'Backs Swap Stephens for Holland

Press Release

SilverBacks GM Troy Mick has made a move to add scoring punch and experience at the forward position.This afternoon the SilverBacks sent 19 year old forward Travis Stephens to the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for 20 year old Forward Alex Holland and future considerations.

Stephens, a Victoria native and Holland, a Woburn Massachusetts native each put up 34 points during the 2011-2012 season. Stephens split time between Cowichan Valley and Salmon Arm while Alex Holland racked up his points while playing alongside Wes Myron and Wade Murphy with the Victoria Grizzlies.

Holland was acquired by the Smoke Eaters during the off-season in three way deal with the Grizzlies and Penticton Vees. He will now join the SilverBacks for his final year of junior before heading Merrimack College next season.

The 5'11, 180lbs, left-handed forward was a rookie in the BCHL last season after making the jump to Junior “A” from High School hockey in Massachusetts.

GM Troy Mick on the qualities of Holland that made him a player of interest, "Alex is a skilled forward with high-end offensive potential and the kind of skating skills needed for this club, we're excited have him in the line-up against the Vipers this weekend."

The SilverBacks want to welcome Alex to the organization while thanking Travis for his services during his time as a 'Back, “We would like to thank Travis for his contributions to the organization over the past year and wish him the best of luck moving forward with his new team. It was a tough decision but one that we feel is going to improve our club moving forward” said Mick.

‘Backs fans can mark October 27th down on the calendar as they host Travis and the Smoke Eaters for the first time this season at the Shaw Centre.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)