Storm practice (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

GAME SEVEN

Kamloops Storm set for third straight Game 7, searching for revenge

Mar 4, 2024 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Storm are no strangers to the two greatest words in sports — Game 7 — as for the second straight year versus Sicamous Eagles, and third overall, it will be winner takes all Monday night (March 4) on McArthur Island.

“We just kind of counter-play off each other great. One night we bring it to them and then the next night they are bringing it to us,” said Ryan Larson, the Storm’s leading playoff scorer with seven points through the first six games. “It’s back and forth, back and forth. It shows how close we are, shows that there is no easy series, no easy game. You have to show up every night to play.”

Both Larson and Captain Evan Clark have been part of two previous Game 7s, including last year’s heartbreak to Sicamous, something Clark will clear from his mind ahead of puck drop Monday night.

“Yes, but at the same try to just forget about all our losses just move forward because it is a new game every night,” Clark told CFJC Sports.

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Unlike the two veterans, the team has been buoyed by excellent play from its rookies who will be experiencing Game 7 for the first time with an important message from the leadership group.

“Just be calm and trust yourself, right?” outlined Larson. “I know it’s probably nerve-wracking, but after the first shift you kind of forget about it and just play. Just being confident in your abilities and staying calm, and staying focused. Not getting to caught up in it and playing hockey.”

It would take a razor blade to separate the Eagles and Storm. Over the past 19 games played, last year’s Game 7, 2-1 Eagles win is the only difference in a 9-8 series rivalry.

“Both really competitive teams and within the same division we see each other a lot,” said Clark. “It crazy it ends up like that 9-8 for them. Hopefully we can make it 9-9 [Monday night].”

Physicality will be the name of the game for the Storm, as they look to set the tone and activate the home crowd early.

“Set the tone with them and show them how we are going to be coming all night long — fast and hard. I think we’ve been trying to do that all series, too, just building up to this game, a real physical and fast game. I think they are going to know it’s coming,” said Clark.

“Our physicality has to be there [Monday night],” added Larson. “You can see it. When we are throwing the body, they can’t handle us and they get worn down. We just have to keep that going and our chances will come off that,” added Larson.

Puck drop Monday is 7:00 p.m. from the Olympic sheet at McArthur Island. The winner earns the right to take on the Birks Division champion Revelstoke Grizzlies in Round Two.