Nelson Leafs Blank the Storm 4-0

Kamloops Free Falls from 2nd to 5th in Division

They may only be one point behind the next 3 teams in the standings but the Kamloops Storm seem to be on a free fall that must have team coaches, management and fans shaking their heads.

Kamloops took it on the chin last night when they renewed last year's KIJHL champions, the Nelson Leafs and came up empty handed in a 4-0 loss. It was the 2nd loss of the weekend for the Storm who lost a heart-breaker in OT to division leaders, the Revelstoke Grizzlies on Friday night.

The Leafs who were licking their wounds from a 7-1 b-slapping from the Chase Chiefs on Friday night, came prepared to shut down anything the Kamloops Storm could throw at them. And shut them down they did.

It was a great 1st period, scoreless but exciting. Good defensive play, no poor penalties, tight checking and decent goaltending. The only hint of struggling came when the Storm failed to score on 2 power play opportunities. Whatever shots the Leafs defense didn't block or deflect, goaltender Billy Faust came up big and stopped all 12 shots. Will Frolek got the start for the Storm and was equally effective at the other end of the ice stopping all 8 shots from the Leafs.

The Storm's woes started early in the 2nd period when Spencer Donaldson and Kolten Moen took back-to-back penalties, leaving Kamloops down 2 men. The Leafs, with their speedy forwards and mobile defense relentlessly peppered Frolek with shots from every angle and were able to score twice on the extended power play. It was like someone let the air out of the balloon for the rest of the period.

The Storm, needing to regroup in the 3rd period put themselves at a disadvantage again by taking 2 penalties in a row, creating another 2 man disadvantage. The Storm penalty killers did a good job in keeping the puck out of the net, shutting down the potent Leafs powerplay this time. Unfortunately, the Storm powerplay, which only had 1 more opportunity in the 3rd period could get the puck past Billy Faust who ended up posting the shutout. The final goal of the game was scored at the 12:03 mark of the 3rd period by Jeff Mobley.

Kamloops ended up out shooting the Leafs 29-28.

Lack of production has to be of some concern for the team. Lack of speed, enthusiasm and shooting accuracy has the fans mumbling in the stands. If you compared the 2 teams last night you can understand their frustration. The Leafs have a bunch of guys that can skate like Ty Jackson and put out the same effort. I can't tell you how many shot opportunities the Storm had that went high or wide or both, virtually giving the goaltender a free ride.

Newcomer/returnee Mike Hanes has brought some physicality to the team but he's not expected to be the guy that is the savior on the scoreboard.

What I am seeing out there is a lack of 3 basic elements.

1. Very mediocre team speed. If it's there, the team in general is not showing it. Personally, I don't think it's there. There are only a handful of guys on the team that seem to want to use their speed to their advantage.
2. Brutal hand skills. The forwards can't hit the net and the defense can't complete a pass to get the puck out of the zone. If you are going to win in this league you have to be able to get the puck out of your own end with possession (not just bang it out) and get the puck to the net at the other end. The transition game needs to improve. If you can't put the puck on the stick with a pass, there is no transition. At the other end, Kamloops must lead the league in having shots blocked from the point. Right now, most of the guys are shooting in sloooooow mmmmotion. Not only are shots being blocked but the opposition, many times, ends up with a breakaway, leaving the goaltenders out to dry.
   
3. Lack of confidence. When you lack #1 and #2, it's pretty hard to hold on to confidence. Like the ocean tides, it comes and it goes and over the last month, it's been mostly low tide.

I don't know what the answers are for the coaches. At this level there is very little effort put into skill development but it's pretty hard to get the systems to work if the skills are not there. Maybe we should put it out there to the fans for their opinion.

So, if any of you armchair coaches/gm's have an opinion on what you think the teams needs or needs to to do the get back on track... leave us a comment right here and we will post your thoughts. Please do not pick on the individuals, we are not attempting to crucify anyone.

The Storm are on the road for the next 3 games and return home for a showdown with the Princeton Posse on Dec 12. Let's hope that some of that confidence shown earlier in the year returns.

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THE KAMLOOPS STORM WILL BE HOSTING THE 2010 KEYSTONE CUP FROM APRIL 15 TO 18, 2010. THIS IS THE WESTERN CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP AND WILL FEATURE THE PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONS FROM WESTERN ONTARIO, MANITOBA, SASKATCHEWAN, ALBERTA, BC AND THE HOST KAMLOOPS STORM.

THIS IS A MEMORIAL CUP TYPE TOURNAMENT. GREAT HOCKEY ACTION.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR THE EARLY BIRD PRICE OF $75 FOR ALL 17 GAMES UNTIL DECEMBER 24, 2009. ONLY TOURNAMENT PACKAGES AVAILABLE.
Contact the Kamloops Storm at 250-396-0990 for more information.

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Welcome Back Mike Hanes

StormFan found this for us in the archives... Kamloops vs Revelstoke - 2006/7 Playoffs

Although we don't condone hammering on the goaltenders like this, it sure was a thing of beauty... n'est pas! Mike did receive a suspension for this... the Storm won the series.



thanks Stormfan

Storm Loses Ground with Weekend Split

The Kamloops Storm and the Chase Chiefs split their home-home series this past weekend but they both ended up losing ground in the standings to the Sicamous Eagles.

After walking into the Chiefs barn and stealing a game Friday night (6-3), the Chiefs returned the favour on Saturday night at the Mac Island Sports and Events Centre with 5-3 triumph over the Kamloops Storm.

In Saturday's game, the Chiefs came out flying in the first period and put Storm goaltender Anthony Manfredi and the whole Storm defense on their heels. The Chiefs took advantage of 2 power play opportunities (Jordie Cool & David Harrison) early on and then the Storm replied with one of their own by Bevan Ollek. Then the Storm, with less than 2 minutes remaining in the period, had a tremendous... brain fart. In a matter of 36 seconds (somehow we gotta check to see if this is a league record) in the 2nd last minute of the period, the Storm imploded and gave up 3 goals to go from a 2-1 deficit in a close game, to a 5-1 laugher. It was incredible. Their defensive game literally fell apart with everyone scrambling on the ice, flopping around like seals and giving away the puck like it was a Christmas gift exchange. You could feel their embarrassment up in the stands as that ugly period came to an end. Chase ended up out shooting the Storm 23-12, just in the first period.

In the 2nd period the Storm replaced a shaken Anthony Manfredi with steady back-up tender, Will Frolek and unleashed a barrage of shots on Jordan Byteelar, out shooting the Chiefs, 25-6. All the Storm ended up with was a single short handed effort by Rylee Orr (who has definitely picked up his game of late).

The 3rd period was much the same with the Storm dominating the play but in-effective from the shooting gallery. Again the highlight for Kamloops was one short handed goal, this time by Chase Edwards.

This was a game that Kamloops should have won but that 2 minute collapse put them on a course that they couldn't come back from. The Chiefs stole their confidence early and rode it on the shoulders of their goaltender for the rest of the game. Unfortunately, coach Greg Hawgood was not on the bench (serving a one game suspension) to motivate his crew. Instead, he was up in the stands pulling his hair out, particularly during that 3 goal explosion by Chase in the first period and the 2-man-advantage the Storm had in the 2nd period where they mustered very little up in the way of offense.

This coming week sees the Storm stepping from the frying pan into the fire. On Friday night they visit the league and division leader, Revelstoke Grizzlies (who are also in a bit of a slump right now losing 4 in a row) and then they host last year's league and provincial champions, the Nelson Leafs. With the standings tightening up and Chase, Sicamous and Princeton all playing to their potential, the Storm could find themselves in 5th place after the weekend if they don't muster up any points against 2 of the toughest teams in the league.

note: it appears that Kamloops has signed former Storm player, Mike Hanes. Hanes played for the Storm 2 and 3 years ago and was a physical and agitating force on the ice. His controversial hit on the Revelstoke goaltender in the playoffs was a YouTube sensation. I can't seem to find it any more on the internet or else I would post the link. If anyone still has access to it please let us know.

Storm Hosts Fundraiser for Juvenile Diabetes Research

The Kamloops Storm will be wearing blue uniforms this weekend in honor of Juvenile Diabetes Research. This fundraiser being done in conjunction with Mohawk and Husky Energy is the second annual event. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of this terrible disease and also to raise funds for research to find a cure.

The fundraiser is set up as a 2 night event, matching the home-home series between the Chase Chiefs and the Kamloops Storm. It started in Chase last night and follows up in Kamloops tonight.

See you there.

Storm Turns Into a Tornado

Five Losses in 6 Games has Team in a Vortex

It's been a tough 3 weeks for the Storm as they continue to have difficulty putting the puck in the net. Yes, there have been a rash of injuries and illnesses however most of the other teams have had to put up with the same scenario. And yet, despite the obviously poor record over the last 3 weeks or so, Kamloops still remains in 2nd place in the Okanagan-Shuswap Division of the KIJHL.

The last game, against a solid Castlegar Rebels team, was a spirited effort but the results were the same. Lack of offense, sloppy defense. The power play had less moving parts than a rusted out Studebaker. The penalty killing was pretty good but the Rebels powerplay was even better, scoring 2 goals on 6 power plays. Kamloops went 1 for 3. Staying out of the penalty box might be a good idea.

The team +/- is a paltry +2, the worst in the league for a team with a winning record. The goaltending has been fair but overall, inconsistent. The defense is young, with 2 -16yr olds and 2-17 year olds , all rookies. They have been forced to play in pressure situations and have struggled (as expected). They are getting better though. Captain Mike McCance has been the one steadying force on the D and with the return of Sheldon McDonald, experience can be spread around to support the young guys.

The offense seems enemic. Guys like Jackson, Alessio, Moen and Stuart seem to bring their 'A' game most nights but the rest of the cast is hot and cold. No one seems to be the guy that everyone can look to for a goal when needed.

The trading deadline is less than 2 months away. The team still has room for 2 - 20 year olds. I would think that they will stick with their 16 year olds (minor hockey won't take them back) so that means that there are a few 18-19 year olds that should be looking over their shoulder for a bus ticket if they don't start picking up the pace and showing some much needed enthusiasm. Hard work can match skill in this league on most nights.

Tough Weekend for the Storm

3 Straight Loses Have Fans Shaking Their Heads

The Kamloops Storm struck out this weekend as they failed to collect a single point this weekend as they failed to collect a single point during a three game in three nights weekend.
The Storm started the weekend off Friday in Sicamous where they dropped a 5-2 decision to the Eagles. On Saturday the Storm hosted the Eagles and lost 2-1. The loss put the Storm into a tie for second place with the Eagles.

On Sunday it looked like the Storm’s fortunes were going to change with Tyler Jackson scoring twice in the first 6:11 of the game, giving the Storm a 2-0 lead, over the Creston Valley Thunder Cats but it wasn’t meant to be.
The Cats scored once in the first, twice in the second and once in the third to take a 4-2 lead.
Jason Alessio would put the Storm within one but that was as close as they would come.

The Storm head to Penticton on Thursday, to take on the Lakers. Next home game is Nov. 14 when they host the Castlegar Rebels.
On Nov. 20 and Nov. 21, the Storm and the Chase Chiefs team up once against off the ice to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.


Harpreet Sidhu
Kamloops Storm Hockey
Public Relations and Communications coordinator

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Eagles Master the Storm

Sicamous Takes 2 From Kamloops in Home-Home Weekend Match Up


The Sicamous Eagles have taken a 3-1 season series lead on archrival Kamloops Storm posting victories in both locations this weekend.

On Friday night the Eagles out shot the Storm 43-27 and came away with a 5-2 win in Sicamous. I wasn't at the game but by all accounts, Storm goaltender Anthony Manfredi did all he could to keep the team respectively in the game. It was a solid night on the score sheet for The Eagles top line of Aaron Buat, Scott Feldermeyer and Jarryd Tenvaanholt as they accounted for 3 of the 5 goals. Other goals came from perennial Storm buster, Derek Huisman and a short-handed effort from Cain Franson.

Newcomer Rylee Orr and and Jason Alessio tallied for the Storm... Alessio's being a PP marker in the last 2 minutes of the game.

Saturday night at the McArthur Island Sports and Events Centre in Kamloops produced a much tighter affair with the Eagles again, swooping in to take a 4 point night away from the Storm. Again the Eagles dominated the Storm 39-29 in shots on goal and again, Manfredi was sharp all night although he would have liked to have the first period goal back as Aaron Buat froze Manfredi and fired a low shot to the far, bottom corner of the net.

The second goal for the Eagles was a power play marker half way through the 3rd period when Huisman picked up a rebound on a shot by Garrett Earley.

The Storm made it exciting with a late goal by Chase Edwards. Edwards was quick on the get after a faceoff to the left of Sicamous net and beat goaltender Joel Widen with a sharp angled wrister. Kamloops pulled Manfredi with just over a minute left to play but the Eagles did a good job in bottling up the Storm and keeping them on the conservative side of centre ice.

This was a big weekend for the Eagles who are now tied with the Storm for 2nd place in the Division with 2 games in hand.

Storm scoring leader, Taylor Stuart, is out with pneumonia, which obviously took away from the mediocre scoring punch that the Storm has displayed lately. They really have struggled in the scoring department. Stuart and Jason Alessio lead the team in points with 19, tied for 34th in league scoring. Balanced team scoring can be a good thing but the team seems to be lacking an offense that can really take charge. Bevin Ollek has been a goal producer when he is in close but lately that hasn't been happening enough either. Bevin had one great shift in the 2nd period last night in Kamloops and then all but disappeared for the rest of the night. In his defense, he took a shot on the ankle in the first period that chopped him down temporarily.

The Storm have another big challenge today as they face the Creston ThunderCats at the Mac Park Center. Creston sits 4th in their tough division but has squeaked out 2 wins already this weekend, defeating North Okanagan 5-3 on Friday night and Chase, 4-3 last night in Chase.

Cody Jules and Dominic Alec are also injured right now with concussions (that's what I heard).

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It was good to see Spencer Donaldson back in the line-up after a 3 week sabbatical and also having ass't GM, Gary Donaldson back in the booth where he does a great job on colour commentary.

Thanks to Mike Potestio and Barry Dewar who filled in for Dave Ouellette on the play-by-play last weekend and Jeremy Salamandyk who contributes to the blog whenever he can.

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