Storm looking like Contenders early on as they sit at the top of Division

Image Credit - Fallsway Marketing & Media/Alex Beckett

The Kamloops Storm are off to a blistering start this season, currently sitting first in the Doug Birks Division and third overall in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League standings. Their early-season surge speaks volumes about how well the organization is running on all cylinders.

At the heart of the offense, three names are standing out. Noah Paulsen leads the club with 9 goals and 9 assists for 18 points in 13 games. Teghan Mullin has been right behind him with 11 goals and 5 assists for 16 points in 13 games, while Luca D’Amore has added 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points in 13 appearances. That kind of offensive production has given the Storm a dangerous scoring threat every time they hit the ice.

But this isn’t just a one-dimensional team. The Storm have been solid in every position, including defense and goaltending. The blue line has done an excellent job limiting high-quality chances, while the goaltenders have provided consistency and confidence between the pipes. Their defensive structure has been just as important to their success as their offensive firepower.

Veteran leadership has also been a major key to the team’s early success. From the opening weeks of the season, the Storm have preached the importance of experience, accountability, and leadership both on and off the ice. That veteran presence has helped set the tone in the locker room, guiding the younger players and ensuring the group stays focused and composed in tight games.

On special teams, the Storm have one of the strongest power plays in the league. Their ability to capitalize with the man advantage has been a major factor in building and maintaining leads. The power play has given them momentum in key moments and has been a difference-maker in several early-season wins.

With strong play in all areas of the game; offense, defense, goaltending, and special teams, along with the steady influence of their veteran core, the Kamloops Storm have firmly established themselves as one of the top teams early on in the KIJHL.