For the second consecutive game, Trevin Kozolwski was given the nod as the Silverbacks starter, as he is coming off two wins in a row.
A physical affair from puck drop reached a new level when the Silverbacks latest edition, Landon Fuller dropped he gloves with the Cents’ Chase Bell.
The furious tilt was quickly ended by the right fist of Fuller, breathing new energy into the contest.
After Fuller left the ice the ‘Backs found themselves down two skaters as Akito Hirose was also assessed a game misconduct for checking from behind earlier in the game.
Despite a shorter bench the Silverbacks struck first. With the man advantage, captain Mitch Skapski gave the home side the one goal lead from the high slot, courtesy of a nifty no-look pass from the speedy Elijiah Barriga.
The lead was short lived as the Cents speedster Zach Risteau, tore into the offensive zone a snaped a wrister past Kozlowski, just over a minute into the middle frame.
Skapksi restored the lead for the ‘Backs, notching his sixth of the season.
In the final 20 minutes Merritt stormed back and scored three unanswered goals to open up a 4-2 lead.
With a powerplay and Kozlowski pulled, Barriga scored his seventh of the season with 17 seconds left.
Despite loosing the game the Silverback should feel a boost as both Carson Bolduc and Cameron Trott returned to the lineup.
The ’Backs set out on a four game road swing to Powell River, Nanaimo, Coquitlam and Trail. They return to the Shaw Centre on Oct. 29 versus Victoria.
