Salmon Arm Silverbacks
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks, based in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada, have a rich and storied history in the world of minor hockey. Founded in 2001, the Silverbacks have become a prominent team in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and have seen their fair share of ups and downs over the years.
But what truly sets the Salmon Arm Silverbacks apart are the historic upsets and wins that have cemented their legacy in the world of hockey. From beating top-ranked teams to winning championships, the Silverbacks have had their fair share of memorable moments. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most unforgettable moments in the Salmon Arm Silverbacks’ history.
Beating the Top-Ranked Burnaby Express 2-0 in 2007
In the BCHL playoffs of 2007, the Salmon Arm Silverbacks faced off against the top-ranked Burnaby Express in the first round. The Silverbacks were the underdogs, and not many gave them a chance of winning against the formidable Express.
But the Silverbacks proved everyone wrong as they swept the series 4-0, advancing to the second round. The highlight of the series was game five, where the Silverbacks beat the Express 2-0 on their home turf, shocking the crowd and solidifying their position as a team to be reckoned with.
This win not only propelled the Silverbacks further in the playoffs but also gave them a much-needed boost of confidence. It showed the rest of the league that the Silverbacks were a force to be reckoned with and paved the way for future successes.
2009 Coastal Conference Championship Win
The 2008-2009 season was a memorable one for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks as they not only finished first in the Coastal Conference but also won the conference championship against the powerhouse Nanaimo Clippers.
The series went to a seventh and deciding game, with the Silverbacks winning 3-2 in front of a home crowd. The win was significant, as it was the Silverbacks’ first-ever conference championship, setting the bar for future successes.
The Silverbacks went on to face the Vernon Vipers in the BCHL finals but lost in a hard-fought series. However, their Coastal Conference championship win was a monumental moment in the team’s history, marking them as one of the top teams in the league.
2015 Fred Page Cup Win
In the 2015 playoffs, the Salmon Arm Silverbacks faced off against the Penticton Vees, the reigning BCHL champions, in the Interior Conference finals. The Vees were heavy favorites to win, but the Silverbacks had other plans.
In a stunning upset, the Silverbacks swept the Vees 4-0, earning their spot in the Fred Page Cup finals. They went on to face the Nanaimo Clippers and won the series 4-2, earning their first-ever BCHL championship title.
The city of Salmon Arm erupted in celebrations as the team brought home the Fred Page Cup, marking it as a historic moment in the Silverbacks’ history. The win also gave the Silverbacks the opportunity to compete in the Western Canada Cup, where they placed third and solidified their position as a top team in the BCHL.
Current Success in the League
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks continue to make their mark in the BCHL, with consistent playoff appearances and a strong presence in the league. In the 2018-2019 season, the Silverbacks finished second in the Interior Conference and made it to the second round of the playoffs.
They have also produced several talented players who have gone on to play in higher leagues, such as the NCAA and NHL. Most notably, current NHL players include Justin Schutz (Calgary Flames), Justin Krueger (San Jose Sharks), and Taro Hirose (Detroit Red Wings).
The future looks bright for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, with a strong team and a supportive fan base, the sky’s the limit for this historic team.
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have had numerous memorable moments in their history, with historic upsets and championship wins that have solidified their position in the world of hockey. These moments have not only brought joy and pride to the team and the city of Salmon Arm but have also showcased the talent and determination of this dedicated team. The Salmon Arm Silverbacks continue to make their mark in the BCHL, and their legacy is one that will be remembered for years to come.
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