After three weeks of BCHL action, the prognosis hasn’t really changed for the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.
Gorilla goals have been hard to come by and with their most recent result, a 5-0 loss at home Saturday to the Penticton Vees, the club has now been blanked three times in five games.
Head coach Scott Robinson, on the job now for close to two weeks, says there’s a number of reasons, first of which is the turnover behind the bench. Robinson is the sixth ’Backs head coach in five years but he and assistant coach Brandon West plan to be in for the long haul.
“It’s our job now as a staff to get everybody on the same page as fast as we can,” said Robinson.
Another factor is the seeming lack of cohesiveness among the forward lines.
“Initially we’re working hard but when we do create turnovers, we’re spectating a little bit,” said Robinson. “We’ve got to work on being available options – 29 shots (versus Penticton) is OK but our quality chances are quite low.”
Perhaps another thing to chalk it up to is that some of the more talented offensive players such as Ryan Schwalbe and Carter Lukenda are still figuring out the BCHL as rookies.
“When you’re a first-year (player), eventually you have to have some good things happen,” said Robinson. “I don’t think they are comfortable right now; we’re just working and hoping those good things happen sooner than later.”
Salmon Arm has brought forward Brock Balson back to the mix after he finished last season with the Kamloops Blazers and Troy Petrick, Alex Gillies and Brandon Mistal will be counted on as well.
“It’s going to be a process and we have to be patient but where we will not be patient is with work ethic and second efforts,” said Robinson. “We’ve all got to contribute; we’re not playing with a short bench so everyone is getting an equal opportunity.”
The frustration was evident Saturday at Shaw Centre when forward Jeff Kennedy initiated an altercation at the Vees bench and has since been handed a two-game suspension by the league.
“I’ve already met with him and said, ‘This is not what we’re all about and that’s not the response to a tough night,’” said Robinson.
The light schedule recently has been good for quality practice time, though goaltenders Adam Clark and Colin Dzijacky would probably argue more game action would be nice. For Robinson, who was named BCHL Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2007 with Cowichan Valley, being back in the league is a great thing.
“In particular, being in Salmon Arm – if I could pick from all the teams, this would be it,” said Robinson. “I’m happy to be here; there’s lots of familiar faces around the rink and we’re trying to do as much as we can around the community.”
Salmon Arm goes in search of their first goal on home ice Saturday as the Langley Rivermen visit Shaw Centre for a 7 p.m. faceoff.
