Salmon Arm, B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are excited to announce that 20-year-old forward Daniel Rybarik has committed to play NCAA Div. I hockey at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
The Calgary, AB native leads the Silverbacks in goals with 23, 19 of which have come at even-strength. His 23 goals are tied for third in the entire BCHL, while his 19 even-strength goals are tied for first. Rybarik’s seven game-winning-goals are also tied for first in the league.
“I am extremely excited to announce my commitment to the University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves,” Rybarik said. “I would like to thank the Silverbacks, my family and friends who have supported me and have been a crucial part in getting me to this point in my career. I am looking forward to playing at the NCAA D1 level and continuing to develop my abilities.”
Before Rybarik joined the Backs this season, he recorded 57 goals and 47 assists for 104 points in 115 career AJHL games over two seasons with the Calgary Mustangs. He posted 29 goals and 52 points last year, including 25 even-strength goals, tied for the fourth-most in the AJHL.
“We are extremely happy for Daniel,” Silverbacks general manager Brooks Christensen said. “When we acquired him in the off-season, it was a goal for him to receive a scholarship. It’s been great to see his hard work pay off. Since his first game, he’s been an impact player for us.”
The Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves compete in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, a conference with 10 men’s teams, including Minnesota State University, Mankato, where Silverbacks defenceman Akito Hirose has committed to, and Lake Superior State, where Silverbacks goaltender Ethan Langenegger has committed to.
