Submitted by Fraser Rodgers
Jedd Soleway dashed any hopes of a Salmon Arm comeback with his late tally in the third period to solidify a Penticton Vees 3-1 win against the Salmon Arm SilverBacks in the Shaw Centre.
The Vees now have a strangle-hold on the Interior Conference semifinal with a 3-0 lead.
The Vees got off to a strong start with goals from Brock Balson and John Siemer in the first period. Balson scoring his first of the post-season and Siemer his third in as many games on the power-play. Soleway picked up his first career playoff goal and sealed the win with his wraparound at 17:52 of the third period. After Silverbacks goalie Angus Redmond misplayed a dump-in, Soleway took the puck, went around the net and tucked it just inside the far-post and past a diving Brayden Sherbinin.
The SilverBacks played their best in the second period. Trailing by two, they managed to cut into the Vees lead. After a bit of a scramble, affiliate player Cam Berry roofed a rebound over the glove of Chad Katunar. However that was the only shot that would beat Chad Katunar as he stopped 12 of 13 shots in the middle frame and 29 of 30 overall for first star honours.
On special teams, the Vees went 1-for-8 and are now 3-for-16, while the SilverBacks were 0-for-6 and are 1-for-12 in the series.
The Vees look to finish off the series today at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm. A reminder, there still is limited seats available on the Vees booster bus for Game 4. Tickets are now $34 dollars, which includes your game ticket. For more information call Greg Masson, director of ticketing at 250-490-1885.