Sunday, April 15, 2012

'Backs find their man, name Troy Mick new coach/general manager

Press Release

The Salmon Arm SilverBacks have found a name familiar to junior hockey fans in the North Okanagan and Shuswap area to run their hockey club after Colin O'Hara resigned earlier this month.

Troy Mick, who has experience coaching at the Junior B, Junior A and major junior levels, was introduced Wednesday afternoon at a media conference at Shaw Centre. He's signed a five-year deal and the team also announced that Mick will have a minority ownership interest in the club.

Junior hockey fans will remember Mick from his four years as coach of the Vernon Vipers where he amassed 146 regular season victories and an RBC Cup Championship in 1999.

His experience behind the bench is not limited to the Okanagan as Mick has also spent time as an assistant oach with the Portland Winterhawks before taking over as head oach of the WHL's Tri-City Americans and Kamloops Blazers.

"I think we're rock solid as far as our core but I think that core needs to know what my expectations are," said Mick of the group of returning players. "They're either going to buy in or they don’t. I expect to give our fans an honest effort every single game" said Mick.

Mick will take over the coaching and management duties immediately, with the Silverbacks preparing for spring camp beginning on May 4.

"We want to continue with success with scholarships and moving forward in community service to make this a community -wned franchise in that we make it so people feel like they're part of the franchise every day," said owner Randy Williams. "Obviously we want to win an RBC Cup and Troy hasn't had anything but success in his career so far."

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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