The Williams Lake Timberwolves continued to prove a difficult opponent on home ice on Friday night, topping the Salmon Arm SilverBacks by a 3-2 score at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.
Timberwolves captain Justin Bardarson led the way offensively for his squad, scoring the only goal of the first period on a power play at the 5:54 mark. Bardarson was involved again when Williams Lake doubled their lead, setting up Trent Murdoch early in the second frame.
Jason Diehl scored the eventual winner eight minutes into the third period, converting on another Timbewolves man advantage. Mark Zengerle put Salmon Arm on the board shortly thereafter and Corey Chakeen brought the visitors within a goal at the 13:26 mark of the frame, but Williams Lake netminder Sean Donnelly shut the door the rest of the way to preserve the win.
Donnelly was stellar on the night, stopping 27 shots through two periods and 45 overall in the victory while being named the game's first star. Kurt Williams turned aside 34 shots in the Salmon Arm net in a losing cause.
The SilverBacks continue their three-game Northern road swing with a visit to Quesnel on Saturday, while Williams Lake is now idle until a meeting with Trail Smoke Eaters next Friday.
