BCHL Saturday: Morrison hat-trick lifts Silverbacks

Conor Morrison made sure that the Salmon Arm Silverbacks wouldn't have to wait long to bounce back from Friday's loss to Penticton.

Morrison's hat trick fueled a 6-2 Silverbacks victory in the return leg of the home-and-home series on Saturday, one night after the Vees prevailed in overtime. Matt Grassi, Keenan Desmet and Colin Lidster all added multi-point efforts, while Tony Ierfino stopped 19 shots for the victory.

In other Interior Conference action:

Netminders Harrison May and Andrew Hammond stopped a combined 55 of 58 shots in the Vernon Vipers' 3-1 victory over visiting Merritt. Bryce Kakoske and Braden Pimm put the Vipers in front before Rob Short capped the scoring with an empty netter. Jordan Grant replied for the Centennials.
Andrew Pickering scored a pair of power-play goals and Chad Gehon added three assists, leading Trail to a 3-2 road win at Prince George. Paul Barclay collected the win for the Smokies, stopping 18 of 20 shots.

Meanwhile, the Victoria Grizzlies extended their lead in the BCHL's overall standings, beating Burnaby 6-1 on home ice. Derek Lee notched four assists for the Grizzlies while Evan Pighin added a pair of goals and two assists.Stephan Cessanese scored for the second time in as many games for Burnaby, who drew to 1-1 on their Island road trip.

In other Coastal Conference buildings:

In the BCHL Game of the Week, the Cowichan Valley Capitals avenged a loss to Alberni Valley earlier this week, beating the Bulldogs 4-2. Mickey Spencer, Chris Zaires, Scott Jacklin and Jake Bouma tallied for the Caps while Chris Moulson and Eliot Raibl replied for Alberni.
Clay Harvey scored a pair of third period goals, leading Powell River to a 4-3 win over Surrey. Darcy Oakes and Kyle Bodie each tallied two points in the Kings' second victory over the Eagles in as many nights.

There are three games on the BCHL schedule on Sunday, including: