Fresh off helping his nation win a U18 silver medal at the World Championship Division 2, Group A, Bailey Yates agreed terms to join a BCHL team next season.
A posting from the ACHA Instagram account announced the forward had signed for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are fresh off a semi-final playoff defeat in seven games against the Penticton Vees. They are wasting no time rebuilding for next season with five new acquisitions, not including Yates.
If the team name is familiar then it’s no surprise as Liam Steele suited up for the Silverbacks in the 2022/23 season.
The BCHL is one of the most respected junior leagues outside of the CHL and collegiate system.
Six players from the BCHL were selected at the most recent NHL draft, with two inside the top 100. Four other players who had competed in the league the season before were also drafted.
Yates has spent the last two seasons with the Atlantic Coast Academy, captaining the U16 team in 2023-23 and suiting up for the U18 team in the most recent campaign.
He led the team in scoring at a point-per-game pace (23G/38A) through 61 appearances in 2024-25.
The Scottish native has won two silver medals for Great Britain at U18 world championships and will have sights set at the U20 level for 2026.
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