on a 0/11 dry spell in the last two games combined.
3rd Star: Austin Roden – 24/26
2nd Star: Trevor Adams – 1G 1A
1st Star: Nick Granowicz – 2G (SH) 1 A
After the game, Head Coach Joe Martin identified the characteristics that help his two best players pick up points.
“I think Cocca and Granowicz just want it more than everyone else, and that’s why when you put them together they are lethal out there. They have the skills, but they also work harder than the opponent, and that sets the tone for the team.”
The Cents return home to face the Trail Smoke Eaters tomorrow night at the NVMA.
