Salmon Arm nets nine in big win over Merritt

The Cents have played well against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks this season, but it appeared the team truly missed their 20-yearold forward Ben Ward Saturday night. Ward received a two game suspension  prior to the game for a hit to the head versus Vernon.

Salmon Arm would take advantage of the short forward group, with Captain Daniel Panetta scoring the first of the game just over 2 minutes in.

Zack Smith would tally the next two for the Backs with the second coming on the powerplay. Salmon Arm would add a fourth with just 19 second left in the frame.

Peyton Trzaska got the start for Merritt stopping 17/21 in the first. Jackson Baker would start the second period for Merritt but Salmon Arm would continue to pile on.

With the Cents on a powerplay, Daniel Panetta would get two breakaway chances, converting on his second to stretch the lead.

Merritt would then respond with a lovely pass from Josh Olson to Jacksenn Hungle who beat Liam Vanderkooi to make it 5-1.

The Backs would then add two more including a hat-trick goal from Panetta to make it 7-1 after 40 minutes.

The Cents would add two more in the final period with Conner Farren and Jackson Krill scoring, but it would be to little to late in a 9-3 loss to Salmon Arm.

Cents are back in action on Thursday in Cranbrook for the start of a three game road trip.