Salmon Arm, B.C. — The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are pleased to announce the hiring of 39-year-old Derek Damon as an assistant coach and director of player development for the 2020-21 BCHL season.
Damon, a native of Bangor, ME, retired from pro hockey this past spring after a 14-year career, 12 seasons of which were spent in Europe, where he totalled over 500 career points.
“When we first heard that Derek was looking to transition into coaching, it was an easy decision. We had several calls from well-known hockey minds recommending Derek for the position,” Silverbacks general manager Brooks Christensen said. “In my initial conversation with him, I knew right away he was on the same page as myself and the rest of the coaching staff. Anytime you can add a staff member with experience like Derek’s, it will not only help our organization, but the players he’s working with as well.”
The former University of Maine standout most recently served as captain for the Heilbronner Falken in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL 2) in Germany for two seasons, where he compiled 38 goals and 83 assists for 121 points in 102 games. Previously, the forward made stops in Denmark, Switzerland, Austria and Finland.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to join the Salmon Arm Silverbacks,” Damon said. “The Silverbacks are an organization with a rich tradition of excellence and I look forward to contributing to the club’s continued success. I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by Brooks Christensen and I look forward to working with coaches Tyler, Tanner and Carter, as well as this talented group of players. My family and I are thrilled to be joining the Salmon Arm community.”
Damon attended the University of Maine from 2001-06, winning the Hockey East Championship in 2004 alongside future NHLers Jimmy Howard, Dustin Penner and Mike Lundin. The 5-foot-11 forward registered 51 goals and 60 assists for 111 points during his NCAA career.
Damon, who also holds a master’s degree in sports management, will be relocating to Salmon Arm at the end of August, after which he will be joined by his wife Andrea and their three kids (Elizabeth, Keith and Annabelle). The Silverbacks would like to welcome Derek and his family to the northern Shuswap!
