Lee Stone is no longer general manager and head coach of the Campbell River Storm.
In a surprise announcement, a statement on the Jr. B hockey team’s Twitter account, says, “Effective immediately, the Campbell River Storm and head coach and general manager Lee Stone have mutually agreed to part ways. Cam Basarab and Bill Brett will continue with the program as coaches. Basarab will assume the title of head coach and Brett will assume the title of general manager moving forward.
“Stone, while pursuing other opportunities, will stay on board as a senior advisor to the owner and staff, shifting his focus to running a Cyclone Taylor Cup.”
The statement says there will be no further comment from the club, but the Mirror reached out to team owner Linda Lahtinen, who issued the following additional statement.
“I would like to thank Lee Stone for his hard work, dedication and unwavering support not just for myself but the entire Storm program. I will always be grateful for his efforts to help save the Storm program over the past four years and return it to the top where it belongs.
“I am looking forward to continue working with Lee for the rest of the year as a Senior Advisor to the Storm. I look forward to working with Lee to bring Campbell River an exceptional Cyclone Taylor Cup in April.
“Excited to see what the future hold for Lee as he is an exceptional coach and person.”
The Storm have been one of the most successful clubs in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League in recent years, winning the league title last year and currently leading the North Division with 43 points (second overall in the league), all while being one of the most successful teams in filling its stands at Rod Brind’Amour Arena.
— Campbell River Storm (@CR_STORM) November 8, 2018