CAMPBELL RIVER, BC — The Campbell River Storm are proud to announce the return of Pearce Messer to the organization, joining the coaching staff as a Skills Coach for the 2026-27 season. Messer will focus on offensive skills and concepts, while also serving as an eye in the sky, providing in-game feedback and a fresh perspective to the coaching staff.

Messer is no stranger to the Storm organization. He suited up for parts of five seasons in Campbell River, helping the club capture two VIJHL Championships. Over his playing career, Messer recorded 37 goals and 53 assists for 90 points in 91 regular season games, adding another 17 points in 27 playoff contests. He went on to serve as an Assistant Coach with the Storm during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.

“My role will be more behind the scenes watching games and giving feedback to the coaches to give a different perspective,” said Messer. “Working with Lee all these years, I feel I’ve got a pretty good understanding of what he’s looking for and can help by potentially seeing things they don’t down at ice level.”

“I’m also looking forward to getting back in the rink,” Messer added. “I’ve taken the last few years away from hockey and am excited to be back as a part of it. I think players can expect feedback in offensive zone situations and offensive skills work that goes along with it!”

Head Coach & General Manager Lee Stone welcomed Messer back to the fold.

“Pearce has made Campbell River home after spending nearly 10 years here now. He is a true Storm at heart and having him part of the program is a big moment for myself personally and the program as a whole,” said Stone. “His ability to shoot the puck and educate others on the mechanics of shooting is right up there with anyone in the game. He will help our players take a step offensively with the work he does with them!”

“We’re excited he wants to be back in the rink and back with the program,” Stone continued. “Once a home, always a home. Welcome back Pearce!”

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC — The Campbell River Storm are proud to announce the return of Brett Kinley to the organization, this time behind the bench as the team’s newest Skills Coach.

Kinley’s history with the Storm runs deep. He first suited up for Campbell River as a 16-year-old affiliate player and went on to play parts of five seasons with the club, wrapping up his playing career as a 20-year-old. Over 108 VIJHL games with the Storm, Kinley posted 41 goals and 41 assists for 82 points, adding 22 points in 36 playoff games. He was a key contributor to three VIJHL Championship teams during his time in Campbell River.

“I’m really looking forward to working on individual skill in the face off circle, and to work on the power play creating time and space with the boys,” said Kinley.

“I’m most excited to return to the atmosphere in the room. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Storm dressing room and it’s a first class organization,” he added.

Kinley says players can expect a coach who leads by example. “Players can expect me to show up with a positive attitude, embrace the grind and have fun doing it.”

Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone could not be happier to welcome Kinley back to the fold.

“Kinner is a champion through and through. We are beyond excited to welcome Brett and his entire family back to the Storm organization!” said Stone.

“His work ethic and character when he played was off the charts and the way he conducts himself in the community and as a father is something we absolutely want for our boys to look up to and aspire to.”

Stone also pointed to the value of Kinley’s championship pedigree. “His championship experience is something that will be extremely valuable for our boys to learn about. He understands what it takes to win and the sacrifices you have to make to be successful in March and April!”

A big welcome back to Brett and his entire family!

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – The Campbell River Storm are proud to announce the hiring of Tom McEvay as Educational Advisor and Consultant for the organization.

McEvay is the founder of McEvay Consulting and brings over 45 years of experience as an educator, including 25 years as a school principal in Port Alberni, British Columbia. Raised in Victoria, BC, McEvay played his minor and junior hockey in his hometown before earning a hockey scholarship to the University of British Columbia, where he pursued his passions as a player, coach and educator.

Throughout his career, McEvay has shared his knowledge and experience with young athletes, families and coaches across the continent. He currently serves as Educational Advisor for three BCHL Junior A programs: the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Nanaimo Clippers and Coquitlam Express.

“I am pleased to help the Campbell River Storm set up a strong educational program,” stated McEvay. “Anytime I can help youth combine their passion and skills as an athlete with the importance of their educational planning and long-term goals, I am happy to do so. I commend the Storm for making this investment for their players and look forward to working with them.”

Storm Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone praised the addition of McEvay to the organization.

“I was lucky enough to meet Tom during my initial years scouting with Alberni Valley and was immediately impressed by his passion and dedication for helping young players succeed in their on-ice goals by accomplishing the necessary education requirements,” said Stone.

“His ability to walk families and players through the NCAA process is second to none. His expertise strengthens our program and shows a commitment to players that striving for excellence doesn’t just happen on the ice surface.”

“A big thank you to Tom for joining the Storm family!”

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC — The Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) are pleased to announce the return of Colten Hayes as the organization’s Alberta Scout.

Hayes is the owner/operator of Coast 2 Coast (C2C) Hockey Development, based out of Okotoks, AB. A veteran of over 200 professional games, he was most recently named Defenseman of the Year in the NCHL-AB Men’s Senior Hockey league. His coaching résumé spans the SCAHL, AEHL, HJHL and AJHL, giving him deep connections throughout Alberta’s hockey landscape.

Hayes has previously served as an Alberta Scout for the Storm and has worked closely with Head Coach & General Manager Lee Stone for years.

“As the Alberta Scout for the Storm, my role is to identify and evaluate talented players throughout the province who have the character, work ethic, and skill set to succeed at the next level,” said Hayes. “I’ll be attending games, showcases, and camps while building relationships with players, coaches, and organizations to help recruit athletes who fit the Storm’s culture and vision.”

“Outside of the Storm, I own and operate Coast2Coast (C2C) Hockey Development, where I work with players of all ages and skill levels year-round,” Hayes added. “C2C offers elite skill development, power skating, team training, spring and summer camps, and off-ice athletic performance programs. My passion is helping athletes reach their full potential by providing a positive, high-performance development environment both on and off the ice.”

“I’m excited to join an organization that is committed to finding and developing quality players while building a winning culture,” said Hayes. “I’m looking forward to connecting with athletes across Alberta, helping identify talent, and giving deserving players an opportunity to continue pursuing their hockey goals. It’s a great opportunity to be part of an organization that values player development and long-term success.”

Storm Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone welcomed Hayes back to the fold.

“Hayzer has first-hand knowledge working with me over the years on the type of players and people we want in our organization,” said Stone. “He has a firm grasp on what it takes to play beyond our level and has a keen eye for players with the potential to not just succeed with our program, but beyond at the next level.”

“He will be a bit of a crossover scout for us as well,” Stone continued. “Any players we look to bring into our program he will watch. He’ll watch games we play this year, and we are always eager to hear his feedback. His opinion is something we value greatly in our organization, and we’re thrilled he’s back working with us!”

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – The Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) are pleased to announce the hiring of Cam Reid as Scout, Eastern United States.

Reid is based out of Castleton, Vermont, where he is entering his senior year at Vermont State University. He is majoring in Business Administration and Sports Management while competing as a student-athlete on both the men’s hockey and golf teams.

A standout defenseman, Reid spent the majority of the 2019-2023 seasons with the Kimberley Dynamiters of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL), while also suiting up for the Cranbrook Bucks of the BCHL for parts of two seasons.

“My role with the Storm will primarily focus on video operations and player evaluation,” said Reid. “I will be responsible for evaluating players, finding and organizing video clips that support the coaching staff’s teaching points, and assisting with other video-related procedures. Through film analysis, I will help provide information that can be used to improve player performance and support team development.”

“What excites me most about working with the Storm is the opportunity to learn the coaching and management side of hockey,” Reid continued.

“Having spent most of my life as a player, I am excited to gain a new perspective on the game and learn how successful organizations operate behind the scenes. I look forward to working with the coaching staff and contributing to player development through video analysis and evaluation.”

“My long-term goal is to continue playing hockey after I graduate and pursue opportunities to play professionally,” Reid added.

“Hockey has been a major part of my life, and I would like to continue competing at the highest level possible. Once my playing career comes to an end, I hope to transition into coaching and remain involved in the sport. I am passionate about helping players develop their skills and reach their potential, and I look forward to using my experience as both a player and student-athlete to build a career in coaching.”

Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone shared his excitement about the addition.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Cam to the Storm family,” said Stone. “He is an impressive young man that is already focusing on his post playing career even though he has many years of professional hockey in his future if he so chooses.”

“What is most unique about this situation is his ability to utilize his role with us for his education,” Stone continued. “We have always been about providing opportunity to young players moving into the management or coaching side of the game. Cam is a perfect example of the type of determined, young man that we want representing our program!”

Associate Coach and Assistant General Manager Vin Jackson, who has known Reid since their minor hockey days, echoed Stone’s enthusiasm.

“Cam is one of the most knowledgeable hockey minds I have had the privilege of knowing,” said Jackson. “We played together in midget and quickly became close friends, united by our shared passion for the game. His understanding of hockey, keen eye for talent, and ability to evaluate the game set him apart.”

“I have no doubt that his transition into scouting and coaching will be a seamless one,” Jackson added. “We are incredibly fortunate to have him on board and are excited to support him as he continues what promises to be a very bright future in the game of hockey.”

STORM WELCOME BACK MARK BERRY AS DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC — The Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) are pleased to announce the return of Mark Berry to the organization in the role of Director of Media Relations.

Berry brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served as the Storm’s broadcaster for nine seasons. During that time, he earned VIJHL Broadcaster of the Year honors three times, establishing himself as one of the most respected voices in junior hockey on Vancouver Island. In his new role, Berry’s primary focus will be promoting the players and staff within the Storm program.

“Bringing Mark back was high priority when I returned to Campbell River,” said Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone. “He was and will continue to be a massive part of building the Storm brand and promoting our players.”

Stone spoke to the impact Berry has on the organization both on and off the ice.

“Mark elevates our program and makes sure that families back at home get to see and hear their boys through our broadcast, website and social media. He provides an inside look into our program and helps make the Storm an elite organization!”

For Berry, the return is a deeply personal one.

“Returning to the Storm feels like coming home. The program was near and dear to my heart for almost a decade, and I’m excited to be back,” said Berry. “My focus is to support the players by promoting their skills and assisting them in whatever way I can as they follow their hockey dreams.”

In addition to his work with the Storm, Berry can be heard on New Country 100.7 The Raven, where he hosts his popular Saturday Morning Confusion program.

Mark Berry’s return adds another experienced and passionate voice to a Campbell River Storm organization that continues to build toward an exciting 2026–27 VIJHL season.

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – The Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) are pleased to announce the hiring of Kane Anderosov as Island Scout. The Campbell River native and Storm alumnus will work out of Victoria, BC, where he is enrolled full time in the Bachelor of Sport Management program at Camosun College.

In his new role, Anderosov will focus on identifying talent across Vancouver Island, attending games in the Victoria area at multiple levels including the CSSHL, BCEHL, VIJHL, and BCHL, providing player evaluations and observations to Head Coach & General Manager Lee Stone and Associate Coach/AGM Vin Jackson.

“My role with the Storm will be as an Island Scout,” said Anderosov. “I will help identify players from Vancouver Island while mainly watching games in the Victoria area. For me it’s a great opportunity to learn about player evaluation, recruitment and the hockey operations of junior hockey while helping the organization identify talent for the future.”

The 18-year-old sees the position as a natural extension of both his roots and his ambitions. “My personal goal is to build a career in hockey and sports management, so being in Victoria gives me the opportunity to continue my education while also gaining a very valuable experience scouting and networking within the hockey community.”

Anderosov, who suited up for the Storm last season as a player, expressed enthusiasm for approaching the game from a new vantage point. “I’m excited to see the game from a completely different perspective. As a player, you’re so focused on your own performance and doing what you can for your team to win. As a scout, you learn to evaluate players, understand team building and identify qualities that contribute to success. I’ve always had an interest in the management and coaching piece of hockey, so for me this is an opportunity to start developing those skills and gain firsthand experience at a young age in a role that aligns with my long-term career goals.”

For Anderosov, the connection to Campbell River and the Storm made the decision an easy one. “The Storm was just the natural fit for me. Being a part of the team last season as a player and growing up in Campbell River, I’ve spent years watching the team and following its success. When Coach Stone approached me with this opportunity about helping as an Island Scout, it was an opportunity I was excited to take on. He knows my aspirations of working in hockey management and coaching, and I’m grateful for the chance to learn from experienced people within an organization that I’ve respected since a very young age.”

Stone was quick to highlight the impact Anderosov has already made within the organization. “Kane has already been an instrumental part of our scouting and recruiting of local Island players. He is keen to learn and wants to be involved in the management side of hockey once he finishes his degree in Sports Management.”

The hire reflects Stone’s broader philosophy around organizational development. “I’ve always taken pride in hiring and mentoring younger people wanting to get involved in the game. When Kane showed interest in staying involved, it was a no brainer as far as I was concerned. Our goal here with the Storm is to develop, and that extends beyond the ice and our players.”

Stone outlined the scope of Anderosov’s responsibilities going forward. “Kane will be focused on his studies while helping us evaluate Island talent as well as pre-scouting of opponents within the league. We are thrilled to welcome Kane back to the family in a scouting role!”

CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. — The Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) are pleased to announce the addition of Matthew Ray as the organization’s Northwestern Ontario (NWO) Scout.

Ray brings three seasons of junior hockey coaching experience to the role, including two seasons in the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) alongside Storm Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone with the Red Lake Miners. His firsthand knowledge of the NWO hockey landscape — including familiarity with the Kings, Thistles, and Seventh Fire programs — makes him a natural fit for the position.

“I am excited for the opportunity to help the Campbell River Storm discover overlooked talent from Northwestern Ontario,” said Ray. “Northwestern Ontario has a deep pool of untapped hockey talent, and I’d take pride in helping bring those players to the Campbell River Storm organization.”

Ray cited his time coaching under Stone as a key asset heading into the scouting role.

“My experience coaching alongside Head Coach Lee Stone has given me a strong understanding of the type of players the Campbell River Storm are looking for, both on and off the ice,” said Ray. “My goal as a scout would be to identify hardworking, character players who fit the culture and compete level expected by the Campbell River Storm.”

Stone expressed strong confidence in Ray’s ability to deliver in the role, while also highlighting the organization’s broader scouting philosophy.

“One fascinating change in the VIJHL since I’ve left and returned is the ability to recruit players of all ages from all areas,” said Stone. “I immediately identified that we needed to bring in people we trusted to evaluate and help recruit talent from all over the world.”

Stone was equally emphatic about the region Ray will cover.

“Northwestern Ontario holds a special place for me and the area is a gold mine of untapped potential in young players,” said Stone. “The region is vastly unappreciated and produces talented players and hardworking people. Mucky has a strong understanding of the types of players and people we want in our program as he worked firsthand with me. He will be a great resource for us. Super excited to welcome Mucky to the Storm family and can’t wait to work with him to introduce players from the NWO region to Campbell River and the Storm.”

The addition of Ray reflects the Storm’s commitment to expanding their scouting network and identifying high-character, hardworking players from markets that remain underserved at the junior hockey level.