Salmon Arm, B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are excited to announce that 20-year-old defenceman Jeremy Gervais has committed to play NCAA Div. I hockey at Lake Superior State University.
The Prince George, B.C. native has compiled 15 assists already for the Silverbacks in just 14 games, after being acquired from the Bonnyville Pontiacs at the trade deadline on Jan. 10.
“I’m excited to get an opportunity to play at the next level and get my education at a great school in Lake Superior State,” Gervais said. “I’d like to thank my family and everyone else who has supported me to get to this point.”
Before Gervais joined the Backs, he tallied 35 points (seven goals, 28 assists) in 36 games for the Pontiacs this season, while leading the team in penalty minutes with 113 and serving as an assistant captain. Last season, the 5-foot-11 rearguard recorded 41 points (eight goals, 33 assists) and 125 penalty minutes in 56 games.
“We are extremely happy for Jeremy. From the moment he arrived in Salmon Arm at the deadline he was an impact player in all situations,” Silverbacks general manager Brooks Christensen said. “Lake Superior State is getting a great puck-moving defenceman. We wish him nothing but the best next season.”
The Lake Superior State Lakers will now be getting two Silverback players next season, as goaltender Ethan Langenegger committed there last August. Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. the Lakers compete in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, a conference with 10 men’s teams, including Minnesota State University, where Silverbacks defenceman Akito Hirose has already committed to.
