Image credit: CFJC Today/Anthony Corea

By Marty Hastings

IN THE KIJHL

‘It’s championship or bust’: Storm confident after sizzling start to KIJHL season

Nov 28, 2025 | 4:24 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Storm forward Teghan Mullin is confident his club’s position atop Kootenay International Junior Hockey League standings is no fluke.

“I think this year, it’s championship or bust,” said Mullin, an 18-year-old forward from Kamloops. “The last couple of years, we’ve been so close. But this year, I just feel that we have that extra kick. Everything is rolling now.”

Kamloops (16-4-1-0) is scheduled to host the Williams Lake Mustangs on Friday (Nov. 28), with game time slated for 7:00 p.m. at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre.

The 100 Mile House Wranglers will host the Storm on Saturday.

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Kamloops assistant coach Harrison Ewert said his club is at its bruising best when adhering to a philosophy of physicality — and he credits General Manager Matt Kolle and Director of Scouting and Player Personnel Carter Grice for building the team with that in mind.

“A few times this year, we’ve gotten away from that and it hasn’t worked out for us,” Ewert said. “For the most part, we’ve got a really deep lineup. The guys we have here are all capable of playing at a pretty high level.”

The club is receiving ample contribution from its 18-year-old contingent.

“It’s good to be relied on more this year,” said Kieran Thibault, an 18-year-old defenceman from Kamloops.

“And it’s good for the local boys that are 18 to help this team. I think we’ve got what it takes to get a ‘ship.”

The Storm have won eight of their last 10 games, thanks in part to goaltender Brenner Fyfe, who is 12-3 this season with a .916 save percentage.

“It’s not just me,” said Fyfe, who was name the Doug Birks Division’s top goalie last season. “I think everyone’s clicking right now and I feel like just in general we’re getting better as a group on D, so it’s just been easier for me.”

The Wranglers bounced the Storm from the playoffs last season, dispatching them in six games in Round 2.

More recently, 100 Mile House (6-7-3-2) vanquished hometown Kamloops 4-1 on Oct. 11.

Williams Lake (9-7-1-1) also got the best of Kamloops earlier this season, with a 7-6 triumph over the River City visitors on Oct. 3.

“We didn’t forget about that,” Thibault said. “So we’re going to come in with a chip on our shoulder.”