Salmon Arm, B.C. – The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are pleased to announce the commitment of forward Zach Nicolas (‘04) and young goalie Ryan Grout (‘07) for the 2023-24 season.
Nicolas will come to the Silverbacks having played last season with the Winkler Flyers in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). In 57 games with the Flyers, the 18-year-old scored 22 goals and 24 assists for a 46-point campaign.
“Zach is a big powerful forward with tremendous upside to his game,” said Silverbacks GM, Brooks Christensen. “His 200-foot game is something that caught our eye, that we can put him in any type of game situation and know he will be able to help the team.”
The Winnipeg Manitoba native has committed to Colgate University.
Grout coming off a strong 22-23 season splitting time suiting up for the U17 and U18 Northern Alberta Xtreme Prep teams. With the U17 club, the Sturgeon County Alberta native played in 11 games with a 10-1 record, while putting up a .921 SV% and a 1.81 GAA. In his lone appearance with the U18 team, Grout got the win, finishing with a .969 SV% and a 1.00 GAA. The 15-year-old also played four games with Team Alberta U16 in the Canada Winter Games, putting up a .886 SV% and a 3.41 GAA.
“We were extremely impressed with Ryan’s maturity for a young goalie on and off the ice,” said Silverbacks GM, Brooks Christensen. “He’s continued to develop all season long with NAX Academy and show that he’s ready to make the next step to Junior. We look forward to getting Ryan on the ice with Angus, and the rest of our coaching staff, to continue helping him develop as a young goalie with a bright future.”
The Silverbacks would like to welcome both Zach and Ryan, and their families to the Silverbacks organization and to the city.
