On Saturday, hockey players from atom to the Silverbacks, parents, coaches, volunteers friends and neighbours enjoyed Canada’s favourite pastime – celebrating the fourth annual Hockey Day in Salmon Arm.
By all accounts Hockey Day in the city was a great success.
“On a whole it was a very successful day. All the games went really well. It’s nice to show off our players’ development. The day came to a climax for the Silverbacks to get a great win against Vernon,” said Roy Sakaki, Salmon Arm Minor Hockey Association’s administrator.
Sakaki also commented on the seven past presidents of minor hockey and former Totems in attendance.
“It was great to see all the guys again and listen to them share stories about the heydays.”
Throughout the day, the Shaw Centre was abuzz with energy, featuring many playoff battles for the local peewee, bantam and midget teams. The Atom Development A team took on their bitter rivals from Kelowna. In thrilling fashion the Silvertips claimed a 4-3 victory.
“Our Midget Teir 1 team knocked out West Kelowna over the weekend and will move on to the semis to face Vernon,” Sakaki said.
The Bantam Tier 2 team, who will host the provincial tournament in March, battled Kelowna in a do-or-die playoff elimination game. They prevailed 3-0, forcing a third game in the series.
“All-in-all I can say with confidence that all the fans had a great time and we will continue to build on the event for the community,” said Sakaki.
All minor hockey teams in the area received free tickets to both junior games. Many of the teams took advantage of the offer and could easily be spotted wearing their orange-accented Silvertips jerseys.
Food donations were also collected at the entrance for the local food banks.
In the second intermission of the Silverbacks game, Braby Motors sponsored the Braby Shoot to Win contest, which gave four people one chance to win a brand new vehicle. Unfortunately, no one drove away in the new vehicle, but a few contestants came within inches.
In a fitting end to the day’s celebration of hockey, the Silverbacks defeated the Vipers for a 6-1 win, which received a standing ovation from the 1,600 fans.
Seal Skull Hammer put on a show, wrapping up the night at Intermissions Restaurant and Lounge.
