The 2015/16 BCHL regular season has concluded, all the playoff spots have been decided and the award winners have been announced.
Ending the season on a six-game losing skid, the Silverbacks will look to hit the reset button as they head into the first round of playoffs on Friday evening on the road against West Kelowna.
Over the weekend, the ’Backs were out-scored 13-2 in two games against their playoff rivals, West Kelowna, and the league winners, Penticton.
On Friday evening, in the Okanagan a four-goal third period, including a pair from Liam Blackburn, laid the groundwork for the Warriors 6-1 win over the Silverbacks.
The Warriors carried a 2-0 lead into the final frame and went up by five before Chase Zieky ended Matthew Greenfield’s shutout bid.
On the following evening the ’Backs played host to the Vees, and ended up on the wrong side of a 5-1 scoreline.
After an evenly matched scoreless first period the Vees scored three in the second as they went on to record their 50th win of the season.
Elijiah Barriga scored the lone goal for the home side. At times the ’Backs looked unorganized and disjointed in both ends of the rink. They struggled for time on the puck in the offensive zone, and that was a result of trouble getting out of their defensive zone.
The ’Backs now turn their focus to their playoff series with the Warriors. This is the first time the Silverbacks will be in the playoffs since the 2012/13 season. Over the course of the season the ’Backs dropped four and won two of six contests against the Warriors.
The team held its annual awards banquet last Sunday. The team MVP went to Angus Redmond. The top goalscorer and sportsmanlike went to Taro Hirose, the top defenceman was awarded to Kodi Schwarz and the top rookie went to Chase Zieky. Carson Bolduc was awarded the most dedicated, the fan favourite was Ross Heidt and the top hitman was Colton Thibault.
The ’Backs take to the Warriors in Game 3 on Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at the Shaw Centre.
