The Salmon Arm SilverBacks’ ‘most valuable player’ has proven to be equally valuable to the Michigan Tech Huskies of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association).
Salmon Arm’s Shane Hanna, 18, is pleased about the full four-year scholarship he was offered – and accepted.
“They scouted me; they came and watched and then they offered me to fly down to their school. I flew down there and decided I liked it.”
He says it’s a good school with great facilities and an improved hockey program.
In announcing Hanna’s scholarship late last month, the SilverBacks organization expressed accolades galore.
General manager Troy Mick says he’s a player to watch.
‘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 member of the KIJHL’s Osoyoos Coyotes before he joined the Penticton Vees and then the SilverBacks, Hanna notched 50 points in 50 games and helped his squad to the Cyclone Taylor Cup.
Mick says he’s the kind of player who thrives at the NCAA level.
“He’s such a smooth skater, very agile and his hockey IQ is second to none. 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.”
A couple NHL players Hanna currently looks up to are John Carlson of the Washington Capitals and Brian Campbell of the Florida Panthers.
Hanna’s family moved from New Westminster to Anglemont when he was four and, the next year, into Salmon Arm, where he got his start with Salmon Arm Minor Hockey.
Hanna remains humble about all the praise he’s receiving.
“It’s surprising to hear, really. The staff is really kind, they’re always promoting all the guys on the team.”
His family is understandably excited for him and has always tried to get out to most of his games, particularly those in Salmon Arm.
“Then there’s family at the Coast if I play down there. I usually see one of their faces in the crowd,” he says with a smile, recalling one game in Langley when he took a penalty.
“I see my uncle coming down the steps. He takes a picture of me and sits down.”
Maintaining a good grade point average was an integral part of earning the Michigan Tech scholarship, a subject he says his family always emphasizes.
“Do well in school and hockey’s next.”
Asked if he has any advice of his own for young hockey players, Hanna responds: “I’d say dedication – and always be nice to your parents. They’re the ones who drive you to the games and get all your stuff for you.”
He adds that he’s thankful and appreciative of all the support he’s received from everyone over the years.
Hanna’s scholarship covers just about all his expenses.
“I have to pay for my flights to and from. Everything else is covered – food, dorms, equipment – it’s really great.”
Hanna graduates from Salmon Arm Secondary this year and expects to be heading to Michigan for next year. His long-term aspirations are still up in the air.
“I’m not too sure, maybe pro-hockey, that’s always something you want to do. If not, something in business.”
