The Salmon Arm SilverBacks achieved on Saturday night a feat that no other BCHL team has managed this season: they beat the defending RBC Cup champion Vernon Vipers in regulation in back-to-back games.
Following a 4-2 triumph on home ice on New Year's Eve, the SilverBacks travelled to Vernon and put their hosts away early with three first period goals. Josh Manson opened the scoring just 1:16 into regulation, and Levi Hantula doubled the lead three minutes later. Current league scoring leader Mark Zengerle added some insurance midway through the frame.
SilverBacks' netminder Tony Ierfino then took over the spotlight, stopping 36 Vernon shots. The Vipers' lone goal came halfway through the third period when Jonathan Milhouse converted a Rob Short feed, but the home side wouldn't draw any closer.
Graeme Gordon took the loss for the Interior Conference leaders, allowing two goals on seven shots before being replaced by Blake Voth following Hantula's tally.
Salmon Arm is back in action on Sunday afternoon as they return home to host the Trail Smoke Eater. The Vipers, meanwhile, won't have to wait long to try and get back on a winning track, as the recently-surging Merritt Centennials visit on Tuesday.
