BCHL Today: Silverbacks confirm Atkinson’s firing, Merritt’s Tkac held pointless at WJHC, former Rivermen Ustaski called up to ECHL, and more

Silverbacks confirm Atkinson’s firing

NEWS: The Silverbacks have relieved Scott Atkinson of his head coaching duties, effective immediately.

Details ➡️ https://t.co/BZKI7rv7qq pic.twitter.com/qPPP4IuLu9

— Salmon Arm Silverbacks (@SASilverbacks) December 30, 2019

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks confirmed the firing of head coach Scott Atkinson on Monday, after removing him from their website earlier in the day. Assistant coach Tyler Shattock assumes the head coach position on an interim basis. Atkinson had a 72-69-8-2-1 record with the Silverbacks since being hired in June 2017.

Cents forward Tkac held pointless as Slovaks thumped by Switzerland

Merritt Centennials forward Daniel Tkac was held pointless as Slovakia was trounced 7-2 by Switzerland at the World Junior Hockey Championship on Monday. The Swiss were partly led by Colgate University forward Matthew Verboon (28 goals, 28 assists in 56 games for Salmon Arm in 2018-19), who had a goal and two assists in the game.

The Slovaks are now 1-2 in the tournament and face Sweden today in their final round robin match-up.

Former Langley forward Ustaski loaned to ECHL club

🚨This just in from Transaction Tracker🚨#IceFlyers on the move:
F) Eddie Matsushima – Loaned to Maine (ECHL)
D) Kyle Froese – Loaned to New Foundland (ECHL)
F) Matt Ustaski – Loaned to Idaho (ECHL)

Transactions presented by @MediacomCable pic.twitter.com/9JWB9S3zEB

— Pensacola Ice Flyers (@PcolaIceFlyers) December 30, 2019

Matt Ustaski (40 goals, 36 assists in 109 games with Langley from 2012-14) has been loaned from the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the SPHL to Idaho of the ECHL. The 2014 draft pick of the Winnipeg Jets has 6 goals and 4 assists in 19 games with Pensacola this season. Ustaski added one assist in three games with Norfolk of the ECHL as well.

Three Stars of the Night

First Star: Powell River goaltender Derek Krall made 35 saves.

Second Star: Forward Ethan Schmunk scored the winning goal for the Kings.

Third Star: Nanaimo netminder Jordan Naylor kicked out 36 shots.

Honourable Mentions: Powell River defenceman Davis Pennington had one assist.

BCHL Trade Tracker (since Dec. 1)