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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

Rai Scores Two

As Manfredi Holds the Fort!

Gary Rai extended his point scoring streak to 6 games as he popped 2 goals, including the winner in the second period, to lead the team to their 2nd victory this week as the Kamloops Storm beat arch-rival Chase Chiefs 4-1 in Friday night action. But it was goaltender Anthony Manfredi who stood on his ear and made save after miraculous save in the Kamloops net to help his team the victory and a first star selection.

It was a very good game with the ebb and flow going back and forth. The Chiefs sent a barrage of shots (46) at Manfredi but had a heck of a time trying to figure him out. It may have been the best home performance by Manfredi this year. At the other end, Chiefs goaltender Riley Wall had a pretty good game and made some great saves himself but it seemed like 'one of those nights' that had the pucks just squeeking by him. Wall made 25 saves on 29 shots.

Taylor Stuart was the dominant playmaker as he set up Rai for both his goals. Stuart made brilliant passes to set up Rai for the easy goals. This combo could be a real force down the road and into the playoffs as Rai is now starting to perform as the player he was expected to be. Stuart just keeps getting better all the time as his skating has improved tremendously and his hands have softened enough to be a huge contributor on the score sheet (competition beware... his hands haven't softened enough to not pummel even the toughest of physical challengers).

Ty Jackson opened the scoring late in the first period, a result of some good work by line-mates Bevin Ollek and Jason Allesio. Rai scored 2 goals in the 2nd period along with another marker by Riley Orr to complete the Kamloops scoring. Jordan Wood scored on the power-play in the 3rd period to put Chase on the board and spoil an otherwise perfect performance by Manfredi.

I liked that coach Greg Hawgood mixed the lines, especially separating Ollek and Rai. Both these guys like to do their work close in to the goaltender and they didn't seem to mesh in previous games as suspected. It also took away from the play of Jason Allesio who didn't seem to see the puck enough to work his magic. I personally liked the line of Allesio, Jackson and Ollek... I hope that we see it again.

Kolten Moen was back after a short absence (not sure what it was) and played a good game. The only regular starter out right now is Brett Defrias with an upper body injury and is not expected back until the new year.

The Sicamous Eagles are in town tonight for another important divisional match-up as the Storm attemptes to climb back up in the standings. After last nights' win, the Storm are tied with Chase and the Princeton Posse for 3rd in the division. All these teams are playing tonight and it appears that Kamloops has the toughest game. Chase hosts the 6th place Penticton Lakers while Princeton hosts the Grand Forks Border Bruins who have the worst record in the entire KIJHL with only 3 wins and 7 points so far for the season.


the boxscore

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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.

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.

Kamloops Storm Wins Home Opener 7-1

The Kamloops Storm didn't give the North Okanagan Knights a warm welcome into the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Friday night.

The Storm scored seven times on their way to a 7-1 victory over the Knights at McArthur Island Sports and Events Centre on opening night.

Scoring came from six sources for the Storm. Goals came from Bevin Ollek with a pair and singles from Duncan Schulz, Dominic Alec, Kolton Moen, Matt Pouncy and Spencer Donaldson.

Anthony Manfredi was solid in net kicking aside 32 of 33 shots after allowing a powerplay marker by Shawn Holliday in the opening frame.

Head coach Greg Hawgood watched the game from the stands, while Brent Fritz and Don Schulz were behind the bench.
Hawgood is unable to coach in the regular season until BC Hockey grants him his certification. He doesn't have his level one and needs it in order to coach through BC Hockey. Without the certification he is not insured, so he can't be on the bench.
Once he's registered he will be eligible to be on the bench until he finishes
the level one class.
The Storm travel to Armstrong for a rematch against the Knights on Sunday.

story by Harpreet Sidhu

3 Stars

1) Duncan Schulz
2) Domenic Alec
3) Colton Moen

BoxScore... click here

Kamloops Storm Names 2009-10 Coach

Greg Hawgood Takes the Reigns
in Landmark 2009-10 KIJHLSeason

Former Kamloops Blazer/Blazer coach and NHL star, Greg Hawgood has signed on to coach the Kamloops Storm JrB Hockey Team for this all important season. The pressure was on before the signing as Kamloops has been awarded the Keystone Cup, the Western Canadian Jr B Championships where the Storm get an automatic bye into the tournament.

Hawgood comes with a list of amateur and professional credentials to guide the Storm with his puck possesion, flowing style of play... the style that made him the Hall of Fame player for Blazers during the 1980's.

Hawgood says... "It's such an honour to be awarded this job. The Storm are clearly the best team in the league nad for Barry to show confidence in me is an honour" "it's a special opportunity with Kamloops hosting the Keystone Cup".

Also present at the press conference were club owner, Barry Dewar and newly appointed Asst GM, Gary Donaldson. Look for Donaldson to be a front line guy, helping the organization where ever required. You can also expect Donaldson to be a regular colour commentator on this years internet broadcasts. Gary has done colour for the Kamloops Blazers in the past.

Barry Dewar, a hands on owner, is committed to the community approach of hockey development, including staying tight with the Blazers. "the wealth of experience that Greg brings to our organization is invaluable" Dewar said. "We're very happy to have someone of Greg's stature involved with our organization. We're excited to continue to have a member of the Kamloops Blazers alumni (both past co-coaches Ed Patterson and Steve Passmore are Blazer alumni) involved with our franchiseas we continue to strengthen our relations with the Blazers."

The Storm camp opens Aug 29 and there are approximately 50 players invited to attend so far. It is expected that the opportunity to play in the Keystone Cup will attract some quality players from around Western Canada. The training camp will be help at the Mac Island Sport Centre.


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