Sporting a 'SilverBacks purple' shirt and tie, the new head coach and general manager of the Salmon Arm Junior A franchise vowed to "bring the organization to where it belongs – the top organization in Canada."
Troy Mick was nearly vibrating with energy and enthusiasm as he told fans and media gathered at the Shaw Centre Wednesday afternoon that he believes in the vision of owners Randy and Terry Williams – to win a national championship.
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe in their vision."
In addition to his new coaching and GM duties, Mick is a business partner with the Williams. Mick told the people gathered he is now a minor partner with the intention of becoming a full partner.
He said he plans to start his five-year commitment in Salmon Arm by engaging with the community, fans, corporate sponsors, volunteers and staff.
"I'm ready to go forward, I'm ready to dig in," he said, explaining that he wants to hear from and respond to the community. He has backed that up by setting up an email account where people can direct any questions or comments at: silverbackfans@gmail.com. He said the community is also welcome to leave a message at the hockey operations office, 250-832-3856.
Williams emphasized how proud he is to welcome Mick to the organization.
"I'm very excited with what's going to be coming up in the next months and years."
SilverBacks' fans will remember Mick from his four years as coach of the Vernon Vipers, where he amassed 146 regular season victories and an RBC Cup Championship.
Also raised and living in Vernon, Mick said some eyebrows were raised when he said he was coming to Salmon Arm.
"The games between Vernon will be a little bit more exciting," he predicted with a grin. "A little more meaningful."
Overall Mick promises an exciting, offensive style of hockey, "hard hitting, fast skating, where goals are celebrated."
An experienced bench boss, Mick also spent time as an assistant coach with the Portland Winterhawks before taking over as head coach of the WHL's Tri-City Americans and Kamloops Blazers. With nearly a decade in total of coaching in the BCHL, KIJHL and WHL, he has yet to endure a losing season.
Now 43, Mick also had an extensive career on the ice, playing in the BCJHL, WHL, IHL and ECHL. In the 1988 NHL entry draft he was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins, round seven, 130th overall.
Accompanied to the news conference by his daugther Tiffany, Mick said most important to him is his family, noting he and his spouse Roxanne have been married for 21 years. He said the SilverBacks organization with its fans, sponsors, and volunteers will become part of that family.
And he vowed to be straightforward with the community.
"I'll be black and white, never grey... This community will never be second guessing."
And while people might not agree with everything he does, he says "you'll know I do it from the heart."