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.

Storm Humbled by Eagles

Veteran Sicamous Team Looks Like Class of the Division... so far

The Sicamous Eagles rolled into the Mac Park Sports Centre about an hour late (broken down bus) but there was nothing late about their performance.

The Eagles veteran starting line of Aaron Buat, Jarryd Tenvaanholt and Jordan Hynes quickly showed their superiority by out-skating and out-checking the Storm's starting line of Duncan Schulz, Tyler Jackson and Taylor Stuart . The depth of the Eagles, who have at least 12 returnee's from last year's divisional finalists, was apparent all evening.

Derek Husiman led Sicamous with 2 goals, one on the power play and one just as the power play ended. Scott Fellnermayr notched his first goal of the season.

The Storm welcomed 2 new 16 year old players, Logan Hawgood and Brent Defrias, both defensemen, to the line-up. They were put under fire early and often. Defrias was paired with team captain, Mike McCance, while Hawgood spent most of the evening paired with Dylan Becker. Although both players are good skaters and understand the game well, their size may be a difficult obstacle during the season. Add Mike McCance and the Storm have 3 starting d-men at 5'7" or less.

The bright spot of the evening for the Storm was the play of all-star goaltender, Anthony Manfredi. The young and inexperienced defensive corps gave up break-away after break-away with Manfredi coming up big on the save every time. There was a short spell in the 2nd period where Manfredi couldn't keep the puck out when the Eagles were dominating down low, picking up a rebound and a couple of deflections.

Spencer Donaldson scored the only goal for the Storm. Normally a defenseman, Donaldson played as a forward this game.

Forward Bevin Ollek picked up his 2nd major infraction in 2 home games as he was nailed with a 5 minute hit-to-the-head major and a game misconduct. It was our opinion that the penalty should have been a 2 min. minor and a 10 min misconduct but referee, Nick Swain didn't see it that way. It's pretty hard for a guy that's 6'5" (Ollek) to make a hit on a smaller player without coming near his head... period. Obviously Ollek is going to have to adjust his style of play if he hopes to play a whole game at home this year.

The Storm have a chance to redeem themselves tonight as the Penticton Lakers are in town tonight for a 7 pm start.
See you there!

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Our camera work has significantly improved this year. We have 3 young guys (Mike and Justin Potestio and Morgan Sidkey)taking turns on a moving camera and bringing you more shots by following the play and offering closeups of the benches, skirmishes, penalty box and of course, the goaltenders. Thanks guys.

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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2009 - 2010 Kamloops Storm Spring Camp

May 16 - 17 Spring Camp

The Kamloops Storm will be holding a spring camp May 16 and 17 for players born between 1994 and 1989. Goal tender spots are full.

Cost $150

To register email to dewar@vip.net

Include:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Full Name:

Date of Birth: Position:

Coach and team last season:

Address:

Phone Number:

Email:

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If wishing to pay by credit card please indicate and we will call for information.

If paying by cheque mail to:

Storm Spring Camp
#3 2361 Tranquille Rd., Kamloops, B.C. V2B 0B3

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Barry Dewar, General Manager
Kamloops Storm Hockey

250-376-0990 office

250-574-7811 cell

Nelson Sweeps KIJHL Final

In Game 4 Thriller



The Nelson Leafs showed resilience in Game 4 of the KIJHL Final on Thursday night when, after taking a 3-0 lead, losing the lead, taking it back, losing it again and then finally putting it away with 2:01 left in the 3rd period to defeat the Kamloops Storm.

It was a see-saw battle that saw the Kamloops crowd playing "taps" after a disastrous first period when Anthony Manfredi was pummeled with 3 goals by the Leafs and pulled himself after only 16:37 gone. It wasn't Manfredi's fault and the team, well, they were awful. The Leafs needed only 14min 12 seconds to build that lead, including the first 2 in less than 4 minutes. It was a quiet building during the first intermission.



I don't know what was said between periods (I can just imagine!) but the Storm came out in the 2nd period and scored 4 straight goals to take the lead. Goals were scored by Ryan Hanes and Devin Gannon with some tough close in work around the net.



Then Goode, on a pretty set-up by Brock Backus tied the game at 3 and seconds later it was David Gore batting the puck out of mid-air to take the lead. The building was frantic.




This time, the Leafs were shell-shocked and with a well timed time-out, the Leafs regrouped to answer with one goal (a beautiful effort by talented Kai Bauman) to tie the score before the final period.

In the 3rd period it was the Leafs that came out flying again when the skillful Dylan Walchuk scored only 17 seconds gone to make it 5-4 Leafs.



The Storm, still feeling the momentum from the 2nd period didn't cower and Devin Gannon scored his 2nd goal of the game to tie it at 5.





The game was pretty even up until late in the period when the Leafs started exerting more pressure and Michael Spring found an opening while Christiansen was screened and buried the final goal with 2:01 to go in the game. The Storm had some pressure on at the end of the game as they pulled Christainsen for 6 attackers but Nelson goaltender Garrett Beckwith stood tall and barred the Storm from the comeback.

In everyone's eyes, if it had to be a loss, it was a great effort to end the season. The Kamloops boys played hard after the 1st period, probably as intense as they have been all year. Nelson was just the better team and congratulations to them. We hope that they represent the league well in the Cyclone Taylor Cup, coming up this coming week.

I would personally like to wish all the graduating players well and hope that their futures are proud and prosperous. Also, there will be a number of players moving on with try-outs in the BCHL or WHL. Good luck to them at the next level. Many of the players will be returning for another year and they will be the core of the future for the team. We will look forward to seeing them in September.

I would like to acknowledge all the sponsors and their commitment to help the Storm become a mainstay in the Kamloops Hockey scene. The team couldn't do it without them.



And finally, to the coaches, staff and volunteers that give their time enthusiastically to make the Storm a real community team.



Barry and Sandy Dewar have put together a solid team both on and off the ice, running a quality organization that is appreciated by the fans and supporters in Kamloops and across the league.
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All game photos taken by Judi Dupont,

Nelson Leafs Too Much for Kamloops Storm?

Kootenay Conference Champions on Verge of League Title
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Usually the Kamloops Storm have a definite advantage against their opponents when playing on the olympic sized ice at the Mac Island Sports Centre because of their imposing speed. It was apparent all year, especially within the Okanagan-Shuswap Conference.

But not this time.

The Nelson Leafs let loose on the large surface and thoroughly thrashed the Storm in game 3 with a solid 6-2 win. The game was close until the 3rd period. The Kamloops players struggled to keep up most of the game and Anthony Manfredi, standing on his ear for most of the game, was victim to a bad turnover in the 3rd period and you could see the whole team start to fade.

There was also just a little too much Dylan Walchuk. The 17 year old former Kamloops Minor Hockey star who was cut from the Major Midget team last season displayed his superior speed, puck handling and deft hand-eye co-ordination to pot the hat-trick that was the backbone of the Kamlooops demise. It could have been worse. Walchuk came close a number of other times, including a cross-bar in the 2nd period.

It's a tough task ahead for the Storm. It would be nice to see them pull one out tonight to at least send the series back to Nelson. After watching the game last night the chances are slim at best. Usually, one can at least put out an opinion on how they should do it but this time I am at a loss for words. The best scenario that I can draw for them is to work harderthan they ever worked before, hope that the Leafs are off their game and pray for some good luck.

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For those of you who tried to tune into the internet broadcast last night, we apologize for the audio problems. Barry Dewar and Lee Ferris worked hard all game trying to get it up and going to no avail. I truly hope that tonight's game is delivered as expected. It would be a shame to not have the chance to say goodbye for the season on the air should the Leafs win.

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It was a shame to see Sean Menton leave the bench after the 1st period last night. It seems that he was upset about warming the bench on the 4th line while former Storm player, Brock Backus finally joined the team and took Menton's spot. I can't blame Sean for being upset but walking away doesn't do him much good. I have been a big Menton fan all year and feel for him... by the way, Backus assisted on both Kamloops goals. I hope that he can get things straightened out with the coach so that he can play tonight. If anyone has the speed to keep up with the Leafs on the big ice, it's Menton, even if he is in a checking role.

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Your comments are welcome. If you were at the game, give us your view of the action. The fans who didn't get to see the game might appreciate it.

It's All on the Line

Nelson Blows into Town with 2-0 Series Lead

It's deja-vu all over again. For the 3rd year in a row, the Kamloops Storm returned home from being on the road for the first 2 games of the league final sporting an o for 2 record. If you like trends, perhaps the Storm can pull this one out in the long run.

In 2007 the Storm lost in 4 straight to the Fernie Ghostriders.
In 2008 the Storm we much more resilient, losing on home ice in Game 6 to the same Fernie Ghostriders.
Perhaps in 2009 we can hope for a series win in 6 or 7 games... but that's a tall order considering the league dominance that the Nelson Leafs have enjoyed all year. With only 10 losses so far this season (regular and playoffs) and no losses to Storm in 4 games, the Leafs confidence level should be sky high.

By all accounts, the Storm have played well so far in the series. Anthony Manfredi has been spectacular and all for one bad period in game 1, the Storm have stayed with the Leafs. It will be an interesting exercise to see how well the Storm can capitalize on their home ice. Nelson will get a skating test on the large surface. It didn't seem to bother them earlier in the season.

For the veterans that have been around for awhile, this will be their last kick at the cat. David Gore, Jose Reyes, Mick Ludvig, Jamie Galbraith and Justin Palazzo are done with junior hockey when the team bows out at the final curtain call, whenever that occurs. Guys like Scott Kirkham, Devin Gannon and Anthony Manfredi and quite possibly a number of others will be looking for spots on the junior A circuit.

It's been a great year and it could last 2 more nights or another week and a half. Let's hope that the Storm can dig down deep for a couple of wins here. Talent wise the teams match up well but as in most sports, it's the mental frame of mind that can put a team over the top. Right now the Storm are facing adversity and an uphill climb, something they responded to in the Sicamous series. All eyes and expectations will be for them to do it again.

See you at the games tonight and tomorrow.
If you can't make it, watch and listen to the game from the KIJHL.com website, starting at 7pm, where we will be calling the game.

KIJHL Final Starts Tonight

Kamloops Squeaks Out Wins In Game's 4 & 5
Against Sicamous to Take Okanagan-Shuswap Title

The Kamloops Storm face the Nelson Leafs this week in the KIJHL Final and fittingly it pits the top 2 teams from regular season play. Nelson swept through the playoffs, losing only one game in the first round to Spokane but the Kamloops Storm had a little different story getting there.

Because of the round-robin format the the Ok-Sh division in the first series, Kamloops ended up playing 8 games to Nelson's 5. Round 2 was similar as both teams swept their opponents in 4 straight. The conference finals saw Nelson dispose of last year's champion, the Fernie Ghostriders, in 3 games while the Storm were faced with the prospect of going out early when they found themselves down 2 games to 1 and trailing 2-1 half way throught the 2nd period in game 4. The prospects at that point looked a little grim.

And then... the leaders led. Gore, Reyes and Ludvig picked it up a notch. You could see Jose wasn't going to lose to his former team if he had anything to do with it. Scott Kirkham, who has trouble finishing earlier in the playoffs came alive. Justin Palazzo tightened up on his defense and wound up his booming shot to become a big part of the offense again.

Austin Goode may have been the most effective forward through the last couple of series. He picked up his intensity and was effective in all three situations that he was called upon. As well as playing his regular shift, Austin was tenacious on the PK and was sharp as the set-up man on the PP.

Anthony Manfredi rose to the challenge in the last 2 outings to put Sicamous away. His counterparts in the last 2 series were outstanding he refused to be outplayed.

Ryan Hanes has been a breath of fresh air with his work effort, quick shot and aggressive checking.
Taylor Stuart was another pleasant surprise. He and James Friedel are the 2 most improved forwards this year. I didn't pick either of them to make it into November.

The rest of the team also raised their games against Sicamous. I was proud of the effors of guys like Galbraith, McCance, Medlan-Marchen and Naka. And what can you say about Sean Menton and Ty Jackson, 2 guys that have given a great effort all year. And I don't think that any team in the KIJHL oculd compete with the quality of AP players that were able to contribute to the success throughout the season including the playoffs. It was a team effort and when they started to play with some fire in their belly, they looked like the Conference champions that was expected of them. Now it's time to keep that cohesiveness when they take on the powerful Nelson Leafs.

I'm sure that the Leafs are the prohibitive favorites and I can understand that. They should be. They beat Kamloops on both occassions that they met Kamlooops during the season. I suppose that the only advantage that the Storm will have is that they have been in the finals the last 2 seasons. If the Storm hope to avoid being the bridesmaid one more time, they need to raise their efforts to the next level to pull this one out.

My heart says Kamloops in 7 but head says Nelson in 5. All I know is that before the month is out, we will know.

Storm over Eagles in game 5

Friday night at a jam packed McCarthur Island Sports Center the Kamloops Storm came out ready to play in front of their own fans.Kamloops got on the scoreboard first on a goal by Scott Kirkham assisted by Sean Menton,Just over a minute later on the power play Jose Reyes would score assisted my David Gore and Austin Goode to make the score 2-0 for Kamloops after 1 period.Scott Kirkham would score his second of the game in the 2nd period on the powerplay assisted by Sean Menton and Justin Palazzo.Final Score 3-1 for the Storm.Anthony Manfreddi was solid in goal once again.The Kamloops Storm now move on to the best of 7 league championship series starting Sunday night March 22nd and Monday March 23rd in Nelson against the Nelson Leafs before the series shifts to Kamloops March 25th and 26th.