2010-12-04
Kamloops Storm dec.3rd
Last night Dec.3rd the Kamloops Storm took on the Golden Rockets in Golden.The Storm would come out on top in a 5-1 win to start a 3 games in 3 nights road trip.At 13:36 of the opening period Kevin Leschuk would score to make it 1-0 Kamloops with the assist going to Dylan Richardson.Than with 8:42 remaining in the 1st period Logan Hawgood would score to put the Storm ahead 2-0 assisted by Kevin Leschuk and Dylan Richardson.After 1 period it was Kamloops 2 and Golden 0.With 19:43 left in the 2nd period Brody Moen would score on the power play assisted by Mike Mccance and Tyler Jackson.Golden would reply with a power play goal of their own.After 2 periods it was Kamloops 3 and Golden 1.with 5:04 left to play in the 3rd period Mitch Johnstone would score assisted by Payton Schaefer than with 1:20 remaining in regulation time Payton Schaefer would score assisted by Cody Koskimaki.The 3 stars as chosen by the Golden media were from the Storm #1 Lynden Stanwood #2 Kevin Leschuk and #3 Payton Schaefer.Stanwood was voted hardest working play by his teamates turning aside 32 shots in the win.The team than traveled to Cranbrook to the Sandman Inn our home for the weekend.The trip normally a 2 hour drive took about 2:45 minutes as we saw tons of elk and deer at the side of the highway including a massive bull elk that was standing in the middle of the highway.This morning we awoke to a beautiful Kooteney morning with the sun shining.The team now plays tonight in Kimberly about a 30-45 minute bus ride down the road and than tomorrow 1 hour and 45 minutes in down the road in Creston.Catch all the action on kijhl.ca.
2010-11-29
Nov.20th-Nov.28th
Saturday night Nov.20th the Storm faced the Nelson Leafs in Nelson and came out on the losing end falling 5-1 to the Leafs.The trip home from Nelson was very interesting as about 55 elk and 30 deer and 4 moose would come out of the bush and run across the highway in front of our bus on the Blue Berry Palson summit.Scoring for Kamloops was Mike Mccance assisted by Brody Moen.Friday night Nov.26th the Kamloops Storm took the dead last team overall in the KIJHL the Grand Forks Border Bruins way to lightly at the Mcarthur Island Sports Center as the Border Bruins would hand the Storm a 3-2 defeat.Scoring for the storm were Brett Dallen on the power play assisted by Kurt Torbalm and newly aquired Dylan Richardson with his first point as a Kamloops Storm.Dylan Richardson would score in the 3rd period to make it a 1 goal game assisted by Brett Dallen and Kevin Leschuk.Dylan Richardson was named 3rd star in the hockey game.Yesterday morning the Kamloops Storm traveled to Armstrong to face the North Okanogan Knights.The Storm came out on top 2-0 for the teams second shutout of the season with Lynden Stanwood getting credit for both of them.Scoring for the Storm were Kevin Leschuk assisted by Kurt Torbalm and Logan Hawgood and Dylan Richardson assisted by Ryan Skinner and Brett Dallen.Kevin Leschuk was named 1st star in the hockey game and Logan Hawgood was named 2nd star.The game got chippy in the 2nd period as Zack Tjadar of the Storm and Erik Chore of the Knights would dance and than Mike Mccance of the Storm would dance with Shawn Holliday of the Knights and while that fight was on Chase Mcleod of the Storm danced with Thomas Swales of the Knights resulting in Mcleod being suspended for the next game for the Storm.Also it left the team with only 3 defencemen for the 3rd period.Next action for the Kamloops Storm sees the team get on the team bus and travel to Golden Friday Dec.3rd to face the Golden Rockets than its on to Cranbrook to the Sandman Hotel where the team will call home for Friday night and Saturday night.Saturday night Dec.4th the Storm visit the Kimberly Dynamiters and than Sunday Dec.5th the Storm visit the Creston Valley Thunder Cats before returning home in the wee hours of Monday Dec.6th.You can catch all the action of the games on kijhl.ca.I will update the blog Saturday morning from the hotel and again Sunday morning from the hotel.
2010-11-20
Nov.19th at Castlegar
Last night the Kamloops Storm faced the Castlegar Rebels in Castlegar.With 12:02 left in the first period Kevin Leschuk would score on the powerplay assisted by Brody Moen and Chase Edwards.Castlegar would reply with a power play goal of their own to tie the score 1-1 after 1 period.Castlegar would score with 15:59 left in the 2nd period before Kurt Torbohm would score on the power play with 11:33 left in the period assisted by Duncan Schultz and Kevin Leschuk,than with 11:05 remaining in the period Kamloops would score another power play goal off the stick of Kevin Leschuk assisted by Josh Rasmussen and Ryan Skinner,Kamloops would score again with 8:25 remaining in the 2nd period on a goal by Josh Rasmussen assisted by Ryan Skinner and Chase Mcleod.After 2 periods the score was the Storm 4 and the Rebels 2.Castlegar would score 2 goals in the 3rd period period to tie the score at 4-4 before Duncan Schultz would score at 13:44 of the 3rd period assisted by Bevin Ollek and Logan Hawgood.Final score Kamloops 5 and Castlegar 4.Duncan Schultz was named player of the game by his teammates for his game winning goal.The Storm aquired Dylan Richardson from the Castlegar Rebels on Thursday.Richardson makes his Kamloops Storm debute tonight in Nelson.Upcoming games for the Kamloops Storm sees the team in Nelson tonight,home to Grand Forks Friday night Nov.26th and in North Okanogan on Grey Cup Sunday Nov.28th.Catch all the action on KIJHL.ca.
2010-11-19
nov.12-14th updates and upcoming games
Friday night Nov.12th the Kamloops Storm traveled to Sicamous to face the Eagles and came away with a 7-1 victory over the Eagles.Scoring for the Storm were Bevin Ollek assisted by Mike Mccance and Tyler Jackson,Mike Mccance assisted by Tyler Jackson and Bevin Ollek,Chase Edwards assisted by Duncan Schultz and Brody Moen,Duncan Schultz from Shane Paulson and Payton Schaefer,Josh Rasmussen assisted by Tyler Jackson and Kevin Leschuk,Chase Edwards with his 2nd of the game assisted by Brody Moen and Duncan Schultz,and finally Logan Hawgood assisted by Mike Mccance and Tyler Jackson.Sat.Nov.13th the Storm hosted those same Sicamous Eagles and came out on top 5-2.Scorng for the Storm were Tyler Jackson with the hat trick and 1 assist.Duncan Schultz with a goal and 1 assist,Bevin Ollek with 4 assists,Kevin Leschuk with a goal and other points going to Logan Hawgood,Brett Dallen,and Josh Rasmussen.Sun.Nov.14th the Storm hosted the North Okanogan Knights and came out on top by a score of 2-o for the teams first shutout victory of the season.Leading the way for the Storm were Tyler Jackson with 2 points,Bevin Ollek with 2 points and other points going to Josh rasmussen and Duncan Schultz.The Storm left a cold Kamloops at 6:45 this morning and traveled to beautiful Castlegar BC where the team will face the Rebels tonight and than its off to Nelson tomorrow afternoon to face the Leafs tomorrow night before returning home early Sunday morning.
2010-11-11
Nov.6th,7th,10th results and 12-14th games
Saturday night Nov.6th the Kamloops Storm played host to the Penticton Lakers and came away with a 3-1 win over the Lakers.Scoring for the Storm were Josh Rasmussen from Chase Edwards, and Logan Hawgood,Bevin Ollek assisted by Brody Moen and Payton Schaefer,and Kurt Torbohm rounded out the scoring assisted by Jordan Groenheyde and Duncan Schultz.Sunday afternoon Nov.7th the Storm took on the Revelstoke Grizzlies in a game in which half the proceeds from the game went to the Crohns and Colitis fund.The Storm hammered the Grizzlies 5-1.Scoring for the Storm were Brody Moen assisted by Payton Schaefer and Mike Mccance,Brody Moen with his 2nd of the game assisted by Tyler Jackson and Kurt Torbohm,Bevin Ollek assisted by Logan Hawgood and Mike Mccance,Kurt Torbohm assisted Kieran Spice and Duncan Schultz,and rounding out the scoring for the Storm was Payton Schaefer assisted by Brody Moen and Logan Hawgood.All the Storm goals came on the power play.Nov.10th the Kamloops Storm traveled to Penticton to face the Lakers in a rare mid week game for the Storm.Kamloops came out on top defeating the Lakers 2-1.Scoring for the Storm were Tyler Jackson assisted by Duncan schultz and Bevin Ollek and Tyler Jackson assisted by Chase edwards and Mike Mccance.Witht he win the Storm move to 500 on the season.Upcoming action for the Kamloops Storm sees the team travel to Sicamous to face the Eagles fri.Nov.12th and than Sicamous visits the Macarthur Island Sports Center Nov.13th and finally Nov.14th the North Okanogan Knights visit the Sports Center.
2010-11-04
Kamloops Storm Oct.29th-Nov.10th
Friday night Oct.29th the Kamloops Storm played host to the Columbia Valley Rockies.The team took Columbia Valley way to lightly and it cost the team as the Rockies hammered the Storm 6-1.Scoring the Storms lone goal was Brett Dallen assisted by Kurt Torbohm and Josh Rasmussen.Saturday afternoon the Storm helped out at the Science Center over on the North Shore for some team bonding than traveled to Armstrong to take on the North Okanogan Knights.The team would get off to a quick start scoring with 2:26 left in the 1st period on a power play goal scored by Tyler Jackson assisted by Chase Edwards and Brody Moen.After 1 period of play the score was 1-0 in favor of the Storm.With 12:35 left in the 2nd period Sheldon Trees would score to make it 2-0 Kamloops with the assists going to Cody Koskimaki and Kieran Spice than with 7:29 left in the 2nd period Brody Moen would score on the power play assisted by Duncan Schultz and Tyler Jackson,than with 4:43 left in the 2nd period Josh Rasmussen would score assisted by Chase Edwards and Brody Moen.After 2 periods the score was Kamloops 4 and North Okanogan 0.With 10:52 left in the 3rd period Kurt torbohm would score on the power play assisted by Tyler Jackson and Duncan Schultz.North Okanogan would score with 3:04 left in regulation time to ruin Lynden Stanwoods shutout bid.Final Score Kamloops 5-and North Okanogan 1.Next action for the Kamloops Storm is a pair of weekend home games Saturday November 6th when the Penticton Lakers come to town and Sunday November 7th when the Revelstoke Grizzlies come to town.Sundays game is a charity game in support of Crones and Colitis.Wednesday November 10th the Storm travel to Penticton to take on the Penticton Lakers.Catch all the action on KIJHL.ca.
2010-10-26
Storm updates from friday oct.22nd to Saturday Oct.30th
Friday night Oct.22nd the Kamloops Storm traveled to Osooyos to take on the undefeated Osooyos Coyotes.The Storm fell 4-1 to the Coyotes.The Storms lone goal came on the power play scored by Josh Rasmusson assisted by Kurt Torbalm and Duncan Schultz,for Torbalm that was his first point as a Kamloops Storm and than Saturday night Oct.23rd the Storm were home to the Beaver Valley Night Hawks.The Storm were down to the Night Hawks 3-0 9:45 to go in the second when Chase Edwards scored assisted by Mike Mccance,than a minute 15 later the Storm scored again this foal scored by Kurt Torbalm assisted by Duncan Schultz and Bevin Ollek.After 2 periods the sore was Beaver Valley 4 and Kamloops 2.With 13:20 left in the 3rd period Chase Edwards would score his second goal of the evening to make it 4-3 Beaver Valley assited by Josh Rasmusson and Duncan Schultz and than with 10:10 left in regulation time Tyler Jackson would score on the power play to tie the game 4-4 assisted by Mike Mccance and Chase Edwards.After regulation time the score was tied 4-4,there was no scoring in the 4 on 4 overtime period and than with 3:32 left in the 3 on 3 overtime period Mike Mccance would score the game winner assisted by tyler Jackson.Final score was 5-4 Kamloops.Sunday Oct.24th the Kamloops Storm played host to the Sicamous Eagles,the Storm would score 24 seconds into the hockey game on a goal scored by Bevin Ollek assisted by Duncan Schultz and Chase Mcleod than with 14 minutes left in the 1st period the Storm would score a goal scored by Chase Edwards assisted by Payton Schaefer and Brody Moen,Kamloops would score with 9:13 left in the 1st period on a goal by Kurt Torbalm assisted by Logan Hawgood.Kamloops would make it 4-0 with 8:36 left in the 1st period on a goal scored by Sheldon Trees assisted by Mike Mccance and Brett Dallen,Kamloops would make it 5-0 with 7:27 left in the 1st period on a goal scored by Brody Moen assisted by Chase Edwards and Payton Schaefer.Sicamous would answer with 2 of their own.After 1 period the score was Kamloops 5 and Sicamous 2.Bevin Ollek would score his 2nd of the game on the power play with 10:43 left in the 2nd period to make it 6-2 with assists to Duncan Schultz and Brett Dallen,Chase Edwards would score his 2nd of the game with 10:11 left in the 2nd period assited by Payton Schaefer.Sicamous would answer with 1 of their own.After 2 periods the score was 7-3 for Kamloops,Sicamous would score 2 goals in the 3rd period to make the Final score 7-5 in favor of the Storm.Next action for the Kamloops Storm is Friday night Oct.29th when the team plays host to the Columbia Valley Rockies,than on Saturday night Oct.30th the Kamloops Storm travel to Armstrong to take on the North Okanogan Knights.Happy Halloween everyone.
2010-10-19
storm from fri 0ct.15th-Sunday Oct.24th
Friday night Oct.15th the Kamloops Storm traveled to Sicamous to face the Eagles in front of 40 fans of which 30 of them were Storm fans.The team was trailing 1-0 with a minute left in the first period when Tyler Jackson scored to tie the game at 1-1 and than the storm scored 4-straight goals in the second period and to start the 3rd period to make the score 5-1 for the Storm.Sicamous would add a goal late in regulation to make the final score 5-2 Kamloops.Friday Oct.22nd the Kamloops Storm travel to Osooyos to face the Osooyos Coyotes than Saturday the 23rd the team plays host to the Beaver Valley Night Hawks and than Sunday Oct.24th the team plays host to the Sicamous Eagles to conclude a 3 games in 3 nights weekend.I will have an update Oct.25th or Oct.26th at the latest.
2010-10-11
thanksgiving weekend
This past weekend Oct.9th and 10th the Kamloops Storm played 2 games Oct.9th the Storm traveled to Rutland to take on the Kelowna Chiefs the Storm led 2-1 after 2 periods but than gave the game away in the 3rd period letting Kelowna score 3 unanswered goals in a 4-2 win for the Chiefs.Sunday Oct.10th saw the Storm play host to the Sicamous Eagles and the 2 teams were tied 1-1 before Sicamous would score 3 unanswered goals to defeat the Storm 4-1.Next action for the Kamloops Storm is Oct.15th when the team travels to Sicamous to play the Eagles.Catch all the action on KIJHL.ca.I will post again next week.Happy Thanksgiving to all the fans and the billets,volunteers,staff,players and parents of the Kamloops Storm.
2010-10-03
Oct.1st &2nd
Friday night October 1st saw the Storm face the Penticton Lakers and the Lakers defeat teh Storm 4-1.Last night the Storm traveled to Armstrong to face the North Okanogan Knights and the Storm caught the Nights off guard handing them a 4-1 defeat.Scoring for the Storm were Ryan Skinner on the powerplay,Josh Rasmusson with his first of the season,Tyler Jackson on the powerplay and Duncan schultz with a howitzer on the power play.Next action for the Storm is Saturday night October 9th when teh team travels to Kelowna to face the Chiefs and than Sunday Oct.10th the tem plays host to the Sicamous Eagles.Catch all the action live on KIJHL.ca.Your comments are appreciated but keep them clean.
2010-09-30
2010-09-28
kamloops storm sept.24th-26th 2010/2011
Friday nigth in Princeton the Storm fell 5-2 to the Posse,Saturday night in Revelstoke the Storm fell 6-3 to the Grizzlies and Sunday afternoon the Storm lost a heartbreaker 5-4 in overtime to the Grizzlies at Mac Island arena.Penaltys cost the team all weekend as Revelstoke burned the team for 7 power play goals and Princeton scored 2 power play goals on the team.Perhaps the highlight from Saturday night in revelstoke from a Storm perspective has to be the fact that 17 year old Chase Mcleod danced with revelstoke heavy weight Dayton Martens in a spirited scrap.Next action for the Storm see the team travel to Sicamous tomorrow night and than the team is home tot he Penticton Lakers on Friday night and in Armstrong to face the North Okanogan Knights on Saturday night.Catch a ll the action on KIJHL.ca.
2010-09-20
kamloops storm 2010/2011
After 2 weeks of the regular season in which the Kamloops Storm has played the 5 home games the Storm have a record of 2 wins and 2 losses and a overtime loss.Through those games Fernie defeated the Storm in the home opener 6-1 on 4 power play goals,the following night the Storm skated to a 5-1 victory over the Princeton Posse and than on the Sunday the Storm lost 3-2 in double overtime.This past weekend on September 17th Spokane came to town and defeated the Storm 4-2 and than the following night September 18th the Storm put the boots to the Kelowna Chiefs 7-4.This coming weekend sees the Storm going on the road for the first time this year with games Friday night in Princeton,Saturday night in Revelstoke and than the team is home to Revelstoke in the back half of a home and home series.Sundays game on the 26th of September is in support of the British Columbia childrens hospital half the proceeds from the game go to support the BC childrens hospital.Storm players are out at all the Coopers locations and the Save On location in Kamloops.Catch all the action from this coming weekends games on KIJHL.ca.
2010-04-17
Keystone Cup -Scoreboard
Catch up with the scores the Keystone Cup site.
http://www.keystonecup.ca/leagues/todays_scores.cfm?clientID=3233&leagueID=8511
http://www.keystonecup.ca/leagues/todays_scores.cfm?clientID=3233&leagueID=8511
2010-04-16
2010 Keystone Cup - Kamloops, BC
The 2010 Keystone Cup - Click Here
Hosted by the Kamloops Storm Hockey Team of the KIJHL.
Just click on the heading and it will take you to the Keystone Cup site. Everything you need to know.
Hosted by the Kamloops Storm Hockey Team of the KIJHL.
Just click on the heading and it will take you to the Keystone Cup site. Everything you need to know.
2010-03-09
WOLFPACK HOCKEY TO PLAY PAIR OF EXHIBITIONS VS KAMLOOPS STORM
Both Teams Filling Time to Stay Sharp Before Next Series
For Release: March 4, 2010
With some time on their hands, both teams have solved a problem of keeping in’game shape’.
The two squads will hold a pair of exhibition games against each other. The first will be Saturday March 13 th at Memorial Arena. The second will be Monday March 15 th at the
“ As the end of our regular season approached I was worried about the 2 and a half week break between our last regular season game and our first playoff game Mar 18 against UFV,” said WolfPack Head Coach Chris Hans. “ Our travel budget has been considerable this year and wanted to avoid travel for exhibition. When the Storm were eliminated from playoffs I posed the exhibition games to Barry Dewar (Storm owner/GM) whose team is facing a longer layoff than ours. "
The result was the arranging of the two games.
This is just the latest chapter in what is proving to be a growing and positive relationship between the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League team and the WolfPack.
“We support the WolfPack hockey team in many ways not the least is by attending their events whenever possible,” says Dewar.” David Gore, Jassi Sangha, Jose Reyes, Mick Ludvig, Joel Leonard and Cody Lockwood are a big part of the Wolfpack just like they were with the Storm . We are so proud of them, almost like they were my own kids. I see two or three of this years team playing for the Wolfpack next year, and perhaps another 6 or 7 when they are ready to attend college and their junior careers are over.”
“Barry has been supportive and helpful with the TRU Hockey program since its inception and I hope that these games help the Storm as much as they will help us.” Says Hans. “I also hope to get some recruiting in as we show the graduating Storm players the level of competition in the BCIHL. “
Dewar says he is a bit concerned with the age difference (the Storm have some 15 year old players). But Hans believes it won’t be a problem. “ We are using these games a tune up to playoffs and I will move a few players in and out of the lineup to get an idea who is ready for our playoffs. “
By all indications, both games will be exciting. Says Dewar: “I think the game will add some excitement for both teams in preparation for a championship run. The Wolfpack are highly skilled and motivated and the Storm will rise to the challenge. “
Hans adds: “Thanks should go out to the Storm because these games are coming at a very important time for us and hopefully will help us be as prepared as possible for BCIHL playoffs. “
Game times are 9:15 pm on March 13 th at Memorial and 7 pm Monday March 15 th at Mac Isle.
The Doyle Group is a Proud Sponsor of the Kamloops Storm
2010-02-26
Chase Chiefs Take Series Over Kamloops Storm
Kamloops Storm Now Has 6 Weeks to Regroup for Keystone Cup
After looking like they were going to make a series of it, the Kamloops Storm struggled to stop the Chase Chiefs offense in the second half of game 4 and were sent to the showers after falling 6-3 and losing the series 3 games to one.
The Storm started off well, particularly AP Morgan Zulinick, who showed some real chemistry with line-mates Rylee Orr and Alessio Tomassetti, had posted a hat-trick (and all of the Storms goals for the evening) in the first half of the game. But it was the Chase Chiefs who wouldn't quit in the long run. They kept fighting back, not allowing Kamloops to gain more than a one goal advantage at any time during the game.
Jordan Wood, the Chiefs hero from Game 3 (tied the score late in the game to force overtime) led his team with a 2 goal effort. The other hero from Game 3, Ian Grant (overtime winner) also scored along with Tyson Bentley, Jordie Cool and Scott Renner.
There were some interesting scratches on both teams. Riley Wall, the starting goaltender for for the previous game, sat after Jordan Bytelaar came in and carried the team to the overtime win in Game 3. Bytelaar played very well in game 4 and deserved the win. Also for Chase, veteran Colten DeFrias was a healthy scratch. Colten missed most of the season with a broken arm and it looked like he was struggling to catch up on the skills end of the game. In game 3 he asserted himself as a pest but (and I am just guessing) I would assume the Chase coaching staff didn't want to risk the extra penalty factor that hemay have brought to the game. I'm sure that he will see more ice time in the next series.
The Kamloops Storm made Gary Rai a healthy scratch in Game 4, which was a significant surprise. Rai, a talented forward who can score goals has shown a tendency to lose interest during a game and show little effort in working both ways. Some games he's been very good in both ends. Perhaps the coaching staff thought that they could get through without Rai's offensive upside... they are possibly rethinking that since it was only an AP (Zulinick) that seemed to be able twitch the red light.
As was evident for a long time, the Storm simply just didn't have the horses. The defense was young, lacking a real quarterback on the power play. Mike McCance, the only real veteran on the back end did the best that he could but he needed a little more mature and skilled help to give goaltender Anthony Manfredi the support that was required to succeed on a regular basis. The young d-men, DeFrias, Hawgood and Skinner all improved immensely during the season but it really wasn't enough. They will be stalwarts for their teams next year as they gain strength, speed and mental maturity. The forwards were just as impotent. There are guys that give you 100% every game, win or lose and some that don't... they know who they are. The bottom line was that the team really didn't have the top end skill combined with a consistent work ethic like they have had in earlier years. No one emerged as a go-to guy or unit to score a goal when you really needed one.
Chase starts their next series tonight in Revelstoke against the overwhelming favorite Grizzlies. Revelstoke finished 20 points ahead of the Chiefs during the regular season.
The Storm now have a 6 week break before the start of the Keystone Cup. If everyone hangs around, there is plenty of time to work on things and plenty of time to get healthy... the only thing missing will be competition. Let's hope that the coaching staff and the players can get on the same page by that time so that they can give a commendable effort in the tournament. I don't think anyone is expecting any miracles but a solid effort would be a nice way to repay the fans who have supported the team, not only this year but for past years too.
We will be using the blog to give periodic updates from the league and perhaps from the other leagues and provinces competing for the Keystone.
I apologize for the the delay in getting this last report out as I took advantage of an opportunity to be in Vancouver for the olympic showdown between Russian and Canada.
I would also thank most of the people who contributed their comments. For the first time in 4 years we have had to censor one idiot who couldn't take the hint that slamming everyone within arms length isn't a sport and eventually is not worthy of publication. Your opinions are important and controversy is expected. It's what makes it all interesting however when the only goal is to drag everyone else into the shit pit then we are proud to exercise our right to flush.
Stay tuned, the hockey season isn't finished yet.
DaveO
After looking like they were going to make a series of it, the Kamloops Storm struggled to stop the Chase Chiefs offense in the second half of game 4 and were sent to the showers after falling 6-3 and losing the series 3 games to one.
The Storm started off well, particularly AP Morgan Zulinick, who showed some real chemistry with line-mates Rylee Orr and Alessio Tomassetti, had posted a hat-trick (and all of the Storms goals for the evening) in the first half of the game. But it was the Chase Chiefs who wouldn't quit in the long run. They kept fighting back, not allowing Kamloops to gain more than a one goal advantage at any time during the game.
Jordan Wood, the Chiefs hero from Game 3 (tied the score late in the game to force overtime) led his team with a 2 goal effort. The other hero from Game 3, Ian Grant (overtime winner) also scored along with Tyson Bentley, Jordie Cool and Scott Renner.
There were some interesting scratches on both teams. Riley Wall, the starting goaltender for for the previous game, sat after Jordan Bytelaar came in and carried the team to the overtime win in Game 3. Bytelaar played very well in game 4 and deserved the win. Also for Chase, veteran Colten DeFrias was a healthy scratch. Colten missed most of the season with a broken arm and it looked like he was struggling to catch up on the skills end of the game. In game 3 he asserted himself as a pest but (and I am just guessing) I would assume the Chase coaching staff didn't want to risk the extra penalty factor that hemay have brought to the game. I'm sure that he will see more ice time in the next series.
The Kamloops Storm made Gary Rai a healthy scratch in Game 4, which was a significant surprise. Rai, a talented forward who can score goals has shown a tendency to lose interest during a game and show little effort in working both ways. Some games he's been very good in both ends. Perhaps the coaching staff thought that they could get through without Rai's offensive upside... they are possibly rethinking that since it was only an AP (Zulinick) that seemed to be able twitch the red light.
As was evident for a long time, the Storm simply just didn't have the horses. The defense was young, lacking a real quarterback on the power play. Mike McCance, the only real veteran on the back end did the best that he could but he needed a little more mature and skilled help to give goaltender Anthony Manfredi the support that was required to succeed on a regular basis. The young d-men, DeFrias, Hawgood and Skinner all improved immensely during the season but it really wasn't enough. They will be stalwarts for their teams next year as they gain strength, speed and mental maturity. The forwards were just as impotent. There are guys that give you 100% every game, win or lose and some that don't... they know who they are. The bottom line was that the team really didn't have the top end skill combined with a consistent work ethic like they have had in earlier years. No one emerged as a go-to guy or unit to score a goal when you really needed one.
Chase starts their next series tonight in Revelstoke against the overwhelming favorite Grizzlies. Revelstoke finished 20 points ahead of the Chiefs during the regular season.
The Storm now have a 6 week break before the start of the Keystone Cup. If everyone hangs around, there is plenty of time to work on things and plenty of time to get healthy... the only thing missing will be competition. Let's hope that the coaching staff and the players can get on the same page by that time so that they can give a commendable effort in the tournament. I don't think anyone is expecting any miracles but a solid effort would be a nice way to repay the fans who have supported the team, not only this year but for past years too.
We will be using the blog to give periodic updates from the league and perhaps from the other leagues and provinces competing for the Keystone.
I apologize for the the delay in getting this last report out as I took advantage of an opportunity to be in Vancouver for the olympic showdown between Russian and Canada.
I would also thank most of the people who contributed their comments. For the first time in 4 years we have had to censor one idiot who couldn't take the hint that slamming everyone within arms length isn't a sport and eventually is not worthy of publication. Your opinions are important and controversy is expected. It's what makes it all interesting however when the only goal is to drag everyone else into the shit pit then we are proud to exercise our right to flush.
Stay tuned, the hockey season isn't finished yet.
DaveO
2010-02-23
Chase Win 4-3 in OT
Storm Needs Big Win Tonight to Survive
It's a short series and the Chase Chiefs have gained back the momentum in the series with a gutsy 4-3 Double OT win at the Mac Island Sports and Events Centre in Kamloops last night.
With a handsome crowd in attendance, the two teams put on a hockey display that would make any mother proud. It was a reasonably clean game with a few cheap shots thrown out by individuals on both teams. Kamloops goaltender, Anthony Manfredi faced a barrage of shots (62 in total) and came up big all night. The Chase Chiefs on the other hand, seemed to struggle in goal. Starting goaltender, Riley Wall saved a lot of shots but had trouble holding on to the puck and/or giving up rebounds. After Kamloops' 3rd goal (to go ahead), coach Brad Faux had had enough, pulled Wall and but in Jordan Bytelaar who did an outstanding job in shutting the down the Storm for the rest of the 3rd period and in the overtime periods. Well enough to get the win and a 2-1 series lead.
Possibly the best player on the ice for the evening was Chiefs captain, Kyle Fraser who ended up with 3 assists on the night and on the ice for all 4 goals for. Other than Manfredi, the Storm got solid performances from Duncan Schultz, who has elevated his game, Jason Alessio, Rylee Orr and Bevin Ollek.
The overtime periods were the most exciting play that we have seen for a while. It was back and forth like a ping-pong game with neither goaltender giving anything up. About half way through the 2nd overtime period, it was becoming evident on how tired the teams were get and you knew that it was just a matter of time. Sure enough, with 3:37 left in the 2nd overtime period, unsung forward Ian Grant slipped the puck past a sprawling Manfredi to seal the win.
Game 4 is tonight, 7 pm at the Mac Island Sport Centre... If the Storm win, it's back to Chase's barn on Wednesday. If Chase wins they will be opening up the 2nd round in Revelstoke (either team will end up playing Revelstoke as Sicamous and the Princeton Posse are slated to meet in the next round as the Eagles disposed of the Penticton Lakers on 3 straight games.
Win or lose this series... the Storm will still be participating in the Keystone Cup in April at the Mac Island Sports Centre.
Kamloops Notes:
Cody Jules was a healthy scratch.
Mitch Lutz has decided to pack it in... apparently not happy with his ice time.
Brett DeFrias played a little forward the other night in Chase... there were just too many D-men dressed and he was given the opportunity to develop a few offensive skills. It doesn't sound like the team will need him there anymore with the departure of Lutz.
Keystone Cup tickets are available at the Storm office... $100 for the whole tournament... 250-376-0990.
2010-02-21
Kamloops Storm Steals Game 2 in Chase
Series Tied 1-1 Coming Back to Mac Island Sports Centre
Game 1 - Chase wins 2-1 in 3rd Period Comeback
The Storm played a solid game in Chase on Friday night but it was their lack of discipline that got them into penalty trouble in the 3rd period that eventually cost them the game. Jason Alessio, perhaps the Storms most consistent two-way forward all year, scored in the first period on the power play to put Kamloops up 1-0 and it held up until almost half way through the 3rd period when Devin Hobbs finally put the puck past an outstanding Anthony Manfredi.
A couple of minutes later it was Bevin Ollek taking a tripping penalty and sure enough, the Chiefs finally made good on their power play that went 1 for 10 on the PP for the evening. Although the penalty killing units + Manfredi operated at top efficiency, something had to give at some time.
Chase goaltender Riley Wall also had an outstanding game, stopping 41 of 42 shots and earning the first star of the evening. Devin Hobbs, who had 1 goal and 1 assist was the 2nd star. Manfredi
earned 3rd star accolades for his 35 saves.
The Storm's new co-coach Tyler Liebel was watching the game from the sidelines after being suspended for some verbal abuse he doled out in the 10-3 embarrassment in Revelstoke last weekend.
Boxscore
Game 2 - Kamloops Storm Win 7-4
It was the Storms power play, including 3 in the first period that put them in the drivers seat in game 2. It was a wide open 1st period with a total of 6 goals but it was Kamloops who led 4-2 going into the intermission. The Chiefs were guilty of giving up 5 power play opportunities to their arch rivals who really put it to them.
The teams both lost their discipline in the 2nd period when 10 minor penalties were called and each team capitalized once on the PP and once each at even strength. The score after two periods was 6-4 for the Storm.
Both teams came out playing hockey instead of hacky in the 3rd period and the goaltenders turned it up a notch stopping every shot taken. The only goal scored was by Duncan Schultz who scored an unassisted marker into an open net.
Alessio Tomassetti had the big game for the Storm, coming up with the opening goal and then following up with 3 assists. Tomassetti is another player that has laid it all out on the line for the Storm since he arrived late in the season and has been a visible leader in all aspects of the game.
3 Stars.... #1 Tomassetti (Kamloops- 1G 3A), #2 Rylee Orr (Kamloops - 2A), #3 Brandon Briere (Chase Chiefs)
Boxscore
Game 3 & 4 - Mac Island Sports Centre - Feb 22-23, 2010 - Tickets available at the Door... See you there or watch to the game on the KIJHL.ca Webcast.
Game 1 - Chase wins 2-1 in 3rd Period Comeback
The Storm played a solid game in Chase on Friday night but it was their lack of discipline that got them into penalty trouble in the 3rd period that eventually cost them the game. Jason Alessio, perhaps the Storms most consistent two-way forward all year, scored in the first period on the power play to put Kamloops up 1-0 and it held up until almost half way through the 3rd period when Devin Hobbs finally put the puck past an outstanding Anthony Manfredi.
A couple of minutes later it was Bevin Ollek taking a tripping penalty and sure enough, the Chiefs finally made good on their power play that went 1 for 10 on the PP for the evening. Although the penalty killing units + Manfredi operated at top efficiency, something had to give at some time.
Chase goaltender Riley Wall also had an outstanding game, stopping 41 of 42 shots and earning the first star of the evening. Devin Hobbs, who had 1 goal and 1 assist was the 2nd star. Manfredi
earned 3rd star accolades for his 35 saves.
The Storm's new co-coach Tyler Liebel was watching the game from the sidelines after being suspended for some verbal abuse he doled out in the 10-3 embarrassment in Revelstoke last weekend.
Boxscore
Game 2 - Kamloops Storm Win 7-4
It was the Storms power play, including 3 in the first period that put them in the drivers seat in game 2. It was a wide open 1st period with a total of 6 goals but it was Kamloops who led 4-2 going into the intermission. The Chiefs were guilty of giving up 5 power play opportunities to their arch rivals who really put it to them.
The teams both lost their discipline in the 2nd period when 10 minor penalties were called and each team capitalized once on the PP and once each at even strength. The score after two periods was 6-4 for the Storm.
Both teams came out playing hockey instead of hacky in the 3rd period and the goaltenders turned it up a notch stopping every shot taken. The only goal scored was by Duncan Schultz who scored an unassisted marker into an open net.
Alessio Tomassetti had the big game for the Storm, coming up with the opening goal and then following up with 3 assists. Tomassetti is another player that has laid it all out on the line for the Storm since he arrived late in the season and has been a visible leader in all aspects of the game.
3 Stars.... #1 Tomassetti (Kamloops- 1G 3A), #2 Rylee Orr (Kamloops - 2A), #3 Brandon Briere (Chase Chiefs)
Boxscore
Game 3 & 4 - Mac Island Sports Centre - Feb 22-23, 2010 - Tickets available at the Door... See you there or watch to the game on the KIJHL.ca Webcast.
2010-02-13
Kamloops Storm Win Big At Home Finale
The Power Play Comes up BIG!!!
It was the Revelstoke Grizzlies who struck first but the Kamloops Storm, with new bench boss, Tyler Liebel, scoring 5 consecutive goals including 4 power play goals to defeat the division leaders 5-1 at the Mac Island Centre on Saturday night in Kamloops.
It was a spirited 1st period with the Grizzlies scoring one power-play goal by Brad Friedrich to lead 1-0 after one. Revelstoke held the play advantage and outshot Kamloops 13-9. Veteran Storm forward, Taylor Stuart was tossed early in the period for a hit-from-behind. It was one of those mistakes that didn't have to happen.
The second period played out a little differently. Although out-shot 12-9, the Storm played one of it's strongest periods of the year when the broke out scoring 4 goals including 3 consecutive power play goals to lead 4-1 after two. It was an impressive effort that saw Ryan Skinner score an even strength goal, putting the puck past Revelstoke goaltender Cole Buckley.
Then the power-play took over. Gary Rai scored his first of 2 for the evening on a deflection in front of the net then Bevin Ollek scored a similar goal less than 3 minutes later. Cory Huppe finished off the flurry with a pretty feed from Alessio Tomassetti.
In the 3rd period the Grizzlies flirted with danger again taking the first 2 penalties of the 3rd period and the Storm took advantage of the second infractions with the 2nd goal of the evening for Gary Rai when he let a rising wrist shot go above the glove of the Grizzlies goaltender.
It was definitely the best home ice performance by the Storm since about early November. They showed discipline when needed, worked hard and although their shots on goal totaled only 29, the team seemed to be shooting more often, rather than waiting for the perfect shot. It was refreshing to see the 'jump' back.
New co-coach Tyler Liebel didn't take long to get into things as he had a few jawing sessions with both the referee and Revelstoke coach, Troy Mick.
It was a pretty good crowd and everyone home with a free pizza coupon from Domino's.
Kamloops will end up in 5th spot and will meet arch-rival Chase Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs. It will be a short 3 out of 5 series with the first 2 games are in Chase, starting Friday Feb 19 and 20. Game 3 will be back in Kamloops on Monday Feb 22 and if required, Feb 23. The 5th game of the series, if required, will be back in Chase on Wed, Feb 24.
It was a spirited 1st period with the Grizzlies scoring one power-play goal by Brad Friedrich to lead 1-0 after one. Revelstoke held the play advantage and outshot Kamloops 13-9. Veteran Storm forward, Taylor Stuart was tossed early in the period for a hit-from-behind. It was one of those mistakes that didn't have to happen.
The second period played out a little differently. Although out-shot 12-9, the Storm played one of it's strongest periods of the year when the broke out scoring 4 goals including 3 consecutive power play goals to lead 4-1 after two. It was an impressive effort that saw Ryan Skinner score an even strength goal, putting the puck past Revelstoke goaltender Cole Buckley.
Then the power-play took over. Gary Rai scored his first of 2 for the evening on a deflection in front of the net then Bevin Ollek scored a similar goal less than 3 minutes later. Cory Huppe finished off the flurry with a pretty feed from Alessio Tomassetti.
In the 3rd period the Grizzlies flirted with danger again taking the first 2 penalties of the 3rd period and the Storm took advantage of the second infractions with the 2nd goal of the evening for Gary Rai when he let a rising wrist shot go above the glove of the Grizzlies goaltender.
It was definitely the best home ice performance by the Storm since about early November. They showed discipline when needed, worked hard and although their shots on goal totaled only 29, the team seemed to be shooting more often, rather than waiting for the perfect shot. It was refreshing to see the 'jump' back.
New co-coach Tyler Liebel didn't take long to get into things as he had a few jawing sessions with both the referee and Revelstoke coach, Troy Mick.
It was a pretty good crowd and everyone home with a free pizza coupon from Domino's.
Kamloops will end up in 5th spot and will meet arch-rival Chase Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs. It will be a short 3 out of 5 series with the first 2 games are in Chase, starting Friday Feb 19 and 20. Game 3 will be back in Kamloops on Monday Feb 22 and if required, Feb 23. The 5th game of the series, if required, will be back in Chase on Wed, Feb 24.
2010-02-11
Liebel Steps in as Bench Boss
Hawgood Stays on as Co-Coach
After days of speculation, the coaching situation with the Kamloops Storm has ironed itself out for the moment. A string of poor efforts and points lost forced the hand of Barry Dewar to do what he didn't really want to do... bring on a new coach.
Coming on board to share duties with Greg Hawgood and Don Schultz is 27 year old Tyler Liebel from Osoyoos, BC. Tyler has played in the BCHL, NCAA as an amateur and professionally in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and the Central Hockey League (CHL). He has spent the last bunch of summers running the training camps for the rep teams in Osoyoos.
Although he sports a limited coaching resume, Tyler will bring a level of enthusiasm that this team badly needs. If he coaches like he played he will demand a heart-and-soul type of play from the players. No nights off, no favorites, no excuses.
It was good to see Hawgy stay on board. He has a wealth of playing experience and possesses some of the best skating and shooting skills in the business to share with the players that are smart enough to learn from him.
Assistant coach, Brent Fritz will be leaving the team to fulfill a firefighting school obligation in Texas. Good Luck Brent... hope you get a chance to listen in on the rest of the games this season.
2010-02-08
Storm Lose 2 on the Weekend
Rumours of Coaching Change Circulate
It was a tough weekend for the Kamloops Storm. On Friday night they visited the last place North Okanagan Knights in Enderby and took it on the chin, losing 5-4 in regulation. With Saturday being a resting day you would think that the team would be re-charged for their Sunday matinee game at the Mac Park Centre against the dreaded Princeton Posse but such was not the case.
For the first couple of minutes of the game the Storm controlled the play but on 12 seconds into a Mitch Lutz penalty for holding, the Princeton Posse scored their first goal from Danny Hillman and the rout was on. Six minutes later, the Storm got their first power play and promptly coughed the puck up at the offensive blueline (which has been a bad habit lately) when Chase Salisbury poked the puck around Jordan Wilkins and made a nice feed to Dayton Shaw who buried his first goal of the game, a nice short-handed goal over the glove of Storm goaltender Anthony Manfredi.
Just 1:28 later, Storm forward Gary Rai got caught stickhandling as the last man back in his own zone. Ben Morgan picked his pocket and promptly put the puck over the same glove hand as the previous goal. Manfredi was livid (justifiably so) and was pulled in favour of newly signed goaltender, Alex Christiansen, who didn't fare much better. With 4:13 left in the period the Posse capitalized on another power play on a goal by Evan Stack and the score was now 4-0.
It was at this time that the Storm finally showed an ounce of pride and started to fight back. At 17:16 Gary Rai made up for his earlier blunder by finishing off a spectacular effort by Duncan Schultz to put the Storm's first goal on the board. Then, 47 seconds later on the same shift, Schultz potted one on a some good work by Bevin Ollek... the team had life and went into the intermission trailing only by 2 and on the power play to start the 2nd period.
Riding on the momentum from their flurry at the end of the 1st period, the Storm came out buzzing and managed to score their 3rd goal in a row. Brett DeFrias let a low slapper go after Tyler Jackson slid a smooth pass back to the point. The crowd was now back into the game but the euphoria wouldn't last long.
The Posse, refusing to break under the onslaught turned the period around by scoring 2 goals of their own before the end of the period and went into the 2nd intermission with a 6-3 lead.
It was Anthony Manfredi returning to the net for the 3rd period. I guess the coaching staff figured that it wasn't the goaltending costing them the game and if they were to going to make a run of it, Manfredi would be their guy.
Didn't work.
The Posse came out "storming" in the 3rd period and scored 2 goals in the first 5:o8 of the period and virtually cruised to an 8-3 shellacking of the Kamloops squad. There were a few scuffles in frustration before the game ended but the scoreboard spoke for itself. This was a humiliation and the boys knew it.
SCOREBOARD
The next and last regular season home game is next Saturday, Feb 13, against the Division leading Revelstoke Grizzlies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Rumours...
There were rumours flying around after the game that coach Greg Hawgood had been dismissed by team owner and GM Barry Dewar. I managed to contact Barry today (Monday) and he had a slightly different story.
Assistant coach Brent Fritz has to leave for a firefighter training course in Texas and Barry had managed to find someone competent enough to fill in and work with Hawgood. The new guy was going to be designated as a co-coach and apparently this didn't sit well with Hawgood and he felt that he was being fired. Dewar has denied that he had fired Hawgood but at the time we talked, he said that he did not know what the status of his coach would be by the end of the day.
We will keep you posted.
With the playoffs on the horizon and the Keystone Cup later in April, it's scary to think that this team, the way that they are playing now, will be anything more than pylons for the provincial champions of the 5 most western provinces who will be here to make their claim on the championship. We all hope that someone or something can change things for the better.
For the first couple of minutes of the game the Storm controlled the play but on 12 seconds into a Mitch Lutz penalty for holding, the Princeton Posse scored their first goal from Danny Hillman and the rout was on. Six minutes later, the Storm got their first power play and promptly coughed the puck up at the offensive blueline (which has been a bad habit lately) when Chase Salisbury poked the puck around Jordan Wilkins and made a nice feed to Dayton Shaw who buried his first goal of the game, a nice short-handed goal over the glove of Storm goaltender Anthony Manfredi.
Just 1:28 later, Storm forward Gary Rai got caught stickhandling as the last man back in his own zone. Ben Morgan picked his pocket and promptly put the puck over the same glove hand as the previous goal. Manfredi was livid (justifiably so) and was pulled in favour of newly signed goaltender, Alex Christiansen, who didn't fare much better. With 4:13 left in the period the Posse capitalized on another power play on a goal by Evan Stack and the score was now 4-0.
It was at this time that the Storm finally showed an ounce of pride and started to fight back. At 17:16 Gary Rai made up for his earlier blunder by finishing off a spectacular effort by Duncan Schultz to put the Storm's first goal on the board. Then, 47 seconds later on the same shift, Schultz potted one on a some good work by Bevin Ollek... the team had life and went into the intermission trailing only by 2 and on the power play to start the 2nd period.
Riding on the momentum from their flurry at the end of the 1st period, the Storm came out buzzing and managed to score their 3rd goal in a row. Brett DeFrias let a low slapper go after Tyler Jackson slid a smooth pass back to the point. The crowd was now back into the game but the euphoria wouldn't last long.
The Posse, refusing to break under the onslaught turned the period around by scoring 2 goals of their own before the end of the period and went into the 2nd intermission with a 6-3 lead.
It was Anthony Manfredi returning to the net for the 3rd period. I guess the coaching staff figured that it wasn't the goaltending costing them the game and if they were to going to make a run of it, Manfredi would be their guy.
Didn't work.
The Posse came out "storming" in the 3rd period and scored 2 goals in the first 5:o8 of the period and virtually cruised to an 8-3 shellacking of the Kamloops squad. There were a few scuffles in frustration before the game ended but the scoreboard spoke for itself. This was a humiliation and the boys knew it.
SCOREBOARD
The next and last regular season home game is next Saturday, Feb 13, against the Division leading Revelstoke Grizzlies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Rumours...
There were rumours flying around after the game that coach Greg Hawgood had been dismissed by team owner and GM Barry Dewar. I managed to contact Barry today (Monday) and he had a slightly different story.
Assistant coach Brent Fritz has to leave for a firefighter training course in Texas and Barry had managed to find someone competent enough to fill in and work with Hawgood. The new guy was going to be designated as a co-coach and apparently this didn't sit well with Hawgood and he felt that he was being fired. Dewar has denied that he had fired Hawgood but at the time we talked, he said that he did not know what the status of his coach would be by the end of the day.
We will keep you posted.
With the playoffs on the horizon and the Keystone Cup later in April, it's scary to think that this team, the way that they are playing now, will be anything more than pylons for the provincial champions of the 5 most western provinces who will be here to make their claim on the championship. We all hope that someone or something can change things for the better.
2010-02-01
Fans Prefer "No Change" Icing Rule
The poll is over and the fans have had their say.
Out of 45 votes, 30 (or 66%) or the fans feel that it would be beneficial for the KIJHL to institute the "no change" rule on icings.
Thank you to every one who voted.
Out of 45 votes, 30 (or 66%) or the fans feel that it would be beneficial for the KIJHL to institute the "no change" rule on icings.
Thank you to every one who voted.
2010-01-31
Kamloops Storm Digs in Deep
For Come-From-Behind Win Over the Lakers
Saturday night's tilt between the Kamloops Storm and the Penticton Lakers at the Mac Island Sport Centre took place in the smaller NHL ice venue and the Storm were able to do something they haven't done for a while... come from behind and take the much needed win.
The game started out looking like another head shaker in the first period. Although the Storm out-shot the visiting Lakers 16-11, defensive errors proved costly as the Lakers were able to split the defense twice to beat Anthony Manfredi for two goals. Brendan Persley scored his first of two as he split the Kamloops rear-guards and put one high up over Storm goaltender Anthony Manfredi while the Lakers 2nd goal, off the hands of Lars Hepso, was strikingly similar. To compound their woes, the Storm managed to hit the iron twice during the period with the puck choosing to favour the Lakers. The prognosis after the first period wasn't bright.
The Storm seemed to tighten up their defensive play in the 2nd period and continued to pressure the Lakers offensively, hemming them in their own zone and forcing the play to the net. Their tenaciousness paid off. Late in the period, the Storm connected on 2 goals to pull temporarily even on the scoreboard 2-2. Reliable Tyler Jackson started it off on a pretty 3-way-passing-play with Bevin Ollek and Taylor Stuart to beat Penticton netminder Kenny Quinn. Just over a minute later Rylee Orr deflected a low point shot from Brett DeFrias to tie the score... there seemed to be a light at the end of the tunnel. However, that light was short live as a defensive error again caused a 2 on 1 break and Persley again buried one past Manfredi with 2:24 left in the period to take a 3-2 lead into the 2nd intermission.
It was now gut check time. After fighting back and then losing the lead in the previous period the Storm players were looking for some answers... would they reinforce their will to claw back to win the game or would they go through the 3rd period looking at the glass half empty. It didn't take long to distinguish which way they would choose.
The Storm came out flying in the 3rd period, exerting a lot of pressure in the Penticton zone and generally controlling the play. With only 1:35 gone in the period, the Lakers Nick Beisher took a tripping penalty on Gary Rai and the Storm connected on the the PP to draw even at 3-3. Beven Ollek completed a sweet passing play by Duncan Schultz to Jackson who shot through a crowd and left a juicy rebound for the 6' 5" forward who has proved all year that he can score in close to the net.
Just a minute and 43 seconds later, it was Riley Orr who buried his second goal of the evening beating Quinn on the open side, completing a crisp passing play with Alessio Tomassetti and Jason Alessio who did some marvelous work deep in the Penticton zone. It was the Storm's first lead of the game and that's the way the game ended. Penticton lost their "giddy-up" that put them ahead early in the game and Anthony Manfredi closed the door on any additional chances that came their way.
The fans went home happy with the coaches and players gave a sigh of relief with the result of their comeback effort.
McDonald's 3 Stars:
1) Rylee Orr - 2 goals, including GW
2) Allessio Tomassetti - 2 assists (8 points in 4 games since joining the Storm)
3) Brendan Persley - 2 goals, 1 asst (possibly the best player on the ice this evening)
Boxscore
Next home game... Sunday Feb 7 vs the Princeton Posse.
sponsored by: The Doyle Group
Saturday night's tilt between the Kamloops Storm and the Penticton Lakers at the Mac Island Sport Centre took place in the smaller NHL ice venue and the Storm were able to do something they haven't done for a while... come from behind and take the much needed win.
The game started out looking like another head shaker in the first period. Although the Storm out-shot the visiting Lakers 16-11, defensive errors proved costly as the Lakers were able to split the defense twice to beat Anthony Manfredi for two goals. Brendan Persley scored his first of two as he split the Kamloops rear-guards and put one high up over Storm goaltender Anthony Manfredi while the Lakers 2nd goal, off the hands of Lars Hepso, was strikingly similar. To compound their woes, the Storm managed to hit the iron twice during the period with the puck choosing to favour the Lakers. The prognosis after the first period wasn't bright.
The Storm seemed to tighten up their defensive play in the 2nd period and continued to pressure the Lakers offensively, hemming them in their own zone and forcing the play to the net. Their tenaciousness paid off. Late in the period, the Storm connected on 2 goals to pull temporarily even on the scoreboard 2-2. Reliable Tyler Jackson started it off on a pretty 3-way-passing-play with Bevin Ollek and Taylor Stuart to beat Penticton netminder Kenny Quinn. Just over a minute later Rylee Orr deflected a low point shot from Brett DeFrias to tie the score... there seemed to be a light at the end of the tunnel. However, that light was short live as a defensive error again caused a 2 on 1 break and Persley again buried one past Manfredi with 2:24 left in the period to take a 3-2 lead into the 2nd intermission.
It was now gut check time. After fighting back and then losing the lead in the previous period the Storm players were looking for some answers... would they reinforce their will to claw back to win the game or would they go through the 3rd period looking at the glass half empty. It didn't take long to distinguish which way they would choose.
The Storm came out flying in the 3rd period, exerting a lot of pressure in the Penticton zone and generally controlling the play. With only 1:35 gone in the period, the Lakers Nick Beisher took a tripping penalty on Gary Rai and the Storm connected on the the PP to draw even at 3-3. Beven Ollek completed a sweet passing play by Duncan Schultz to Jackson who shot through a crowd and left a juicy rebound for the 6' 5" forward who has proved all year that he can score in close to the net.
Just a minute and 43 seconds later, it was Riley Orr who buried his second goal of the evening beating Quinn on the open side, completing a crisp passing play with Alessio Tomassetti and Jason Alessio who did some marvelous work deep in the Penticton zone. It was the Storm's first lead of the game and that's the way the game ended. Penticton lost their "giddy-up" that put them ahead early in the game and Anthony Manfredi closed the door on any additional chances that came their way.
The fans went home happy with the coaches and players gave a sigh of relief with the result of their comeback effort.
McDonald's 3 Stars:
1) Rylee Orr - 2 goals, including GW
2) Allessio Tomassetti - 2 assists (8 points in 4 games since joining the Storm)
3) Brendan Persley - 2 goals, 1 asst (possibly the best player on the ice this evening)
Boxscore
Next home game... Sunday Feb 7 vs the Princeton Posse.
sponsored by: The Doyle Group
Peter Doyle (Sales Rep) | |
 Riverside Realty | 867 Victoria Street Kamloops, BC 250-371-1119 (direct) 250-851-4099 (after hours) Email Peter & Leanne |
2010-01-22
storm moves
The Kamloops Storm signed 20 year old forward Alessio Tomassetti and 19 year old goaltender Alex Christianson.Christianson played half of last season with the storm and is looking forward to coming back helping the team succeed.Tomassetti reminds people that have seen him play of David Gore from last years team.
2010-01-18
Fans of Medvescak Bears
Croatian Fans Exhibit Rabid Team Loyalty
After seeing 2 games here in Zagreb, Croatia, it is quite apparent that the fans of the Medvescak Bears are a proud and loyal group. The 7000 seat arena, many clad in team paraphernalia was packed to the rafters for both games this past weekend as their Bears have now won 4 games in a row (the first time all season) and have climbed from 8th place to 6th place in the competitive Erte Bank Liga here in Eastern Europe.
The Erste Bank Liga is now an expanded Austrian League which includes 6 teams from Austria, 2 in Slovenia, 1 in Hungary and the Bears here in Medvescak. The league has many top players from the local countries but generally, the stars are imports from North America. Each team seems to be laced with ex-NHL'ers, AHL'ers and draft pics that found their niche over here. The league also attracts former NHL coaches like Salzberg's Pierre Paget and Medvescak's Ted Sator.
But it is the fans that make the experience unforgettable. They remind me somewhat of the Kamloops Blazer Fans back in the old Memorial Arena when they packed the barn to the rafters, smoking was allowed in the the bowels of the building, Crazy Stu worked people into a frenzy and the fans were allowed to show their loyalty with noise makers and seat stompers. Each game is a event, every goal is a celebration of song. It's quite refreshing. The fans seem to have a reasonable knowledge of the game and appreciation for some of the finer points of both offensive and defensive strategy.
The most inspiring display of team appreciation occurs at the end of each home game. Unlike North American fans who rush out with 3 minutes left in a game to avoid a traffic jam, these rabid fans don't leave until the team returns to the ice to acknowledge the crowd with an encore wave and a cruise around the glass for some high fives. The bar, located in the arena stays open long after the final whistle and is a focal point for fans, team personnel and players to meet after the game.
Over the next week, we (my wife and I ) will be following the team on the road. Today we take a 3hour drive to Hungary for a game tonight. The team will return back to Zagreb, Croatia after the game. Most teams in the league are within a reasonable driving distance so very few nights are spent in hotels. This week will be an exception as the team will later travel to Salzberg, Austria (of Sound of Music fame) and then a game in Slovenia two days later... it will be their only multiple night road trip of the season.
There is a 9 hr time difference between here and Kamloops. I did manage to catch part of each Storm game (thanks to the internet).
tidbit... I was talking to the coach (Sator) about Kamloops and he asked me about this kid who used to play for him in Boston... Greg Hawgood... I was happy to say that he was alive and well living in Kamloops and coaching the Storm... A big hello Greg, from Ted.
good luck to the Storm this upcoming week... we will posting again before we return to Kamloops for the home game on Jan 29...
here is a post goal celebration... my apologies for the clarity of the video... it was my first attempt with the camera that I have... notice the blue haze... just about everyone smokes... they can't smoke in the stands but the concourse areas are so full of cigarette smoke that it just seeps into the play area... the players notice it when they play... ugh!
2010-01-17
split this weekend
this past weekend the storm played the sicamous eagles in sicamous on friday night and came out with a 3-2 win in ot,however saturday at home in front of a noisy crowd the team lost 4-2 to the penticton lakers next action for the storm is friday night at home and saturday night at home i will have an update from practice on wednesday.
2010-01-10
Trade Deadline Looms
Dewar Looking Hard for Reinforcements for Keystone Cup Bound Storm
With only hours left until the junior hockey trade deadline, Kamloops Storm owner and GM, Barry Dewar has a half a dozen cards left to wheel and deal with. According to Barry last night at the Mac Island Sport Centre, he has 2 players on the line to sign today. He said during our 1st period intermission interview that he was looking for guys to fill spots in at forward, defense and a 3rd quality goaltender for the playoff run.
The deadline is for acquiring players that are carded elsewhere. There is an additional month available to sign players that are not carded (free agents) in any league that are sitting around waiting for a phone call.
Barry was pretty tight lipped about any potential signings so we will have to wait until Monday to find out any moves he makes.
I'll be taking a break from broadcasting and blogging the Storm games. Mike Potestio and Barry Dewar are expected to pick up the slack for the next 3 home games as I will be touring Eastern Europe watching my son play in the Austrian Professional League... stay tuned to this blog as I will submit some updates while we tour Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary (providing that I have decent internet access).
I expect that team asst trainer Jeremy Salamandyk will provide updates on Storm games while I'm away.
We will be back for the home game against the North Okanagan Knights on Jan 30.
the KamloopsStormWriter
Kamloops Storm Slide in New Year
Charity Continues Through Holiday Season
The Kamloops Storm just can't seem to gain any momentum and as long as they keep handing out gifts like Santa at Christmas they are getting what they deserve.
It was a long night at the Mac Island Sports Centre where the 2nd place Sicamous Eagles made the first visit to Kamloops in the new year. And the Storm were perfect hosts.
After taking a 5-2 pounding in Chase on Friday, the Storm came out with some zing at home on Saturday night at home. The first and 2nd periods were close with Sicamous goaltender Tyler Steel and Storm tender, Anthony Manfredi both displaying their talents. The Eagles held a 1-0 first period lead on a power play goal by Quinn Rempel, his first of 2 for the evening.
In the 2nd period, Kamloops came out flying but could not bury the biscuit until they found themselves down 2-0, courtesy of a give-away beside the Kamloops net where Andrew Nunn jumped on a loose puck and stuffed it under Manfredi on the short side. Jason Alessio cut the lead to 2-1 when he buried the puck close in on Steel but it was Bob Turnbull of the Eagles who picked up his own rebound in the Kamloops zone and chipped it past a sprawling Manfredi to make it 3-1.
The last 3.5 minutes of the period were a little frantic. Bevin Ollek buried a rebound on the power-play to make the score 3-2. Then, Jordan Wilkens, who probably played the worst game of his life, took a holding penalty and Quinn Rempel scored his 2nd power play goal of the evening. Finally, with 1:10 left in the period, Alessio popped his 2nd goal of the game and 3rd point of the period to make the score 4-3 going into the 2nd intermission. The Storm ended up out shooting the Eagles in the period 19-13.
It was the 3rd period that proved to be the demise of the Storm. The Eagles came out flying while Storm goaltender Anthony stood on his ear trying to keep the team in the game. Enter the "Big Giveaway". While Kamloops were on the power play, Wilken's was the last man, carrying the puck in his own zone when he got stripped of the puck by Cain Franson who promptly put a move on Manfredi to notch the short-handed goal. Less than 3 minutes later, Wilkens, who didn't learn the first time, committed the same sin again and Daryl Devries of the Eagles slipped another puck by Manfredi to complete the scoring. In both cases, Manfredi was caught sitting in deep in his net trusting his d-man. With both giveaways occurring in the middle slot, Fredi had little time to react and got beaten on a couple of real skilled dekes.
Sitting solidly in 5th spot, if the playoffs were to start today, Kamloops would be playing Chase in the first round.
MacDonald's 3 Stars:
#1 - Cain Franson-Eagles (1G 3A)
#2 - Jason Alessio - Storm (2G 1A)
#3 - Quinn Rempl - Eagles ( 2G)
scoreboard
The Storm started the new year out pretty well. They lost an overtime thriller 4-3 in Princeton on Jan 2 to salvage 1 point and then on Jan 3 they laid a lick'n on the first place Grizzlies, in Revelstoke.
This past Friday night they took a 5-2 pounding at the hands of the Chase Chiefs (who now have Kamloops native Colten Defrias back in the lineup after a long injury recovery).
The All-Star Game is being held in Beaver Valley this coming Tues. Kamloops had 3 players selected to play in the game however only Bevin Ollek and Mike McCance will make the trip to represent the Storm. Centreman Tyler Jackson also had an invite but cannot make the trip for undisclosed reasons. Good luck guys, enjoy the experience.
The Kamloops Storm just can't seem to gain any momentum and as long as they keep handing out gifts like Santa at Christmas they are getting what they deserve.
It was a long night at the Mac Island Sports Centre where the 2nd place Sicamous Eagles made the first visit to Kamloops in the new year. And the Storm were perfect hosts.
After taking a 5-2 pounding in Chase on Friday, the Storm came out with some zing at home on Saturday night at home. The first and 2nd periods were close with Sicamous goaltender Tyler Steel and Storm tender, Anthony Manfredi both displaying their talents. The Eagles held a 1-0 first period lead on a power play goal by Quinn Rempel, his first of 2 for the evening.
In the 2nd period, Kamloops came out flying but could not bury the biscuit until they found themselves down 2-0, courtesy of a give-away beside the Kamloops net where Andrew Nunn jumped on a loose puck and stuffed it under Manfredi on the short side. Jason Alessio cut the lead to 2-1 when he buried the puck close in on Steel but it was Bob Turnbull of the Eagles who picked up his own rebound in the Kamloops zone and chipped it past a sprawling Manfredi to make it 3-1.
The last 3.5 minutes of the period were a little frantic. Bevin Ollek buried a rebound on the power-play to make the score 3-2. Then, Jordan Wilkens, who probably played the worst game of his life, took a holding penalty and Quinn Rempel scored his 2nd power play goal of the evening. Finally, with 1:10 left in the period, Alessio popped his 2nd goal of the game and 3rd point of the period to make the score 4-3 going into the 2nd intermission. The Storm ended up out shooting the Eagles in the period 19-13.
It was the 3rd period that proved to be the demise of the Storm. The Eagles came out flying while Storm goaltender Anthony stood on his ear trying to keep the team in the game. Enter the "Big Giveaway". While Kamloops were on the power play, Wilken's was the last man, carrying the puck in his own zone when he got stripped of the puck by Cain Franson who promptly put a move on Manfredi to notch the short-handed goal. Less than 3 minutes later, Wilkens, who didn't learn the first time, committed the same sin again and Daryl Devries of the Eagles slipped another puck by Manfredi to complete the scoring. In both cases, Manfredi was caught sitting in deep in his net trusting his d-man. With both giveaways occurring in the middle slot, Fredi had little time to react and got beaten on a couple of real skilled dekes.
Sitting solidly in 5th spot, if the playoffs were to start today, Kamloops would be playing Chase in the first round.
MacDonald's 3 Stars:
#1 - Cain Franson-Eagles (1G 3A)
#2 - Jason Alessio - Storm (2G 1A)
#3 - Quinn Rempl - Eagles ( 2G)
scoreboard
The Storm started the new year out pretty well. They lost an overtime thriller 4-3 in Princeton on Jan 2 to salvage 1 point and then on Jan 3 they laid a lick'n on the first place Grizzlies, in Revelstoke.
This past Friday night they took a 5-2 pounding at the hands of the Chase Chiefs (who now have Kamloops native Colten Defrias back in the lineup after a long injury recovery).
The All-Star Game is being held in Beaver Valley this coming Tues. Kamloops had 3 players selected to play in the game however only Bevin Ollek and Mike McCance will make the trip to represent the Storm. Centreman Tyler Jackson also had an invite but cannot make the trip for undisclosed reasons. Good luck guys, enjoy the experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
