Just weeks before the start of the season, Salmon Arm Silverbacks general manager Brooks Christensen is leaving his hometown team for an organization south of the border. 

After eight years of working with the Silverbacks, Christensen is pursuing a new opportunity as the director of scouting with the Everett Silvertips in Washington state, but credits the local team for his career development. 

"To the ownership group, thank you for giving me this opportunity to grow within such an amazing organization while in my hometown," he said in an Aug. 23 media release. "I am forever grateful for the trust and support you all put in me during my time with the Silverbacks." 

After having started with the team as an assistant coach in 2015/16, Christensen then became the director of marketing prior to serving as the GM for the past five seasons, during which he led the 'Backs to a 136-79-25 record. Aside from navigating the COVID years, the team never missed the playoffs under his leadership, making back-to-back BC Hockey League Interior Conference Finals. 

"My time with the Silverbacks organization has been an amazing experience," he said in the release. "I am so thankful to everyone who has helped grow this franchise into one of the top BCHL programs and I am excited to follow the continued success for years to come."

Christensen's hockey career first began in the Kootenay International Hockey League where he skated four seasons as a forward-three with the Princeton Posse and one with the Revelstoke Grizzlies, accumulating 172 points in 189 games. 

With his on and off ice experience, the Everett organization is looking forward to working with him. 

"We are excited to add Brooks to the Silvertips to oversee our scouting staff and prospect pool," GM Mike Fraser said in a separate media release from Aug. 21. "He is an excellent communicator and an elite recruiter who did a tremendous job in Salmon Arm. We look forward to having his knowledge and expertise within our group."

Christensen too is looking forward to working with the Western Hockey League team.

"I'm honoured to have been chosen for this role with the Silvertips organization," he said in the release. "I look forward to contributing to our shared goals and working together to achieve great things with this program."

Also leaving the Silverbacks is longtime team photographer Chris Fowler, who has shot the team since the 2008/09 season, which adds up to about 430 home games. 

"i want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire organization for your support, camaraderie and the opportunities provided to me during my tenure," he said in a statement. "I am truly proud to have been a part of such a dedicated and talented group."

The team added that further staffing announcements will be made shortly, with the 2024/25 season starting with an exhibition game on home ice Sunday, Sept. 8.