Dale Unruh has gone from part owner to full owner of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Part of the Silverbacks’ previous ownership group, Unruh, the president of Forge Sports Group Ltd. (FSG), is now the team’s top boss, with the sale of the franchise approved by the BCHL’s board of governors in January.
In a Feb. 26 news release, the Silverbacks said Unruh and Forge will “oversee the strategic direction of the FSG’s ownership in the Silverbacks,” ensuring “continuity, stability, and community alignment.”
The Silverbacks also announced the hiring of former NHL goaltender Jamie Storr, who will serve as the team’s president of hockey operations, while “key members of the current team staff will remain in place,” including head coach/general manager Tyler Shattock and business operations director Alexandra Miege.
“Salmon Arm has an incredible hockey culture and community,” said Unruh. “Our focus is long-term – to build on the great foundation that Tyler, the players, and the previous ownership created, and to keep investing in this program for years to come.”
Storr is focused on “building something special over the long term.”
“My focus is on developing players the right way – raising standards, creating a high-performance environment, and building a program that consistently competes for championships, while preparing players for the next level,” said Storr.
The Silverbacks said Storr has transformed junior teams into national contenders in the U.S. and Canada – including winning the Dudley Hewitt Cup and reaching two Centennial Cups – while mentoring NHL players and top prospects through his elite academy.
“He will work closely with Tyler and the current staff to further strengthen player development and the team’s winning culture.”
“Our staff and players are proud of what we’ve built, and this partnership with Forge Sports Group ensures we can keep growing our product the right way,” said Shattock. “The investment, experience, network, and belief they bring will help us take the next step while staying true to our culture and our fans.”
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