Mick Shuffles Hockey Operations

Press Release

The Salmon Arm SilverBacks big summer acquisition; Troy Mick, has made a move that will allow him to take dedicate more time to focus on the business and hockey operations of the club.

Mick, while retaining his General Manager and Minority Owner status, has officially stepped down from his Head Coaching position as of this afternoon.

He will take this opportunity to put his recruiting and business skills to use in order to ensure the long term success and viability of the franchise in Salmon Arm, “This was a very tough decision but the right one for the players and the franchise. I needed to be a full time coach for the players and I could not fulfill those commitments as my other duties were always getting in the way” says Mick.

It's a no-worry situation for 'Backs fans though, as Mick has brought in former SilverBack Assistant Coach and two time BCHL Coach of the Year Scott Robinson to lead his bench.

Robinson, a native of Salmon Arm, B.C, was most recently the Head Coach of the Dawson Creek Rage of the NAHL from 2010 until this past season when the franchise folded.

Robinson was honored with the BCHL Coaching award on two occasions; in 03-04 and then again in 06-07.

Mick says the move; while taking him off the bench, will allow him to focus on other important aspects of the franchise, “When I took over I knew there was a lot of work to do on and off the ice but they both have exceeded my expectations as far as time commitment goes. I’m excited that I can now focus on the well-being of the club and start setting the foundation for success within the business operations and of course the hockey operations for many years to come.”

Robinson, a familiar name in Salmon Arm was Assistant Coach with the ‘Backs from 2001 to 2003, the former bench boss of the Sicamous Eagles, North Okanagan Knights and Revelstoke Grizzlies is no stranger to the Shuswap. His local ties and experience run deeper as members of his family still live in Salmon Arm and his son Brad was a SilverBack just last season. Scott spent several years as a player in the IHL and even cracked the line-up for one game with the Minnesota North Stars before beginning his coaching career.

Much like Troy Mick, Robinson's record precedes him as he sports a near .600 winning percentage as a Coach in both the KIJHL and BCHL.

Mick says long-time hockey fans in the Salmon Arm area and Southern Interior will know what they're getting, “Scott brings a ton of coaching experience and enthusiasm to the SilverBacks and with Brandon West as his Assistant Coach my coaching staff will be able to focus on development and winning hockey games. I have known Scott for over 15 years and know he will do a GREAT JOB!”

Silverbacks’ fans will get their first chance to see Robinson back on the bench this Friday in the home opener, as the 'Backs host the Vernon Vipers and Robinson begins his tenure with the SilverBacks!


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