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STORM ADD YOUNG FORWARD TO ROSTER
Thu, Jul 02 2009
Dan Correale, his father and his brother made a quick visit to Grande Prairie on Canada Day to check out the Canada Games Arena and the city.
Next time his father and brother visit they’ll be watching Dan wearing a Grande Prairie Storm uniform and hel
ping the Storm defend its Alberta Junior Hockey League championship.
Correale, who turns 18 on August 21, is from Prince George, B.C.
“We are very excited to add Dan to our roster,” said Storm coach/general manager Mike Vandekamp of the young forward. “He is a terrific skater and has good offensive skills.”
The 5-foot-10, 185 pounder has spent some time playing in the British Columbia Hockey League finishing up last season with the Prince George Cariboo Cougars Major Midget team.
He had 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points in just 14 regular season games with the Cougars and added two goals and four helpers in five playoff games.
Vandekamp will be looking for some offence from Correale, whose father, Mike, is a former BCHL’er with the Kelowna Buckaroos.
“He will play in all situations for us including powerplay and penalty kill. Most importantly, we are adding another young man who is very committed to the game and has the work ethic and dedication we are trying to build this team around.”
Local fans will get a chance to see Correale in action when the team opens its fall camp in late August in the Canada Games Arena. First regular season home game for the team is September 18.
STORM TRADE FOR BIG, HIGH-SCORING FORWARD
Mon, Jun 29 2009
The Grande Prairie Storm have added some size and scoring punch to their lineup.
John Chayka will be wearing Storm colors this coming season.
Chayka was the third leading scorer in the Maritime Junior A Hockey League last season with the Woodstock Slammers.
He scored 24 goals and added 56 assists for 80 points in 51 games with the Slammers.
"We are very excited to be adding John Chayka to our roster for the upcoming season,” said Storm coach/general manager Mike Vandekamp. “We are getting a player who has plenty of size and skill. He will add offensive punch to our forward g
roup and will be an asset to our powerplay.”
Chayka spent two years with the Slammers. His first season he had 14 goals and 39 assists as an 18-year-old. Before that he played two seasons of Junior B in Ontario.
“John was looking for a move out west and is committed to reaching his goal of obtaining an NCAA Division I hockey opportunity for the 2010-2011 season,” said Vandekamp. “Most importantly we are adding another player who has solid character, work ethic, and commitment."
Chayka is a native of St. Catharines, Ont.
“It’s a very exciting time for me and my family,” said Chayka. “I have done a lot of research (on the Storm) and have seen nothing but good things.”
And what does Chayka, who has never been west, know about the Storm?
“The tradition and the reputation for moving players on (to the NCAA),” he says. “I’m looking forward to it.”
He calls himself a “skills” player.
“I’m a player who is looking to create a lot of offence – move the puck and score when I have to.”
He was traded to the Storm for forward Doug Reid.
Reid, who is also from Ontario, played one season with the Storm scoring 13 goals and collecting 31 points in 62 regular season games.
"It was very difficult to give up Doug Reid in this trade,” said Vandekamp. “We would like to thank Doug and his family for their commitment to the Grande Prairie Storm this past season."
Chayka, who stands six-foot-three and weighs 195 pounds, turned 20 on June 9.
STORM EXPANDS OPERATIONS
Mon, Jun 15 2009
The Grande Prairie Storm set records for wins, points and fewest goals in the Alberta Junior Hockey League last season and won the league championship.
Once again the team also led the nation in attendance and set a record for sponsorship dollars raised.
It was a banner season!
The team, however, isn’t going to rest on its laurels. The executive has made some changes.
“In an effort to expand our operation the executive has decided to split the business manager role into two positions,” said Storm
chairman Brian Nash (photo). “Our business operation has grown so much over the last few years it became too much for one person.”
As a result, Don Moon, who held the business manager’s role on a full-time basis since 1996, will become, through his new company, responsible for sales for the team. The team is looking for someone to handle marketing and promotions.
“The Storm organization would like to thank Don for his contributions to the team over the last 14 years and getting us to this point on the business side of things,” said Nash. “When we talk about important assets to our organization we always mention Don Moon and we are very pleased he will remain with team through his new company in the sales area.”
Moon has created a company called Don Moon Enterprises and will put to use his experience and expertise for clients in the community in the areas of public relations; media liaison; and marketing as well as looking after sales for the Storm.
“The Storm is a very exciting team and organization including the ‘show’ we have put on at Storm games; having one of the best and most hit websites in Junior A hockey in Canada; and what we have accomplished with our many community programs,” said Moon. “I will now be out in the community selling sponsorships and new season tickets to help ensure another successful season for the team as we all cheer on coach Mike Vandekamp and his players.”
Lori Hoddinott will remain with the team in the position of office manager.
Anyone interested in applying for the marketing/promotions role with the team can contact chairman Brian Nash at 780-814-0402 or email brian.nash@marlintravel.ca
GOLF TOURNEY GOES SATURDAY
Fri, Jun 26 2009
For the second year in a row the Grande Prairie Storm and Halliburton Energy have partnered with a goal of raising funds for charity.
On Saturday at the Grande Prairie Golf and Country club golfers will be teeing off in a golf tournament sponsored by the Halliburton HES Social Club and the Storm with the proceeds from the tournament going to Sunrise House.
Last year 140 golfers took part in the event and organizers are hoping for the same number this year.
Storm players, coaches and executive members will be taking part along with Storm alumni, local businesspeople and others.
A banquet is planned following the 18 holes of golf. There will be draws for prizes and a silent auction.
A few spots are still open for anyone interested in taking part.
Entry fee is $125 and includes 18 holes of golf, power cart, dinner and prizes. Additional dinner tickets are available for $30.
Anyone interested in taking part can contact Ray Mildenberger at 780-882-9523 or email him at Ray.Mildenbeger@Halliburton.com.
Tournament registration takes place at 11:30 a.m. at the golf course with a shotgun tee off at 1:30 p.m. in the four-ball, best-ball event. The banquet starts at 7 p.m.
STORM EXPANDS OPERATIONS
Mon, Jun 15 2009
The Grande Prairie Storm set records for wins, points and fewest goals in the Alberta Junior Hockey League last season and won the league championship.
Once again the team also led the nation in attendance and set a record for sponsorship dollars raised.
It was a banner season!
The team, however, isn’t going to rest on its laurels. The executive has made some changes.
“In an effort to expand our operation the executive has decided to split the business manager role into two positions,” said Storm chairman Brian Nash (photo). “Our business operation has grown so much over the last few years it became too much for one person.”
As a result, Don Moon, who held the business manager’s role on a full-time basis since 1996, will become, through his new company, responsible for sales for the team. The team is looking for someone to handle marketing and promotions.
“The Storm organization would like to thank Don for his contributions to the team over the last 14 years and getting us to this point on the business side of things,” said Nash. “When we talk about important assets to our organization we always mention Don Moon and we are very pleased he will remain with team through his new company in the sales area.”
Moon has created a company called Don Moon Enterprises and will put to use his experience and expertise for clients in the community in the areas of public relations; media liaison; and marketing as well as looking after sales for the Storm.
“The Storm is a very exciting team and organization including the ‘show’ we have put on at Storm games; having one of the best and most hit websites in Junior A hockey in Canada; and what we have accomplished with our many community programs,” said Moon. “I will now be out in the community selling sponsorships and new season tickets to help ensure another successful season for the team as we all cheer on coach Mike Vandekamp and his players.”
Lori Hoddinott will remain with the team in the position of office manager.
Anyone interested in applying for the marketing/promotions role with the team can contact chairman Brian Nash at 780-814-0402 or email brian.nash@marlintravel.ca
STORM VISIT KATERI SCHOOL
Fri, Jun 12 2009
STORM PLAYERS RYAN SMITH (LEFT) BLAKE CLEMENT, MORGAN MACLEAN, ADAM YOUNG AND MARK STOJAN PAID A VISIT TO KATERI MISSION SCHOOL ON FRIDAY. THEY BROUGHT ALONG THE AJHL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY. THE VISIT WAS PART OF THE MAC'S/PIZZA HUT READ UP A WINTER STORM READING PROGRAM. THE PLAYERS STUCK AROUND AND HAD SOME PIZZA HUT PIZZA WITH THE CHILDREN.