The Kamloops Storm have never won the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League title.
They are positioned well to change that dubious fact this season, sitting atop league standings as of the Chronicle’s publication deadline and running away with the Doug Birks Division.
The Storm — who have been to the final four times since the franchise moved to the Tournament Capital from Osoyoos in 2006 — reached the league’s holiday break with a record of 21 wins, four losses, one overtime defeat and one shootout loss.
After a second-round exit from the playoffs last season (vanquished in six games by the 100 Mile House Wranglers), the Storm hatched a plan to retool in the off-season and ice a deep club that adheres to a philosophy of physicality.
“The players we went out and recruited, they’re the right guys,” Storm general manager Matt Kolle said. “We’re 25-men deep. That’s why we are where we are — depth.”
Teghan Mullin, one of eight Kamloopsians on the roster, is convinced his club has what it takes to exorcise the demons of the past and make club history.
“This year, it’s championship or bust,” Mullin said. “The last couple of years, we’ve been so close. But this year, I just feel that we have that extra kick. Everything is rolling now.”
Mullin and Luca D’Amore (also from Kamloops) were tied for the team lead in scoring at the holiday break, each with 41 points after 27 games.
The Storm boast one of the top goaltenders on the Junior A Tier 2 circuit, Brenner Fyfe, who was 15-3 with a .924 save percentage after 18 games.
“It’s not just me,” said Fyfe, who was named the Doug Birks Division’s top goalie last season. “I think everyone’s clicking right now and I feel like just in general we’re getting better as a group on D, so it’s just been easier for me.”
Kolle, head coach Andrew Fisher and director of scouting and player personnel Carter Grice have much to ponder ahead of the Jan. 10 trade deadline.
Do they make changes designed to improve championship aspirations at the risk of tampering with formidable team chemistry?
“We’re certainly happy with the mix that we’ve got here,” Fisher said. “That said, are we always looking to improve? Of course. If there are any moves to be made, I think it’s going to have to be not only the right player, but the right person coming back our way.”
Added Mullin: “In the dressing room, we’re real tight. I think we have a really strong group right now. I don’t think we need to make many changes as of right now because we’re a top team.”
Kamloops has 10 games in January, seven of which will be played at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre.
“We want to remain on top,” Mullin said.
“We want to go out there and win a championship.”