When it comes to the city of Lake Placid, NY., most hockey fan’s first thought is of a group of unknown American college players who came together to stun the powerful U.S.S.R. team at the 1980 Winter Olympics, on their way to a ‘miracle’ gold medal.

The second thought, at least for Salmon Arm SilverBacks fans, is that it’s the place where current 'Backs forwards Mark Zengerle and Conor Morrison first came together, at Northwood Prep School, and started to develop the uncanny on-ice chemistry which has been so evident in the first part of this season.

Zengerle, in his first year with Salmon Arm, sits second in league scoring with 23 points while Morrison, a second-year SilverBack, is tied for fourth with 19 points.

Perhaps more impressive than their numbers is the highlight reel manner in which many of their goals, 19 of the team’s overall total of 37, have been scored. Fans at the Sunwave Centre have been treated to seeing-eye, back door passes, often from Zengerle to Morrison but also the other way around, which have left opposition goalies and defenceman shaking their heads as they make their way to the centre ice face-off dot.

“He’s usually the trigger,” said Zengerle who noted that his two- goal effort in Saturday’s win 2-1 over Penticton was a little lucky considering one of his markers was a result of an attempted pass going in off a Vees' defenceman. “I’m more of a set-up guy.”

Morrison explained the duo first played together as midgets at Northwood and then again with the school’s varsity team. As far as actually being linemates, he said that happened the first year but not the second.

“The coach didn’t play us together except on the powerplay,” he said. “I’m not sure why.”

Salmon Arm fans must be wondering too considering the production the duo, along with linemate Keenan Desmet, have recorded in the early stages of this season. Morrison talked about Desmet, a SilverBacks' off-season acquisition from Victoria, and his critical contribution to the line’s success.

“Keenan does a lot of the dirty work,” he said. “In the corners, in the front of the net, the three of us play well together.”

Their success is not going unnoticed by opponents and it was evident the Vees felt they could slow down the line on Saturday with physical play. Zengerle and Morrison were asked about becoming the focus of BCHL foes' aggressive attention.

“We’re not worried about it,” said Zengerle. “The way we play with our heads up, moving all the time, moving the puck all the time... we’re not easy to check.”

“And none of us are afraid to take a hit,” added Morrison who chuckled when reminded about some of the runs Penticton players made at him on Saturday night.

Zengerle, a Rochester, N.Y. native, and Morrison who is from London, Ont., are both hoping to secure NCAA scholarships to continue their hockey and academic careers. Zengerle said he would like to land at a school closer to his home town but is open to remaining out west with the right opportunity.

Morrison, who spent a number of years in Europe when his father was playing professional hockey, said the location of the school will not be a factor for him.

“I’ll just play it by ear and see what comes up,” he said. “Obviously I would like to repay my parents back and earn a scholarship.”

Weekend wins: Along with their victory over Penticton, the 'Backs also scored a Friday night, home-ice win over the Trail Smoke Eaters.

Morrison scored four goals in the win while Zengerle picked up a helper on all five goals.

Desmet added four assists while defenceman Ashford McMaster, another pick-up from Victoria over the summer, added the fifth goal.

“We had a good week of practices leading up to these games,” said McMaster is summing up both victories. “We played two good teams who were above us in the standings and Penticton hadn’t been beaten yet, so that win was special.”

A key to the win over the Vees was the defensive work of the SilverBacks, especially during a brief two-man disadvantage in the second period and the six-on-five situation to close the game as Penticton pulled their goalie looking for the equalizer.

Salmon Arm native Bobby Lipsett played a major role in holding the Vees off the board with several block shots and the final clearing play which sealed the win. He talked about the situations which are often the difference between wins and losses.

“We take a lot of pride in our specialty teams,” he said. “I think we have one of the best penalty kills in the league and it really paid off tonight. (On the six-on-five) You have to keep the puck to the outside, block shots and not give them any goals off a scramble. I think we did a good job of not giving them anything.”

This weekend, the 'Backs play a home-and-home versus the Vees.

The game at the Sunwave Centre is Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.