Quick Shift: Kamloops Storm | Kamloops Storm
Kamloops Storm general manager Matt Kolle is getting a head start on building his team for a Junior A Tier 1 level – as they are hopeful to receive that status. In their Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Quick Shift team preview, Kolle says your team has to take a step to the next level.
“We believe if you want to be that, you have to be that,” he says. “We want our hockey team to be hockey players. We don’t want to be players playing hockey. We want hockey players.”
KIJHL: What should fans be excited about when it comes to this team?
MK: We’re young, skilled, fast and hungry. I think that combination brings excitement for people.
KIJHL: What areas are you looking to improve from last season?
MK: It’s a bit of a turnover season becoming a younger team. I’m not sure if it’s improving from last season as much as what our team make-up has to offer. We’re probably a stronger team with more skilled and creative players. We feel like we’re going to bring some offence. Defensively we’re young, we’re going to have to work hard to develop that backend and get them up to the speed the offence brings. We have a great two-goaltender tandem that we expect big things from.
KIJHL: You added forward David Ander in a trade, what do you like about him that he will bring to the team?
MK: He’s a good all-round player, who does a bit of everything well. He’s got some grit, is good in the defensive zone, creative in the offensive zone, and can put pucks in the net.
KIJHL: Are there any returning players that you are expecting to have big seasons? Talk about what you are hoping to see from them.
MK: I think it’s going to come naturally with the returning veterans all a year older. We have expectations for all of them.
Teaghan Mullin had a great rookie year as a 16-year-old, and we’re expecting him to surpass those numbers (33 points in 43 games). We think his ceiling is higher and his production is going to go up. (Note: Mullin recently returned from the WHL Portland Winterhawks camp.)
Braycen Dube is very gifted, skilled, and a very smart hockey player. If all indicators from early pre-season go, he is going to have a monster season. (Note: Dube produced 17 points in 19 games following a trade from Kimberley.)
Lochlan Stefanishyn is a big, powerful forward with all the tools to really dominate. I think him playing happy and hungry makes him a force to stop. (Note: 33 points in 43 games)
KIJHL: Are there first-year players who are ready to make an immediate impact?
MK: Absolutely. We had some APs from last year get in a good number of games and playoff looks. Some of them really know what they are getting into and are comfortable today – Luca D’Amore (five GP), Noah Paulsen (five GP) and Kieran Thibault (five playoff games) returned from Kamloops Blazers camp.
Nikolas Dimopolous should slide in seamlessly and contribute a lot. He is a big, strong forward, who uses his size (6-2, 175 pounds) to his advantage. He is a work-horse type player and excels in all areas. He is willing to put his body on the line.
D’Amore is a big, powerful forward and has some skill. He uses his size (6-4, 190 pounds) to his advantage and can finish.
Paulsen is an opportunist. He comes out of nowhere. He led the way for the major midget team last year (38 points in 36 games) and is a real big production guy. We expect his speed and tenacity to pay off.
Thibeault is a big (6-2, 190 pounds), strong, solid defenceman who breaks up a lot of plays. He has offensive upside because of his mobility and moving pucks.
Aaron Zulinik has returned from the Portland winterhawks and has a ton of confidence. He is very creative offensively, evasive and smart. You can tell when there is a next level player and that is Aaron.
KIJHL: When it comes to your leadership group, what are the important characteristics that you want each player to possess?
MK: First is good people – to teammates, fans and the community. That is the most important piece for our leadership. We want them to carry themselves in that manner and it will rub off on their teammates. Next is being a good teammate and doing what it takes to lead the way.