EVERETT — The offseason changes continued Tuesday for the Everett Silvertips as the organization announced it has hired Alvin Backus as advisor and director of player personnel, and Mike Fraser as head scout.
The two new additions will split the duties performed by former Tips director of player personnel/head scout Bil La Forge who last month was named general manager of the Seattle Thunderbirds.
The 59-year-old Backus joins the Tips after spending seven seasons as a Montreal Canadiens scout. He is a native of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, and worked with current Silvertips general manager Garry Davidson when Davidson operated the BCHL franchise in town. Backus has also consulted with the Tips during his time with the Canadiens.
Fraser, 39, is a native of Brandon, Manitoba, who played goaltender for Davidson with the BCHL’s Victoria Salsa before a four-year college career at Iona. Fraser resides in Edmonton and will take over the day-to-day scouting aspects for the Tips.
“I’ve always had a good rapport with Mike,” said Davidson who is also a Manitoba native. “We’re from the same neck of the woods.”
Fraser most recently scouted for the Brandon Wheat Kings for six seasons after seven seasons as a scout for the Swift Current Broncos. Fraser also spent two years as the coach of Swan Valley of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Fraser was a BCHL All-Star honoree in 1999 and playoff MVP with the Victoria Salsa and carries experience as a sports reporter, columnist, and editor in Manitoba.
Everett remains in search of an assistant coach following longtime assistant Mitch Love’s departure to Saskatoon where he has assumed head-coaching duties.
“The next thing to get some of these coaching holes filled,” Davidson said. “Hopefully we get that cleaned up by next week.”
For the latest Silvertips news follow Jesse Geleynse on Twitter.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
