Salmon Arm, BC – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks announced today that the team has been acquired by Forge Sports Group Inc. (FSG), a company dedicated to long-term investment in junior sports. FSG is backed by investors with deep experience in developing and operating championship junior hockey programs, professional hockey, youth sports academic programs, media, and sports technology across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Forge Sports Group’s goal is clear: to continue building on the Silverbacks’ exceptional foundation — strengthening the team’s development pathway, enhancing player support systems, and deepening ties with the Salmon Arm community.
Dale Unruh, President of Forge Sports Group, will oversee the strategic direction of the FSG’s ownership in the Silverbacks. Having also been part of the Silverbacks’ previous ownership group for more than a decade, Unruh ensures continuity, stability, and community alignment.
As part of Forge Sports Group’s investment initiative, the Silverbacks have made a key hire to further strengthen their hockey operations and player development programs under GM and Head Coach Tyler Shattock’s continued leadership: Jamie Storr joins the Silverbacks as President of Hockey Operations, bringing over 25 years of elite hockey experience as a NHL goaltender for 10 years, five-time IIHF world gold medalist, and championship winning coach. A proven and passionate leader in player development, Storr has transformed junior teams into national contenders in the US and Canada—including winning the Dudley Hewitt Cup and reaching two Centennial Cups—while mentoring NHL players and top prospects through his elite academy. He will work closely with Tyler and the current staff to further strengthen player development and the team’s winning culture.
The existing leadership team and staff — including Tyler Shattock as General Manager and Head Coach, as well as Alexandra Miege as Director of Business Operations — will remain in place, ensuring a seamless transition and operational consistency.
“Salmon Arm has an incredible hockey culture and community,” said Dale Unruh, President of Forge Sports Group. “Our focus is long-term — to build on the great foundation that Tyler, the players, and the previous ownership created, and to keep investing in this program for years to come.”
“Our staff and players are proud of what we’ve built, and this partnership with Forge Sports Group ensures we can keep growing our product the right way,” said Tyler Shattock, General Manager and Head Coach of the Silverbacks. “The investment, experience, network, and belief they bring will help us take the next step while staying true to our culture and our fans.”
“The opportunity in Salmon Arm is to build something special over the long term,” said Jamie Storr, President of Hockey Operations. “My focus is on developing players the right way — raising standards, creating a high-performance environment, and building a program that consistently competes for championships while preparing players for the next level.”
Forge Sports Group’s acquisition reinforces its commitment to advancing elite junior hockey programs across Canada through a model focused on long-term player development, organizational excellence, and community engagement.
