Nelson Leafs Too Much for Kamloops Storm?

Kootenay Conference Champions on Verge of League Title
___________________________________________________________

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

storm headed for the league final

Thursday night in Sicamous the Kamloops Storm defeated the Sicamous Eagles by a score of 4-2 to tie the series at 2 games each.Scoring for Kamloops were Devon Gannon assisted by Justin Palazzo and Scott Kirkham.After 1 period the score was tied 1-1.In the second period Kamloops got goals from David Gore assisted by Jose Reyes abd Justin Palazzo and Scott Kirkham assisted by Ryan Hanes and Doug Orr.After 2 periods the score was Kamloops 3 and Sicamous 2.Ryan Hanes assisted by Scott Kirkham and Justin Palazzo.

eagles up 2 games to 1

Wednesday night March 18th the Kamloops Storm traveled to Sicamous for game 3 of their best of 5 division series.Up 2-1 after 2 periods the Storm could not hold the lead and last 3-2.Game 4 goes Thursday night March 19th from the Sicamous and District arena.Hopefully the Storm can find a way to win and bring the series back to Kamloops tied 2 games apiece for the 5th and deciding game.

Eagles Tie Series

Kamloops Creating Their Own Storm

I don't know where the Sicamous Eagles have found their energy but they just keep going on and on like the Energizer Bunny. Blessed with 2 capable goaltenders and more depth than I personally gave them credit for, Sicamous has been full value for their effort and particularly their win over the Storm in Game 2.

On the other hand... What's going on with the Storm? Granted, they hit a few crossbars and the Sicamous goaltending has been exceptional. However the lack of finish in the offensive zone and the absence of intensity in the defensive zone (which was observed and commented on late in the season as team went on cruise control), has come back to kick them in the butt. The perception that the team could come and play the last period and walk out with a win is delusional and can ultimately be their demise. It's an attitude of complacency that has been visible since the Christmas break but until now it has been of little consequence.

This is the playoffs. Time to kick it up a notch.

We will see how the Storm handles their personal adversity as Game 3 and 4 proceed tonight and tomorrow night in Sicamous. Let's hope that they bring their "A" game for the whole game. I selfishly hope that Monday night's OT loss to the Eagles wasn't our last broadcast of the season... I too am unprepared for an earlier exit than expected.

Your comments are welcome.

Storm Win Game 1 in Conference Final

Sicamous Eagles Running on Fumes
After Grueling 7 Game Series with Chase
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't think that I have ever seen a schedule like this year's KIJHL Okanagan-Shuswap Playoffs.
I can 't believe that the Sicamous Eagles played as well as they did because of the schedule.

It was a closed game last night in the opening game of the conference finals. Sicamous came out strong, as we expected in the first period and started to fade in the 2nd period as predicted. But it was their 3rd period that surprised this cowboy as the Eagles really stuck with the lack-lustre Kamloops Storm only to lose by one goal.

The Storm, lacing the skates up with a 5 day rest, again lacked finish in the offensive zone and can be accused a slack effort in their own zone. Their 2 power play goals helped save the day. Eagles goaltender, Chris Kingdon, again kept them in the game as he faced 44 shots to Anthony Manfredi's 28.

The Storm's big line of Jose Reyes, David Gore and Mick Ludvig were generally ineffective. They really struggled in every zone, especially their lack of production on the scoreboard. Not that they were not trying, they just were not clicking. If Kamloops hopes to win it all this year, that line has to pick it up a notch or two.

The best players on the ice for Kamloops were the tenacious twins, Devin Gannon and Ryan Hanes, and the skilled performances of Scott Kirkam and Sean Menton. The "D" was led by Shae Naka, Daniel Medland-Marchen and Mike McCance. Palazzo, Galbraith, Marr and Orr struggled in their own zone. Palazzo was certainly instrumental on the power play.

Game 2 goes tonight, 7pm at the Mac Island Sports Centre. The Eagles are playing their 5th game in 5 days and 9th game in 11 days and have got to be running on fumes. Luckily, their goaltending has held up and will need to continue to do so if they hope to win this series. The Storm need a 4 line effort. Their depth is their ace in the hole and should overpower the spent Sicamous Eagles. But that's why they play the game. On paper, it should be a no-brainer but extraordinary efforts can give extraordinary results. And super goaltending can make all the difference. Both teams have superb netminders. At the moment I give the Eagles the nod in this department, mostly because the Storm's Manfredi has seen very little action over the past 3 weeks. If he finds his "A" game it will be lights out for the Eagles. If not, the Eagles have a slim chance of pulling the rabbit out of the hat.

In other action, the Nelson Leafs have taken a 2-0 lead over defending champions, the Fernie GhostRiders. The series now moves to Fernie for games 3 and 4.

Catch us on the air about 5 minutes before game time tonight.

Your Comments are welcome.

Storm vs Posse game 4

Last night the Kamloops Storm traveled to Princeton to play the Princeton Posse in game 4 of the best of 7 division semi-final.Alex Christianson got the start for Kamloops as Anthony Manfreddi was called up to the Westside Warriors of the BCHL.Both teams came out ready to play right from the opening faceoff.Kamloops would get on the scoreboard first at the 11:56 mark of the 1st period on a goal by Devon Gannon assisted by Sean Menton.Princeton would respond with a goal of their own at the 7:37 mark before Kamloops Storm David Gore scored on the power play assisted by Mick Ludvig and Jose Reyes with 2:51 to play the first period.Kamloops would carry that lead into the 1st intermission.Princeton would score at the 15:53 mark of the second period to tie the score 2-2 after 2 periods.Kamloops would score the game winner on the power play with 2:49 to play scored by Ryan Hanes assisted by Justin Palazzo.Final score 3-2 in favor of the Kamloops Storm.Kamloops win the best of 7 division semi-final 4 games to 0.Shots on goal in the game 36 for Kamloops and 31 for Princeton.Next action for the Kamloops Storm is Sunday March 15th against the winner of the Sicamous Eagles and the Chase Chiefs series live from McCarther Island Sports Arena.

Storm in Princeton game 3

Last night the kamloops Storm traveled to Princeton to play the Posse in game 3 of the best of 7 division semi-final.Both teams came out hard in the first period with the Storm taking the play to the Posse but Posse goaltender Mickael Gartig played well for his team once again.After 1 period of play it was Kamloops 0 and Princeton 0.The second period saw both teams come out hard with both goaltenders making great save after great save than with 9:32 to go in 2nd period Sean Menton went down the ice on the power play and scored assisted by Taylor Stewart,Austin Goode followed that up scoring on another powerplay 5 and a half minutes later to put the Storm up 2-0 after 2 periods.the third period started out just like the last 2 periods with both teams working hard.Princeton got on the board 6 minutes and 21 seconds into the 3rd period on a goal by Nolan O'Brein assisted Nick Cecconi and Thierry Martine.Kamloops would than score the insurance marker to restore their 2 goal lead 9 minutes 16 seconds into the 3rd period on a goal by Ryan Hanes assisted by Austin Goode.Final score Kamloops 3 and Princeton 1.Shots on goal in the game Kamloops 40 Princeton 20.The Storm take a 3 games to 0 lead in the series in to game 4 in Princeton Tuesday night.