VEES ACQUIRE BALSON FROM SALMON ARM; SIGN PARK

Press Release sent to the World of Junior Hockey

PENTICTON, BC – The Penticton Vees Hockey Club has acquired forward Brock Balson (93) from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, in exchange for defenseman Mitch Ferguson (94) and forward Evan Anderson (94).

Balson, 19, was in his second stint with the Silverbacks, posting two goals and eight points in nine games. Balson started the 2011-2012 season with Salmon Arm, amassing 10 goals and 20 points in 20 games before joining the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Balson appeared in 42 games for the Blazers collecting three goals and six points. Prior to joining Salmon Arm, Balson was a member of the Prince Albert Raiders in 2010-2011, playing 48 games. Balson has international experience too, as he was a member of Team Pacific at the 2010 World Under-17 Challenge.

Vees Head Coach & GM Fred Harbinson on acquiring Balson, “We felt we needed to add a natural center; Brock has shown offensive production in our league in the past and believe he can provide secondary scoring to our line-up.”

Two 18 year-olds in Evan Anderson and Mitch Ferguson will be joining the Silverbacks. Anderson was in his first season with the Vees. Last season, he played Midget hockey for the Colorado Thunderbirds. Anderson helped guide the T-Birds to an appearance in the US National Championships in Buffalo, New York, last spring. Anderson had three assists in 18 games. Ferguson was also in his first season with the Vees, after playing Prep hockey at the Edge Academy last season. Ferguson had one assist in 12 games for the Vees.

The Vees also announce the signing of defenseman Brayden Park (96). Park was an Affiliate Player and made his Vees debut last Saturday against the Chilliwack Chiefs. The rear-guard started the season with the Osoyoos Coyotes of Kootenay International Hockey League (KIJHL), amassing 10 points in 14 games.  

Harbinson says Parks adds some grit to the Vees blue-line, “Brayden is a hard-nosed defenseman who brings a physical element that we wanted on our back-end. Brayden is a great character kid and we look forward to developing him over the next few years.”

Park will wear number two and Balson will wear number 28 for the Vees. The organization would like to thank both Evan and Mitch for their contributions to the team and wish them all the best in their future endeavors with the Silverbacks. 

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