Kamloops native Owen Barrow, who was playing with the Storm, has now been signed by the BCHL's Powell River Kings (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

USHL IMPACT

Kamloops Storm starting to see impact of USHL movement; Barrow moves to BCHL

Jan 15, 2021 | 2:40 PM

KAMLOOPS — As the Kamloops Storm wait for the restart of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) season, the team might have retooling to do as Canadian players make their way down south to the U.S. Hockey League.

“There’s a lot of player movement at all levels right now,” said Storm co-owner and GM Matt Kolle. “Players are starting to protect themselves. As we’ve seen in the last couple weeks, players are choosing to go to the USHL and NAHL route, which starts to impact our hockey here in Canada.”

Some Western Hockey League and B.C. Hockey League players have migrated south with uncertainty about this season at home.

The player movement has already impacted the Storm with defenseman Owen Barrow leaving this week to sign with the Powell River Kings for the remainder of this season.

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“Oh yeah, it’s awesome,” said Barrow via Zoom from Powell River. “This was always the end goal for the end of this year to get to the BCHL, so it’s awesome to get here a bit sooner.”

The six-foot, 183-pound forward played just two games for the Storm before the KIJHL season was postponed in early December. Barrow wants to use this opportunity to get better.

“I just need to work on my little details like getting faster with my decisions and my footwork — just all around improve my little skills,” he said.

The Storm have been contacted by BCHL teams about two other players they predict will move up as well.

“We’re happy to see our players moving up in the hockey world,” said Kolle. “It does make us look that much better. We’ll probably anticipate losing a few more players as well.”

Kolle predicts the B.C. Major Midget League will also lose players, including the Thompson Blazers, as the Storm and other Junior B teams look to fill their rosters.

When they can officially return to the regular season is up to the provincial health office, which will provide an update on current restrictions Feb. 5.