The Salmon Arm SilverBacks are extremely proud to announce that 18 year old defenseman Shane Hanna has committed to the NCAA's Michigan Tech Huskies.
 
The 5ft 11",190lbs rearguard has developed into one of the premier offensive defenders in the BCHL over the past two seasons. Shane has a 3.5 GPA and his dedication as a student athlete is now being rewarded with today’s commitment to the Huskies program.
 
The Salmon Arm native joined the SilverBacks last season in a trade with the Penticton Vees, tallying 24 points over 53 games in his rookie campaign before racing into a break-out 12-13 season that has seen Shane lead not only the SilverBacks in scoring but the entire BCHL in defenseman scoring for extended stretches.
 
His eight goals and 35 points have helped the SilverBacks become a playoff contender in the Interior division and GM Troy Mick can’t say enough about the 18 year old dynamo on his blue-line.
 
 “Shane’s not only our Most Valuable Player, but among the tops of that list around the BCHL. His skill level and confidence with the puck make him an elite player on a nightly basis. We’ve seen what he can do in just two short seasons in the BCHL; the sky is the limit for Shane’s development. As a player, person and student in five years time; it’s going to be very exciting to follow is progression.”
 
Hanna’s abilities were on display before his time in Junior ‘A’ hockey, as a former member of the KIJHL’s Osoyoos Coyotes he notched 50 points in 50 games and helped his squad to the Cyclone Taylor Cup.
 
Troy Mick feels he’s the exact kind of player that thrives at the NCAA level.
 
 “He’s such a smooth skater, very agile and his hockey IQ is second to none, and he competes every night. We gave him the “A” on his jersey and he has become a leader on and off the ice this year too!
 
The organization is thrilled for Shane and his family; we would like to congratulate him on this great accomplishment. His growth over the past year has been spectacular to watch and we’re ecstatic to see just how far he can rise before joining the Huskies.