Salmon Arm, B.C. – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have signed goalie Andrew Ballantyne (’04) for the 2024/25 season.
Ballantyne suited up for the Merritt Centennials last season where the 20-year-old had a 12-13-3 record in 29 games played while putting up a 0.902 SV% and a 3.48 GAA. He helped backstop the Centennials to the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
“Andrew has impressed on and off the ice over these past couple of months. We’ve had great conversations and feel his character will fit in perfectly with our culture,” said Silverbacks GM, Brooks Christensen. “He competes hard in the net and feel like adding a veteran presence in the net will help solidify things. Fans will remember him from our first-round series where we thought Andrew did a great job making it tough to score on him. He made some big saves and look to have that translate next season for us.”
Before joining the BCHL, the Whitby, Ontario product played for the Pickering Panthers of the OJHL for two seasons, having a total record of 28-9-1 while putting up a 0.915 SV% and a 2.69 GAA. The 6’2″ netminder won the OJHL championship during the 2021-22 season but lost in the Centennial Cup finals to the Brooks Bandits.
“I’m honoured to be a part of an organization of Salmon Arm’s prestige and culture,” said Ballantyne. “Their success year after year is something I’m excited to build off of, along with getting to meet and know many of the incredible fans within the community.”
Goalie Coach Angus Redmond is excited to work with such a talented group for the upcoming season.
“We are thrilled to welcome Andrew to the Silverbacks,” said Redmond. “With his extensive junior hockey experience, and alongside the returning Ryan Grout and the newly signed Preston Lewis, we felt it was essential to add a seasoned goaltender to our roster. This signing solidifies our goalie trio, and I am excited to work with all three as we prepare for a successful season ahead.”
The Silverbacks would like to welcome Andrew and his family to the organization and to Salmon Arm!
