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.

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sponsored by: The Doyle Group

Peter Doyle (Sales Rep) Leanne Doyle-Hicks (Sales Rep)
Riverside Realty	867 Victoria Street Kamloops, BC 250-371-1119 (direct) 250-851-4099 (after hours) Email Peter & Leanne

The Storm Rebounds with 6-3 Win

Scoring Comes From Multiple Sources

The Kamloops Storm scored three times in the first period against the Penticton Lakers on their way to a 6-3 win Saturday night at McArthur Island Sports Centre.
The Storm got goals from Bevin Ollek, on the powerplay, Justin Fulton at even strength and Duncan Schulz - shorthanded -in the opening frame and improved to a 3-1 record.

Head coach Greg Hawgood was happy with his team's ability to put in a strong effort after losing a 3-1 decision to the Sicamous Eagles Friday night.

"The guys are really working hard and they played really well. Give them team credit they were down and taking a lot of penalties," said Storm head coach Greg Hawgood.
"Our discipline was lacking. There was no reason to be in the box as much as we were. The guy that retaliates is the one how gets caught and we have to take some hits and not react to them."

In the second period Fulton collected his second on the power play and Tyler Jackson also scored for the Storm.
With just over four minutes the Lakers pulled goalie Kenny Quinn in hopes of getting back in the game but those thoughts were crushed with Jason Alessio scoring his first of the season into an empty net.
Lakers scoring came from Tripp Emmer, Riley Henderson and Branden Redschiag.

Anthony Manfredi made his third start of the season and improved to 2-1.

The Storm were strong on specialty teams with them collecting one short handed goal and one power play goal in the game.

Next up for the Storm is a trip to Penticton Tuesday night. Next home game is Sept. 26 against the Kimberley Dynamiters. Game time is 7 p.m. at the McArthur Island Sports and Events Centre.