By Victor Kaisar

Storm 5 Centennials 2

Kamloops Storm win first Doug Birks Division title in over a decade

Feb 8, 2026 | 9:41 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Storm have clinched the Doug Birks Division title for the first time in over a decade.

The Storm (29-8-1-1) knocked off the Merritt Centennials 5-2 at McArthur Island Saturday (Feb. 7) in the second Coquihalla Clash of the season. They lead the KIJHL with 60 points from 39 games, one point ahead of the Revelstoke Grizzlies (28-6-1-2), who have two games in hand.

The Kootenay Conference-leading Kimberly Dynamiters (28-7-2-2) also have 60 points from 39 games, but the Storm hold the edge as they’ve won more games in regulation.

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Goals from Kamloops’ Kuy Schmirler and Merritt’s Noah Lawless had the two teams tied after the first period at McArthur Island Saturday.

While Quinn Ramsay put the Storm back in front at 8:30 of the second, a power play marker from Troy Horn evened the score at 2-2 at 17:21. Hayden Selin then put Kamloops in front for good just seven seconds later.

Nicholas Clark and Ramsay’s second of the night scored in the first and last minute of the final period respectively made it a 5-2 final. Ramsay picked up an assist on the Storm’s opening goal to finish with a three-point night.

Kamloops netminder Brenner Fyfe stopped 26 of 28 shots to pick up his 20th win of the season. Merritt’s Tyler Picha turned aside 24 of 29 shots in a losing effort.

The Storm have five games left in the KIJHL regular season, starting with a home game against the Williams Lake Mustangs this Friday (Feb. 13). They’re also due to play the Heat in Chase on Valentine’s Day Saturday.