Mark Berry
Special to the Mirror
In the past four weeks, the Campbell River Storm have been riddled by injuries but they have found a way to pick up points and are undefeated in their last 15 games.
On Saturday night, with one starting goalie already out of the line-up, Riley Welyk received a devastating hit that sent him to the hospital for stitches. A/P Jaydlin Spooner got her first taste of Junior hockey and played almost two full periods.
“I was a little nervous but I calmed myself down and focussed,” said the 16 year old Midget player from the VI Seals, adding, “I told myself that the first couple of saves are huge in a game so I just saved them.”
Despite conceding two goals, the 5’7”, 140 pound, netminder was solid, stopping some point blank shots and staring down Glacier Kings sniper Brandon McReynolds on a second period breakaway.
A big contingent of Storm fans made the trip to Courtenay and were very vocal in their support as were her teammates who virtually shut the Kings down in the final 25 minutes. Spooner picked up the win, was named 1st star and received the game’s “Golden Shovel” awarded by the Storm team to their standout player.
General Manager and Head Coach, Lee Stone, said following the game, “It’s pretty special, I get to help with that Seals team, see how hard she works and see how successful she is at that level. For her to get the opportunity, come in and not just play but make some big, big, saves in the 2nd period is incredible.”
Colin Blake was brilliant on Saturday picking up the hat-trick and contributing all weekend long.
The tricky forward accounted for 7 points over the weekend (5 goals, 2 assists).
On Friday, the Storm were on the road in Saanich and beat the Braves 5-4 in overtime. Austin Steger scored the winner on an end to end rush at 2:52 of the extra frame.
On Monday, they were once again at the Comox Valley Sports Centre where they dominated the Glacier Kings 7-1.
Welyk was back in goal and although he didn’t face much rubber, set the tone by making a big stop early.
With so many key players out of the line-up, the Red and Black are scoring by committee; seven different scorers Monday afternoon. Michal Holub scored the game winner in the first period and was named the game’s first star.
The Campbell River Storm hold the second best record in BC Junior B Hockey, a .826 win percentage, behind the Victoria Cougars.
The final regular season home game is against the Oceanside Generals on Friday.
Campbell River will close out the season on February 18 in Nanaimo.
Looking ahead to the playoffs later in the month, the Storm will play the winner of the wildcard game which, at this point, should see the Generals battle the Saanich Braves.