Friday, January 25, 2013

Defenceman and 'Backs leading scorer Hanna commits to Huskies

Press Release

The Salmon Arm SilverBacks are extremely proud to announce that 18-year-old defenceman Shane Hanna has committed to the NCAA's Michigan Tech Huskies.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound rearguard has developed into one of the premier offensive defenders in the BCHL over the past two seasons. He has a 3.5 grade-point average and his dedication as a student athlete is now being rewarded with his commitment to the Huskies program.

His eight goals and 35 points have helped the SilverBacks become a playoff contender in the Interior division and GM Troy Mick can’t say enough about the 18 year old dynamo on his blue-line.

“Shane’s not only our most valuable player, but among the tops of that list around the BCHL. His skill level and confidence with the puck make him an elite player on a nightly basis. We’ve seen what he can do in just two short seasons in the BCHL; the sky is the limit for Shane’s development. As a player, person and student in five years time; it’s going to be very exciting to follow is progression.”

The Salmon Arm native joined the SilverBacks last season in a trade with the Penticton Vees, tallying 24 points over 53 games in his rookie campaign before racing into a breakout 12-13 season that has seen Shane lead not only the SilverBacks in scoring but the entire BCHL in defenseman scoring for extended stretches.

Hanna’s abilities were on display before his time in Junior ‘A’ hockey, as a former member of the KIJHL’s Osoyoos Coyotes he notched 50 points in 50 games and helped his squad to the Cyclone Taylor Cup.

Mick feels he’s the exact kind of player that thrives at the NCAA level.

“He’s such a smooth skater, very agile and his hockey IQ is second to none, and he competes every night. We gave him the “A” on his jersey and he has become a leader on and off the ice this year too."

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

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