Salmon Arm, B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are excited to announce that Drew Bennett, Carter Loney and Logan Shaw will serve as assistant captains for the 2020-21 BCHL season, joining captain Hunter Sansbury to form the club’s leadership group.
Bennett, 20, won the Silverbacks Rookie of the Year award last season after finishing with 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points in 56 regular season games, but he also made his impact felt on the defensive side of the puck, killing penalties and playing a full 200-foot game.
“Bennett we felt progressed a lot throughout last year and has a good understanding of the habits and details that go into winning,” Silverbacks Head Coach Tyler Shattock said. “He’s going to continue building the culture that we’re trying to create here in Salmon Arm for our younger guys.”
“Last year being my first year, I looked up to all the leaders on the team,” Bennett said. “To be in that role this year and help the new guys ease their transition is something I’m looking forward to.”
Shaw, now in his third season with the Backs, scored nine times in 41 games last season, and won the team’s Wellness in Action Award, given to the Silverback who leads on and off the ice with empathy and respect, and provides a healthy environment for his teammates.
“Shaw came into camp very, very concentrated on wanting to be a leader. I’ve seen it with his habits and his details and how he goes about his business on a day-to-day basis,” Shattock said. “I think he leads on the ice the right way…He contributes to our team in a lot of ways that don’t show up on the scoresheet and that’s what we want from all our guys.”
“This is a huge honour,” Shaw said. “Being able to wear that letter and be a leader for this team is a huge responsibility and I’m excited for the opportunity.”
Loney, 18, is a new addition to the Backs, acquired from the Steinbach Pistons this off-season after being named Manitoba Junior Hockey League Rookie of the Year with 50 points in 52 games.
“Obviously you can see what his talent level is and what he’s going to bring to our team offensively,” Shattock said, “But I think he doesn’t cheat on that side of the puck and I think that’s important for everybody to see: that he’s going to create offence for our team in the right ways and not cheat on the offensive side of the puck. I think that’ll be a good example for everyone.”
“It’s my first year here, so I’m very humbled and honoured to wear the ‘A’,” Loney said. “I’m going to do my best to lead by example.”
The Silverbacks first exhibition game as part of the Okanagan Cup takes place this Friday and Saturday against the Penticton Vees. You can catch all the action on Hockey TV. In fact, right now you can save $80 off your all-access pass if you purchase it by September 25!
