Storm practice on Thursday ahead of playoff opener (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

STORM PLAYOFFS

Kamloops Storm looking for revenge as KIJHL playoffs open on Mac Island

Feb 23, 2024 | 1:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Storm and Sicamous Eagles are nothing if not equally matched. Over the past 13 matchups, it’s the Eagles leading by one. And after a gruelling seven-game series last year that went in favour of Sicamous, Kamloops will be looking for revenge.

“Last year, we went seven (games). I think it will probably be similar to this year. We are prepared to go seven but we are prepared to shut it down early if we need to as well,” said Ryan Larson, the Kamloops Storm’s leading scorer.

“With them being in our division, I’d say it’s a bit more personal. Throughout the season, it’s more of a battle. We know it’s going to lead to the playoffs, eventually. (We’re) just looking to compete,” added Captain Evan Clark.

For Head Coach Jan Ludvig, the clichés ring true, as the playoffs begin a new season for both sides that he sees as evenly matched, but playing contrasting styles.

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“We worked hard, the boys worked hard. They do the work, I just yell and scream. But, we put a lot of work into the season and we have high hopes, so we need to crank up the intensity and everything else,” Ludvig told CFJC Today.

Thanks to a win and an overtime loss last weekend, the Storm jumped the Eagles in the Birks Division standings, insuring Friday’s (Feb. 23) opener would be played on home ice.

“The first game of playoffs here at home, you are a bit more comfortable. You aren’t travelling or anything,” said Larson. “I think we would have liked to get the win in 100 Mile House, instead of losing in overtime, but it’s good we at least got the point, went in there got the job done and got home ice.”

The series also presents itself as one final ride for the veteran leadership of the Storm, including captain Clark and goaltender Colton Phillips-Watts.

“With the 20-year-old season, for me and the other 20-year-olds it is kind of more personal. It’s like the last dance here. It’s pretty serious in the room but we are looking forward to it,” said Clark.

“It’s a lot more scary but it’s a lot more to play for, so that motivates me,” added Phillips-Watts.

Game One of the best-of-seven series goes Friday night from the Olympic sheet at McArthur Island.