20 year old Defenseman Blake Box will become the 13th Captain in SilverBacks history; while new addition Zach Urban has been named an Assistant Captain, and 3rd year SilverBacks Jeff and Brendan Kennedy will continue in their roles as Assistant Captains from last season.
Box, a 2nd year SilverBack from Plano, Texas, broke into the BCHL last year after joining the 'Backs out of NAHL's Wichita Ice Jets. The 6'1, 195 lbs defender potted nine points and 73 penalty minutes in 46 games in his rookie season, helping the SilverBacks into the post-season.
'Backs GM Troy Mick says Box is a natural choice for the 'C' "He's a big, strong, well-spoken young man from a great family; and his presence with our club last season was proof enough to our staff that he has all the leadership qualities that are needed within a positive environment on, and off the ice."
Mick says he's looking forward to seeing how the added responsibility will effect Box's role on the ice, too "It's our hope that he will take this honour to heart and wear it as a sense of pride and accomplishment, we know Blake has his eyes set on the NCAA and we hope this role will help him achieve his goals during his final BCHL campaign."
Salmon Arm hockey fans will recognize their new Assistant Captain from his days with Penticton and Victoria, as Zach Urban holds and impressive BCHL resume consisting of over 100 games, 45 points and just under 200 Penalty Minutes; Troy Mick says this was an easy decision "Any time you can add a player to your team that has experience in our league as a Captain; along with consistent Playoff success, you're making a simple choice."
Third-year 'Backs Jeff and Brendan Kennedy are likely getting used to the patch over the left side of their chests, as they each served as an Assistant Captain last season, with stints wearing the 'A' during their rookie seasons in 2011-2012, as well. GM Troy Mick says their leadership abilities are second-to-none "We know them, and they know us. They know our fans, our community, our corporate partners, our volunteers, and most importantly, they understand our expectations of themselves and their teammates when they represent this organization."
The SilverBacks would like to congratulate all 4 student-athletes on their selections as members of this season's leadership group, your first chance to see the new 'C' and 'A's' is this Saturday in Chilliwack as the SilverBacks open the Regular Season against the Victoria Grizzlies at 12pm.
For more information please contact Troy Mick at the SilverBacks Hockey Operations office at 250-832-3856
Ext 106
