SALMON ARM, BC: The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are pleased to welcome 20-year old forward Zack Smith into the organization. Smith, a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native, comes to the Silverbacks after the Backs acquired his rights in a trade with the Melfort Mustangs of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League that saw forward Danny Ciccarello involved on January 8th. Smith has played the last two seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Regina Pats, where he suited up for 85 games and tallied 21 goals and 23 assists.
Smith talked about his excitement about joining his new team.
“I’ve heard great things about this organization here in Salmon Arm,” said Smith. I am really looking forward to joining the Silverbacks for the second half of the season and hopefully a long playoff run,” added Smith.
General Manager Brooks Christensen spoke about adding Smith.
“We are thrilled to have Zack joining our group today officially. The impact his play brings will fit perfectly into the group we have,” said Christensen. “Going into the week of the trade deadline, we wanted to add a piece that would help us in the second half of the season and into the postseason. Adding a 20-year-old veteran will not only help our group immediately but will also provide a role model for our younger players and continue to strengthen our culture for future years,” added Christensen.
Smith will add some offensive punch in the top six, and Head Coach Tyler Shattock hopes he can make an immediate impact in the top six.
“Adding a veteran guy like Zack was our main focus at the deadline,” said Shattock. “Zack will add scoring to our top six and play every situation for us. This move adds depth to our team for the second half of the year and, hopefully, a long playoff run,” said Shattock.
Smith will wear #19 and join the team Monday morning for practice and make his debut later this week.
