Storm take 3 of 4 points

Having earned points in just two of their first five games, the Storm were hoping their two home games this weekend would act as a springboard towards turning around their slow start.  With a win and a shoot out loss, time will tell how the Storm react to a fairly successful weekend.

Two Deals Bring Two Newcomers to Storm

Ryan Hamberg and Lyndin Himer-Lewis are the newest members of the Blue and Gold

The Storm have brought in two new players through a pair of deals.  One made his debut last night, while the other is expected to dress tonight against the Camrose Kodiaks. 
The first deal saw the hockey club acquire the rights to local product Lyndin Himer-Lewis from Drayton Valley for future cnsiderations.  Himer-Lewis led the Ernie's Sports Experts Major Midget Storm in scoring last season, and was the club's representative in the AMHL all star game, where he recorded a hat trick and an assist, en route to being named player of the game for the North Division squad. He also appeared in five games with the Thunder as an affiliate player last season. 
The second transaction was a three team trade involving the Storm and two teams from Ontario.  It started with the Storm dealing 20 year old blueliner Nick Yeatman to the Orangeville Flyers of the OJHL for Jonathan Demme, who was then subsequently shipped to the Villanove Knights of the same league, in exchange for Hamberg. 
In 78 games over two seasons with the Knights, Hamberg had a goal and 10 assists to go with 188 penalty minutes. 
At 6 foot 3 and 205 pounds, the soon to be 19 year old Hamberg brings more size to the Storm back end.  Coach Mike Vandekamp hopes he will turn into a Mark Stojan-style defender for the Storm, as in someone who will block shots and kill penalties while playing a top-4 role on the team.  

Fritz To Get Another Shot At Canada West

Tanner Fritz hopes to wear the Maple Leaf for a third straight year.

In the brief history of the World Junior A Hockey Challenge, no player has ever represented Canada West in three straight tournaments.  Tanner Fritz hopes to change that this year.

Storm - 1 at Oil Barons - 2

After a scathing video session on Thursday night in which reportedly very few players were left unscathed for their performance in Wednesday's loss in Sherwood Park, there was some curiousity as to how the Storm would react Friday night in Fort McMurray. 

Storm - 2 at Crusaders - 4

For the second time in as many meetings this season, the Sherwood Park Crusaders came out on top of the Storm in a game dominated by special teams play.  The two teams combined for 17 power plays on the night, with the Crusaders going 2 for 9, while the Storm went 1 for 8 while adding a shorthanded goal.

Vandekamp on goalies and the Crusaders

There have been changes to the Storm's goaltending situation over the past few days.  I caught up with coach Mike Vandekamp Tuesday afternoon to get an update, and to also preview Wednesday's kick off to the three game in four night road trip in Sherwood Park.

There have been further updates since this interview was done.  Tuesday night, the club announced it had released 18 year olf netminder Chase Komistek, who had previously played with the Calgary Canucks and Brooks Bandits, as well as the WHL's Calgary Hitmen.  They also announced that they had finally received Lino Chimienti's release from Quebec, and that the 19 year old had finally been cleared to play.  He will likely see action at some point during this current road trip.  Chimienti and Edwards are joined by Thunder Bay, Ontario native Colin Dzijacky on the roster.  Dzijacky is 1-1 on the season with a 1.93 goals against average, and a .930 save percentage.  

Catching Up With a Former Storm

I had the chance prior to Saturday's Storm/Dragons tilt to catch up former Storm and current Dragon Derek Ginnell.  We talked about the Dragons, his previously injured knee and his memories of his time with the Storm.

Storm - 3 Dragons - 2 (Shoot out)

The Storm have found their way into the win column for the first time in the 2010-11 season.  But they did it the hard way.

Game Night - Storm vs Dragons

GRANDE PRAIRIE STORM vs DRUMHELLER DRAGONS

Saturday, September 11th   7:30 PM   Canada Games Arena

Radio:  104.7 FREE-FM                Internet:  www.1047freefm.com

STORM

2010 record:  0-1-0

Last Result:  2-0 Loss to Sherwood Park

Last Season Record:  40-17-1-2   83 points  (2nd North)

Key Notes:  Storm will enter tonight`s game without the services of defenceman Nick Yeatman and forward Jordan Forfar, who have both been suspended 2 games by the AJHL.  Last night`s loss means the Storm have gone 0-3-1 in their last four home openers.  In their subsequent home games, the Storm are 2-1. 

DRAGONS

2010 record:  0-1-0

Last Result: 6-2 Loss at St Albert

Last Season Record: 17-37-0-6  40 points  (8th South)

Key Returnees: Evan Warner F, Brendan Alego D, Sam Lawson F, Justin Tateson F

Newcomers: Cole Cheveldave G, Sean Sanford F

Key Notes:  The Dragons have 19 players back from last year`s squad that finished out of the playoffs in the South division, the first time that has happened in the club`s brief history.  Last year, the Dragons won their lone appearance in Grande Prairie, jumping out to a 4-0 first period lead and then hanging on for a 6-5 win.  Tonight marks the return of Derek Ginnell to Grande Prairie for the first time since he was traded by the Storm to Nanaimo last October in the Chad Carder deal. 

Yeatman, Forfar Suspended

(Photos courtesy MT Actions Photography)

According to AJHL.ca

As a result of Grande Prairie player, Nick Yeatman, being assessed an instigator penalty in a second fight, which occurred during a September 10, 2010 game in Grande Prairie, he is suspended for two (2) games. The Grande Prairie Storm are also assessed a team fine.


In addition, Grande Prairie player, Jordan Forfar, is suspended for two (2) games as a result of being assessed a major penalty for checking to the head.
The suspensions are to be served during the Storms' next two (2) regularly scheduled League games.

Crusaders - 2 at Storm - 0

A 33 save performance by Patrick Terriss paced the Sherwood Park Crusaders to a 2-0 win over the Storm in the Storm's 2010-11 season and home opener. 

Game Night - Storm vs Crusaders

GRANDE PRAIRIE STORM vs SHERWOOD PARK CRUSADERS
Friday, September, 10th, 2010 7:30PM   Canada Games Arena
Radio: 104.7 FREE FM

STORM
This season record:  2010 opener
Last season record:  40-17-1-2  83 points  (2nd North)
Key returnees:  Tanner Fritz F, Dan Correale F, Darren Kramer F, Caylen Walls D
Newcomers:  Jordan Forfar F, John Girman F, Ben Woodley D
Key Notes:  The Storm return only 10 players from last year's squad that finished 2nd overall in the AJHL.  Finding offence to replace the 121 lost with the graduation of Zahn Raubenheimer, Dennis Rix and Travis Dunstall will be key.  Also, the club still has four goalies in camp battling for two spots.  First few games could still feel a bit like camp until they decide on their two netminders.

CRUSADERS
This season record:  2010 opener
Last season record: 33-17-2-7  75 points (4th North)
Key returnees:  Patrick Terriss G, Josh Lee D, Chris Kallal F, Michael Small F
Newcomers:  Zach Ovics, Dan Starosta, J.C. Heck
Key Notes:  Terriss will be counted on to provide the type of netminding the Crusaders got over the past two seasons from graduated veteran Matt Esposito.  Also, the offensive spotlight will now shift to Kallal and Small, after AJHL MVP and Canadian Junior Hockey League player of the year Cody Kunyk moved on to U-S College. 

Sponsor Recognition

The Storm kick off their 2010-11 regular season tomorrow night, when they host the Sherwood Park Crusaders at the Canada Games Arena.  And once again this season, you will be able to catch every minute of all home and away regular season and playoff games on 104.7 FREE-FM, or online at http://www.1047freefm.com/.  Blackberry and IPhone users can also download our app from our website, and can listen to FREE-FM and the Storm anywhere.

Storm start season 12th in National Rankings

Some good news for the Storm on the eve of the 2010-11 season.  They are one of four AJHL teams to make the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) top 20 national rankings.

Storm Roster Update

Two more roster moves with the Storm to tell you about.......

Get Yourself Some "Storm" Donuts

(L-R) Storm coach Mike Vandekamp, mascot Slapshot, and Gillian MacDonald of Tim Horton's

(Photo courtesy of Don Moon)

The Storm and Tim Horton's have announced a unique feature that allows fans to put their support for the Storm where their mouth is. 

Storm release four, add one

The Storm's roster currently sits at 25 players, after four players were let go on Sunday, and one player was added this week. 

AJHL 2010-11 Preview

Besides providing colour commentary for our Storm broadcasts, Daily Hearld Tribune managing editor Fred Rinne also writes articles for Sun Media and AJHL.ca.  Here is Fred's take on how the 16 teams in the AJHL look coming into the new season, which begins Friday.   Enjoy!

http://www.ajhl.ca/news.html?newsID=53

AJHL Northern Classic

The AJHL and the Fort McMurray Oil Barons announced details this morning of the first-ever AJHL Northern Classic, which is set for November 26th at MacDonald Island Park in Fort McMurray.  It will feature the first junior hockey game to be played outdoors in Canada, as the Oil Barons will face the Drayton Valley Thunder.

Storm Confirm Captains

In a chat with Mike Vandekamp following Saturday's 5-3 win over Quesnel in Dawson Creek, he confirmed three of his four captains for this season.  (click on game summary blog to hear that interview). 

Storm - 5 Quesnel - 3

Bring on the regular season.

The Storm closed off their exhibition schedule in Dawson Creek Saturday afternoon with a 5-3 win over the BCHL's Quesnel Millionaires, finishing with a perfect 4-and-0 record. 

Storm - 3 Prince George - 2 (SO)

Sometimes, a final score can really flatter a hockey team.  That was definitely the case for the BCHL's Prince George Spruce Kings on Friday afternoon. 

Storm release two, lose one

The Storm lowered their pre-season roster to 28 prior to Friday's contest against the BCHL's Prince George Spruce Kings. 

Storm - 5 Dawson Creek - 4

First off, sorry for no earlier blogging on last night's game. Didn't get home from Dawson Creek until after midnight. That coupled with the 4am alarm call for work meant little time for sleep, and even less time for blogging.

Tuesday night audio

As promised, here is post game audio from Tuesday's 4-1 Storm pre-season win over Dawson Creek.

Storm - 4 Dawson Creek - 1

Mitch Neumeier with an in-close chance

The line of John Girman, Jordan Forfar and Darren Kramer combined for nine points as the Storm opened their exhibition schedule with a 4-1 win over the North American Hockey League's Dawson Creek Rage on Tuesday night at the Canada Games Arena.

And then there were 31

The Storm will carry 31 players into the pre-season, which begins Tuesday night with a home date against the Dawson Creek Rage of the North American Hockey League.  Its a 7pm start at the Games Arena, and marks the start of a home and home series between the two clubs.  They also face off Wednesday night at 8pm Alberta time at the Encana Events Center in Dawson Creek.

Blue - 3 White - 2 (Shoot out)

    ```

Tanner Fritz beats Colin Dzijacky for lone shoot out goal

Tanner Fritz scored the tying goal with just over a minute remaining in the third, and then had the lone goal in the shoot out, as team Blue came from behind to beat team White 3-2 in the Storm's annual intrasquad game.

AJHL Pre Season - August 28th

A busy night of AJHL exhibition play, with seven games on the schedule:

Storm Training Camp - Day 3 Evening scrimmage

The final scrimmage before Sunday's Blue-White Intrasquad game saw team Blue pick up a 4-2 win over team Gold.  Four year veteran Tanner Fritz recorded a hat trick for the Blue team, with Brett Grant adding the other goal.  Mitch Neumeier and Scott Nordstrom replied for the Gold team.  Saturday night's game was by far the most spirited and intense scrimmage of the weekend, as both teams ramped up their physical play.  Also of note, the entire game was played 4 on 4.

Storm/Edmonton Oilers Outbreak event in pictures

The Storm and the Edmonton Oilers Events team hosted an icebreaker event today.  Originally slated for the parking lot of the Crystal Centre, the rain and cold weather forced the event to be moved inside.  Here is a review of the event in pictures.

AJHL Pre Season - August 27th

Four games Friday night in AJHL Exhibition play:

Storm Training Camp - Day 2 Notes

The first scrimmage of camp highlighted day 2 of Storm training camp, as team Blue beat team Gold 4-2.

Local product Zack Mungall scored twice to lead the way for team Blue.  He was able to get a pair of wrist shots off quickly, the first one surprising Gold netminder Chase Komistek, who was caught a little deep in his net at the time.  John Girman and Jeff Clark had the other goals for team Blue, while Jon Aylward and Taylor Cote replied for team Gold. 

Storm Training Camp Rosters

Team Blue
Goal:
Lino Chimienti(91)                 Laval, QC
Kenny Cameron(93)             Calgary, AB
Christopher Wray(93)           Edmonton, AB
Curtis Skip(94)                     Grande Prairie, AB
Defence:
Caylen Walls(91)                  Lyalta, AB
Matt Cumming(91)               Kamloops, BC
Jeff Clark(92)                       Somerset, MB
Ben Woodley(91)                 London, ON
Matthew Chrystian(92)         Camrose, AB 
Kenton Helgeson(94)            Fairview, AB
Forwards:
Cam McWilliam(90)             Vancouver, BC
Tanner Fritz(91)                    Grande Prairie, AB 
John Girman(90)                   Mississauga, ON
Dan Correale(91)                 Prince George, BC
Zack Mungall(93)                 Grande Prairie, AB
Daniel Dale(93)                    Grande Prairie, AB
Daniel Bishop(92)                 Grande Prairie, AB
Kublai Barlas(94)                 Grande Prairie, AB
Brett Grant(92)                     St. Albert, AB
Curtis Bunney(93)                 Airdrie, AB


Team Gold
Goal:
Chase Komistek(92)             Medicine Hat, AB
Colin Dzijacky(92)                Thunder Bay, ON
Simon Thieleman(93)             Castor, AB
Defence:
Alex Lubczuk(91)                  Kitchener, ON
Josh Phillips(91)                     Toronto,, ON
Landon Hall(92)                     Stony Plain, AB
Nick Yeatman(90)                 Aurora, ON
Jeff Brown(93)                      Edmonton, AB
Scott Nordstrom(93)             Grande Prairie, AB
Forward:
Darren Kramer(91)                Peace River, AB
Jordan Forfar(90)                  Mt. Albert, ON
Taylor Cote(93)                     Falher, AB
Mitch Neumeier(91)               Dodsland, SK
Spencer Mault(92)                 Corman Park, SK
Jon Aylward(92)                    Grande Prairie, AB
Kolton Gillett(92)                   Red Deer, AB
Austin Ruud(93)                     Vermillion, AB
Warren Lothian(93)                Edmonton, AB
Derian Cardinal(93)                Saddle Lake, AB
Tanner Lomsnes(94)               Red Deer, AB

Storm Training Camp - Day 1 Notes

Training camp kicked off this morning with fitness testing, and then a team bonding exercise (in the rain) at Saskatoon Lake.  Some observations.....

Storm Training Camp - Day 1 - Video Blog # 2

Coach and General Manager Mike Vandekamp discusses a number of topics with me, including this year's physical testing, what fans can expect to see out of this year's club, and a few veterans that will not be on the ice this weekend. 

Storm Training Camp - Day 1 - Video Blog

I talked to several veterans after the morning physicals on day one of Storm camp, asking them about the testing and their thoughts on the coming season.  (Sorry about the shakyness at times.  Remember, the video is being done with only a BlackBerry.)

Storm, Canadian Tire Partner Up On Kidz Fan Club

The Storm have signed a three year agreement with Canadian Tire, who will become the exclusive sponsor of the Storm Kidz Fan Club.

Training Camp Ice Times

It's almost here.

Storm training camp kicks off tomorrow (Thursday) morning with registration at 9:30, and fitness testing beginning at 10:30.  The close to 40 players in camp will spend Thursday afternoon at a team building event and barbecue, before hitting the ice for the first time on Friday morning.

Here's how the on-ice schedule looks.

Oilers 'Fanboni' Coming To Grande Prairie This Weekend

To parody a song by the Gear Daddies.. "I Wanna Drive the 'Fanboni!"

The Storm are joining forces with the Edmonton Oilers for a special icebreaker event this Saturday.

In conjunction with the Storm's training camp, the Oilers are bringing their travelling event team to the front parking lot and lobby of the Crystal Centre between noon and 4.

AJHL Launches New Look Website, Other Multimedia Options

From http://www.ajhl.ca/

The Alberta Junior Hockey League today launched a new website and mobile site, which are now live for all fans to enjoy. The League has also introduced Twitter and Facebook pages to allow ultimate access and interaction with the AJHL.

Getting Ready For the Season

If you need something to get you geared up for training camp and the upcoming season, have a listen to this.

See you at the rink!

Familiar Faces On other Side in Pre Season

The Storm could see some familiar faces during their upcoming pre season schedule. 

CGA Ice Is All Ready To Go!

One thing I want to try on the blog this season is video taken with my Blackberry.  Here is test #1, taking a look at the ice at the Canada Games Arena.

ATTENTION! STORM SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

Business Manager Don Moon wants you!

The Storm are expanding their season ticket sales staff by...oh say.... a thousand people. 

The club has introduced a program that can put money in the pockets of season ticket holders, while putting more people into the Canada Games Arena. 

Storm Unveil 15th Anniversary Logo

  This season marks a pair of 15th anniversaries surrounding the Grande Prairie Storm.  And the team is planning to celebrate that anniversary in several ways. 

AJHL, Four Other Leagues, Launch Pilot Project to Reduce Violence and Bullying

from AJHL.ca

A group of five Member Leagues within the Canadian Junior Hockey League are proud to announce an unprecedented joint effort to eliminate violence and bullying from Junior A hockey.

Here we go again!

Another Grande Prairie Storm season is upon, and with that comes another attempt by myself to blog the news and events surrounding the hockey club throughout the season.