Two new faces will be helming the Campbell River Storm’s 2024-25 Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) campaign.
Wes Roed, the team’s director of hockey operations, announced Lou Gravel as the new general manager and Troy Newans as head coach and assistant general manager.
“I am very proud of joining an organization such as the Campbell River Storm,” says Gravel, who has been on the Island since 1933.
Gravel has spent 20 years scouting for teams in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), two years with the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League, and seven years as the director of scouting for the Aberdeen Wings of the North American Hockey League.
“I have watched the VIJHL evolve into a top Canadian development league of young junior hockey players for over 30 years, and I look forward to continuing the winning culture that already exists with the Storm,” Gravel says. “I am also excited in working closely with both owners, new head coach Troy Newans, and the entire staff of the Storm.”
Troy Newans was previously the head coach of the VIJHL’s Nanaimo Buccaneers last season and the Kerry Park Islanders during the 2021-22 season.
“I am extremely excited to be a part of such a great organization with an amazing history,” says Newans. “I’m looking forward to getting right (to) work with the staff on continuing to put a great product together on the ice and off the ice.”
The Buccaneers finished its season with only one win in 48 games.
Gravel says he has known Newans for many years as a coach and as a family man.
“I have zero doubts in his ability as a coach and feel he is the best candidate available in order to continue the success the community of Campbell River is used to. We have already started our recruitment of players for next season and are excited to see the new blood coming in and joining our returning players. We will have a new look, new leadership, and a new attitude we hope Campbell River can be proud of.”