The Storm Report - Jan 23, 2009

THE STORM REPORT ... by Barry Dewar

The All-Star Report...

Great All Star weekend for the Storm representatives. Devin Gannon scored both goals for the Eddie Mountain Division prospects team and was named second star. Daniel Medland Marchen also appeared and had a strong game. The team played very well for the Storm coaching staff and some good goaltending by the Neil Murdoch team managed to pull out the victory. The final score was 3-2 for the Neil Murdoch team.

In the All Star game the Neil Murdoch team also won a goal fest game 7-6. The Storm figured in on all but one of the goals scored by the Eddie Mountain team. Jose Reyes, Scott Kirkham, Mike McCance and David Gore all scored while Shae Naka had an assist. Anthony Manfredi played the first period and played well. He allowed 2 goals. The scouts in attendance and there were lots, were all impressed by the work of the boys.

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The Controversy...

Controversy rears its ugly head. With the Storm only days away from clinching first place overall the rumors of a move have been well publicized. We do not want these rumors to disrupt the chemistry of the team and hopefully this will be the final comment for the season. The Storm have no intention of moving and really the team is not for sale. It is still business as usual for the team as we strive to win our division, league and province. We have set big goals for this season and expect to achieve them.

(for our comment, see the previous posting... scroll down)

(to give your opinion and to read others... click here )

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The Pre-Game... against the Chase Chiefs

The team has been playing short handed for most of the last month, and it has taken a toll on the players however, they are getting geared up for playoffs. The team really is looking for additional depth on defense. The loss of Josh Caron to the Blazers is being felt and we are searching for a replacement. We have talked to a couple of players about filling the spot but not found the right guy yet. While a D-man is what we want, we are also looking at finding the best player available for added depth. One concern with bringing in new guys at this time of year is how it affects the camaraderie in the dressing room, and it is a careful balancing act that has to be done.

The addition of Alex Christiansen and Bill Garnett should provide some additional insurance. Garnett is a role player who is expected to provide some added grit. He had been playing with Richmond Sockeyes up until Jan 10. Richmond is hosting the Cyclone Taylor provincial championship and needed to open a spot for a returning player. Christiansen was the goalie in Sicamous who was released to make room for a Junior A player.

INJURY REPORT-Where are they?

Jamie Galbraith has bruised ribs and will likely sit out this weekend. He is listed as day to day.

Ryan Hanes and possibly Daniel Medland Marchen are with the Blazers for the weekend. We expect Ryan back after the weekend. Daniel at the time of this posting is still unknown if he will be with the Blazers all weekend or will return to the Storm for Saturdays game. It will be Daniels first game in a Blazer uniform. We wish them both the best of luck.

Sean Menton is with the Merritt Centennials for the weekend, he will return next week.

The Storm used 2 of its last cards to sign goaltender Alex Christiansen and forward Bill Garnett. The Storm still have one card remaining.
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Other Business...

The Storm will also be at the Read-a-thon January 24 to help promote literacy. This event will be held at the Henry Grube Center in Kamloops. Come out and show the boys that their efforts are appreciated.

Also some of the players will be participating in a commercial. The Strauss Herb Company will be filming one of their new cutting edge commercials that will revolve around hockey and have asked the Storm to participate. This should be a lot of fun and will happen next week. Strauss who are a strong supporter of local youth athletics are a major company on the North Shore and we hope this is the start of a long relationship. We are not sure when the commercial will air but it should be exciting.

On Feb 2 some of the players will be at OLPH school to do some activities with the children. This will be another opportunity for the players to give back to our community. The Storm will also be involved in Strikes for Tykes and are looking for donations. If you can help this fundraiser for the Boys and Girls club donations are being accepted at the program table. Tax receipts are available for a donations of $20 or more

We are having a charity game for Juvenile Diabetes. Special jerseys to be auctioned off starting at $50. get a jersey and support this great cause. It is another competition with Chase and will be held Feb 6 in Chase and Feb 7 here in Kamloops. Again $1 from all tickets sold will go to the cause. Chase beat us in the Men in Pink lets put them to shame this time

UPCOMING EVENTS

Next home game Saturday January 24th 7pm Revelstoke. February 7 7pm Chase; Feb 8 2pm Kimberley