Storm City Weekly
May 8, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Guelph Storm News Release
OHL FINALS
STORM LEAD BATTALION 3-1.
Game one of the OHL Final set the tone for what would quickly develop into a close, thrilling series. Zack Mitchell tied the game at two with just under eight minutes to go in the third, forcing both team's into their first overtime of the playoffs. Just 57 seconds in to extra time, Guelph's Jason Dickinson won the game with a blistering wrist shot.
Game two featured yet another overtime thriller, only with a different result. North Bay's Nick Paul evened the score at three with just over five minutes to go in the game. Barclay Goodrow scored the overtime winner just 2:30 into the fourth period, tying the series at one. Guelph's Justin Nichols made 37 saves in the contest.
The Storm would redefine comeback in Game Three however, scoring twice in the final 30 seconds to win 4-3. Zack Mitchell would get credit on the tying goal after Nick Ebert fired a shot from the point. Brock McGinn, with hero credentials, jammed the game winner past Jake Smith with just ten seconds remaining giving Guelph a 2-1 series lead.
Game Four became more of a thrashing than a thriller as the Storm were relentless in a 10-1 victory. Coming out strong early, Guelph scored three in the first - two from rookie, Pius Suter. Five more found the back of the net in the second, and two more in the third. Nick Paul scored the Battalion's only goal on a third period powerplay.
Guelph leads the series 3-1. The puck drops on Game 5 at the Sleeman Centre on Friday at 7pm.
The Storm will be holding their annual Skills Development hockey camp this summer from Monday August 25th to Wednesday August 27th at the Sleeman Centre. Junior and Senior players will take part in half day sessions, with the juniors beginning at 8:30am and the seniors beginning at 1:00pm.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the change in the Guelph Storm Training Camp schedule, the hockey camp will only run for three days.
The Skills Development Camp will again include 3 hours of on-ice instruction directed by Storm coaching staff and a minimum of four current Storm players per session.
The program will include skating dynamics, individual and team skill development and two instructional scrimmages per day. Goaltenders will receive specialized training during the first 30 minutes of each session, as well as ongoing instruction during the remaining 2 and ½ hours of on-ice training. The school is open to players ages 8-10 (mornings/junior) and players 11-13 (afternoons/senior).
Each group is limited to 30 skaters and 4 goalies.
The cost is $195 per skater and $135 per goaltender (plus applicable taxes).
Junior Schedule (ages 8-10)
8:00am - Arrive at Sleeman Centre
8:30am - 10:00am - on ice
10:00am - 10:30am - Snack break
10:30am - 12:00pm - on ice
Senior Schedule (ages 11-13)
12:30pm - Arrive at Sleeman Centre
1:00pm-2:30pm - on ice
2:30pm - 3:00pm - snack break
3:00pm - 4:30pm - on ice
PLEASE NOTE:
Payment will be processed at the time of registration and there will be no refunds. All prices are subject to applicable taxes. Due to the popularity of the camp, we cannot hold spaces. Players will be registered on a first come, first serve basis.
Due to the change in the Guelph Storm Training Camp schedule, the hockey camp will only run for three days.
For more information, and to register your child please contact Molly Cressman at community@guelphstorm.com or call 519-837-9690 ext 106.
Guelph's own Pierog an important puzzle piece
Stephanie Coratti, Guelphstorm.com
Standing a couple inches short of six feet tall, Guelph-native Stephen Pierog has fallen short of nothing on the ice.
Amongst a Guelph Storm team stamped as superstars, a 5'11" 186lbs Pierog seems to add the finishing touch.
On Jan. 7, Pierog was acquired via trade with the Peterborough Petes that saw former first-round pick Hunter Garlent leave town. In the deal, the Storm also acquired four second-round picks in future OHL Priority Selections.
Before leaving Peterborough, Pierog shared the team lead for goals with 19 and was second in points with 35. Swapping maroon for crimson however, has made way for a role transition for the nineteen-year-old.
In 28 regular season games with the Storm, Pierog has tallied nine points. But points often don't attest for the heart, fight, and effort that can be noticed in a matter of seconds on the ice.
As the Storm now head to North Bay for Game's three and four to continue the battle against the coined underdog and the season's Cinderella story, there is no doubt that the storyline is waiting on nothing but the final pages. It's the intimidating Hawks versus the down-and-out District-5 Mighty Ducks.
But hometown Pierog has been consistent proof that this Storm team is more than just a bunch of superstars thrown together. A strong, gritty Pierog has been the invisible pain in the side of opponents throughout the season, and three tough playoff series'.
Pierog's game extends past the four points registered in 17 playoff games; instead it's seen in the finished checks, significant faceoff wins, and endless effort on the ice. Often an unsung and hidden, yet valued piece to the Storm puzzle.
If you were to ask him however, the humble local sends the credit elsewhere.
"I had great coaches. That's probably the reason why I've gotten so far," the Guelph Jr. Storm graduate explained of his hockey career. "Just playing in the junior program, and now playing for the Storm - it was my dream when I was a kid."
But with one dream granted, the door opens to another.
"It's been a cool experience so far," Pierog said, "But hopefully we can get the OHL Championship."
An OHL Championship would undoubtedly be nice, and yet another first for Pierog. As the centre is appearing in the first OHL Playoffs of his career, a championship would also be the first of Pierog's hockey career, having never won one before.
With a new role and new experiences, Pierog doesn't hesitate to thank the friends and leaders easily found in the dressing room.
"Zack Mitchell has been my driver," Pierog said of the guy he's leaned on the most. "He's been showing me the ropes. He's definitely been a leader to me on and off the ice."
Great teammates have certainly made a year full of changes easier, although coming home to the strength of this Storm team is what he is most happy about.
"When I knew I was getting traded here, it was definitely a good feeling," Pierog explained. "I knew they were a good team. It made me pretty happy."
He wasn't the only one.
"My Dad was very happy about it."
Though even in the midst of the OHL Finals, Pierog still manages to remember the beginning.
"Peterborough was great to me... how they drafted me in the 11th Round there," Pierog explained of his time with the Petes. "I appreciate them getting me into this league to start."
With the series tied 1-1, the Storm look ahead to Tuesday's Game Three, and they can do so feeling good about having an underdog of their own. Stephen Pierog knows all about pipe dreams and how they can come true; this season has been proof of that.
"I can't believe that I'm actually here right now," Pierog said. "But I'm ready to head into the OHL Finals with this team."
This team is ready, too, with Pierog hopefully completing the puzzle.
Spyke's Sports Shop
Spyke's still has Western Conference Champions and OHL Championship Series gear in store!
Stop by Spyke's today and show your team spirit!
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 10:0am-5:00pm
Friday 2:00pm-11:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm.
Spyke's Sports Shop is located in the Old Quebec Street Mall in Downtown Guelph. You may also visit our Storm Kiosk at Stone Road Mall (open regular mall hours).
NEXT HOME GAME
GAME 5
FRIDAY MAY 9 @ 7:00PM
NEXT ROAD GAME
GAME 6 (if nec.)
SUNDAY MAY 11 @ 2:00PM
• Discuss this story on the Ontario Hockey League message board...
Ontario Hockey League Stories from May 8, 2014
- Keefe Named Head Coach for 2014 World Under-17 Hockey - Soo Greyhounds
- Battling Battalion Back on the Brink - North Bay Battalion
- Canadian Coaches Announced for 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge - OHL
- Seven Petes Prospects to Play at OHL Gold Cup - Peterborough Petes
- 2014 U16 OHL Gold Cup Underway in Kitchener - OHL
- Storm City Weekly - Guelph Storm
- Deluge of Goals Gives Storm Win - North Bay Battalion
- Mooney Added to Team NOHA - Sudbury Wolves
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