The Smoke Eaters open week two of the regular season tonight against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Trail had two topsy-turvy 5-4 overtime losses last weekend to Cranbrook and West Kelowna.
It was a wild weekend that featured a Michigan goal by Smokies’ newcomer Christian Kim and key goals on back-to-back nights by defenseman Adam Barrone.
Head Coach Tim Fragle and his staff have spent this week working on every aspect of their game, including the power play that went 1-for-9 in the first two games.
The Smokies mounted third period comebacks in both contests, including that wild back-and-forth Saturday night special against the Warriors, in which a tight defensive battle was broken open by the team’s exchanging four goals in the back half of the final frame.
Although the coaching staff has practiced the type of three-on-three action seen in overtime last Friday and Saturday, it didn’t result in extra period success.
Smoke Eaters forwards Max Potvin and Ridge Dawson also had good opening weekends.
Potvin’s goal and assist Saturday have him leading the team in points with four on a goal and three assists.
Dawson also had a goal and an assist against West Kelowna, completing a three-point weekend.
The leading point man for the Silverbacks is Isaac Lambert, who had two goals and two assists in victories of 3-2 over Vernon and 4-1 over Prince George.
This is their first game on the road, while the Smokies board the bus for the first time this regular season on Saturday for another shot at the Warriors in West Kelowna.
But their focus tonight is on the unbeaten Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Puck drop is at 7pm and fans are encouraged to wear orange in honour of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Fans can also listen live on Mixlr or watch the action on FloHockey.
