SilverBacks Sign Shattuck Standouts

Press Release

The Salmon Arm SilverBacks are ecstatic to announce the commitment of 2 forwards from the U18 National Champion Shattuck's St. Mary's Prep hockey program.

Join us in extending a welcome to 18 year old forward’s Ryan Schwalbe & Carter Lukenda.

Ryan Schwalbe, a 5'11, 175 pound, right-handed shooter from Anchorage, Alaska has been at Shattuck's for the past three seasons; winning not one, but two U-18 National Championships.

Ryan posted 24 goals and 57 points this past season, after amassing 28 points in 53 games in his rookie season on the U18 Prep squad.

Schwalbe's season was enough to propel him into a scholarship at just the age of 17. He is now committed to attend Minnesota State University at Mankato in 2013-14; the soon to be home of former SilverBacks Brett Knowles and Bryce Gervais.

Carter Lukenda, the 5’8 170 pound, right-handed shooter from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario but lives in Pewaukee, Wisconsin also joins the organization from the prestigious Shattuck's St. Mary's hockey program where he played for the Prep team that just finished winning the U-18 National Championship in April.

The Canadian-born, dual-citizen Lukenda put up 11 goals and 22 helpers for 33 points at Shattuck's last season in 57 games. Carter is an honor roll student who is currently talking to NCAA schools and was chosen to be a Proctor at Shattuck St. Mary’s to act as a role model and provide support for incoming students.

When asked about the newest members of the ‘Backs Coach Mick has this to say, “The character of these 2 young men is second to none. They provide instant leadership and a culture in the dressing room that I expect from all of our players. They have been attending the Shattuck’s St Mary’s program and have been coached by one of the best in Tom Ward & Asst Coach Des Christopher. That program knows how to win and that is what we plan to do here. They are high profile players that bring our play to another level and I’m so glad they chose the Backs.”

The 'Backs would like to welcome Carter and Ryan and both of their families to the organization; we can't wait to see you in action in August!

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