Game Report | SA at TRA 1/2

It’s like already being in the playoffs.

The Trail Smoke Eaters open a two-games in two-nights Cominco Arena doubleheader this evening against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Trail will try to rebound from last weekend’s tough-luck Alberta road trip.

They fell 2-1 in Blackfalds despite pouring 40 shots on goal with many near-misses as the Bulldogs won their fifth game in a row.

The next night in Brooks, the Smokies killed over 15 shorthanded minutes in a 1-0 setback that included a Gryphon Bucci third period shot off the crossbar.

The season set against Salmon Arm has been a road warriors series.

Ridge Dawson’s shorthanded goal with less than a second left in regulation set the stage for a Carter Matthews overtime goal for a 2-1 Trail victory on October 26. Matthews is suspended for both games this weekend.

Dawson also delivered the shorthanded game winner in Salmon Arm on November 30 and assisted on both of Bucci’s third period goals that sealed a 4-1 victory.

The Silverbacks turned the tables on February 15 in Trail.

Keifer Miller scored just past the midway point of the third period and Cole Cooksey added the empty netter in a 2-0 victory that ended Trail’s winning streak at 14 games. It came after the Smokies dramatic 4-3 overtime victory the evening before in Penticton.

Trail shooters could face goaltender Andrew Ballantyne, who was first star in the Silverbacks win in Trail.

The proficient 20-year-old puck stopper also made 46 saves during Trail’s 2-1 overtime win in Salmon Arm to open the season series.

The Silverbacks are also riding a league-high five-game win streak and sit fourth in the Interior Conference, four points back of Trail with four regular season games remaining for both.

Trail can clinch third outright, regardless of outcomes elsewhere, by taking three of a possible four points during the two-game showdown against the Silverbacks.

The preceding three games between these two Interior Conference rivals suggests this weekend’s Cominco Arena clash will feature hard-nosed, close checking, playoff-style hockey, providing both teams with the opportunity to present potential post season prowess.

Puck drop for tonight and Saturday are set for 7 p.m. Saturday is both the last regular season home game and Team Awards Night, when player awards will be presented at the conclusion of the game, followed by the annual Fan Photo when fans can take a group photo with the team down at centre ice and then mingle, take selfies and get autographs! Great seats for this weekend are still available. You can snap yours up at Tickets.TrailSmokeEaters.com.

Meanwhile, two more Smokies veterans have landed NCAA Division-1 scholarships.

Christian Kim will join the Air Force Falcons in the fall of 2026, meaning the 19-year-old is returning to Trail for one more season.

Dawson, who celebrated his 21st birthday Thursday, is heading to Tennessee State next fall, as the University launches its hockey program.

+++

SMOKIES FANS!!!
It’s time to renew or purchase your Trail Smoke Eaters Season Ticket Membership for the 2025-26 hockey season!

Enjoy BIG $avings & Exclusive Perks!

2025-26 Season Ticket Pricing:
Adult/Senior: $299 (+ tax/fees) – Increases to $359 after May 31!
Youth (13-18): $129 (+ tax/fees) – Just $5.20 per game!
Kids (12 & under): $49 (+ tax/fees) – Only $2.00 per game!

DON’T MISS OUT! — Lock in your rate before May 31, 2025.

For more info or to secure your seat, please visit:
Tickets.TrailSmokeEaters.com/2025-26-Season-Tickets