Blink and you could miss the playoffs.
That’s how close the race for the final two post-season spots was in the Interior Division.
One point was all that separated the Silverbacks from March hockey.
A 5-1 loss to Merritt last Friday and a 2-1 overtime loss to Penticton on Saturday dashed the Silverbacks’ playoff hopes for the second consecutive year.
The ’Backs 65 points on the season was better than third in the Island Division and second in the Mainland Division.
“We told the guys to stay relaxed and focused going into the game,” said Brandon West, Salmon Arm Silverbacks head coach.
At 1:48 into overtime, Penticton’s Jack Ramsey saw his shot beat Angus Redmond, effectively ending Salmon Arm’s season.
The Vees’ Dakota Conroy opened up the scoring in the first period on a shot that beat Redmond five-hole.
Penticton directed 24 shots on net in the second period alone, but could not beat Redmond, who stopped 40 shots in the loss.
Both teams traded chances before Ross Heidt’s shot hit the back of the net after being deflected inadvertently by a Vees defenceman, fooling Hunter Miska with a little over 12 minutes remaining in the game.
“The guys played their hearts out. I feel we kept Penticton at bay for most of the game, which is not easy considering they are one of the best teams in the country,” said West.
On Friday evening, the Silverbacks got off to a dream start in front more than 2,100 fans, the largest attendance of the season, scoring just over two minutes into the game against the Centennials.
Taro Hirose’s shot from the top of the left circle forced the Cents’ Jonah Imoo to give up a rebound that was quickly jumped on by Josh Laframboise, burying his twelfth of the season.
After the goal, the game’s tempo slowed and both teams played cautiously.
The Silverbacks sat back and allowed Merritt to take control of the game.
“In the intermission we talked about taking the game shift by shift.”
In the second period the Centennials leading scorer, John Schiavo stuck twice on two power plays less than two minutes apart from each other to give Merritt the lead.
“After they went up 2-1, I think the guys started gripping their sticks a little tighter and lost focus.”
Uncharacteristic turnovers in their own zone led to two more goals for the Cents as they opened a commanding 4-1 lead heading into the third period.
In the last five minutes, the ’Backs feverishly searched for a comeback, and pulled Redmond with three minutes remaining.
Ultimately, with a minute and a half left on the clock, Merritt added an empty netter to seal their own playoff spot.
West says although they did not make the playoffs, the year was successful.
“Ultimately, our season didn’t go as planned – especially at the end – but it was a memorable year.”
West identified the team’s character as a big factor to their success in battling through a mediocre start, many injuries and a lot of adversity during the year.
The team held their exit meeting on Sunday and West is already looking forward to next season.
“Roughly we have about 16 players that are eligible to comeback.
“I know the guys have the fire in their belly and the passion in their eyes to get the job done next year.”
West expects next year will be an exciting one with what he describes as the strongest returning group they have had in years.
On Monday, Andrew Farny was announced the leagues’ top defenceman award, as voted upon by the BCHL’s head coaches.
“He is a classy young man. He played his heart out every shift.
“Andrew exemplified what it meant to be a Silverback, he was a terrific teammate and leader,” said West.
