Andrew Gaiga in his Kings jersey

Practice had a different look tuesday with new two players in, and two others gone. The Storm welcomed 16 year old defenseman Brendan Enns back from the Calgary Hitmen training camp. A 4th round bantam pick of the Kamloops Blazers in 2009, at 6'4"& 190 lbs he gives the Storm two things they seemed to be lacking in the saturday loss to Comox Valley; size and mobility. Coach Jim Revenberg is also giving 20 year old forward Andrew Gaiga a look. The Port Alberni product suited up for the Glacier Kings last season, reaching the league finals. Though a bit undersized, he's an agressive player with some skill. We'll see if he dresses friday. The Storm made two other moves, with 20 year old Justin Smith and Shane Muche both opting to pursue hockey elsewhere after saturday's loss. The Westshore Stingers roll into Rod Brind'Amour arena friday in the same boat as the Storm, both sitting at 0-1. They were blanked 3-0 at home by the Saanich Braves, in their first game under new coach Robin Gomez. The first goal of the Braves season came off of the stick of former Storm forward Ryan Preston, acquired by the Braves in the off season. He scored 18 times in his rookie season, including a 5 goal game against the Stingers, so maybe it's no surprise he was first to light the red lamp. The Hive have much the same line-up as last season, minus top scorer and last year's captain Brandon Krupa along with hulking d-man Brandon Hansen, lost to injury. Goalie Jon Webb made 32 saves in the Stingers net and will probably get the bulk of the games early on.

Storm fans don't have to worry about the boys taking this game lightly. Steven Schmidt told the River afternoon show today that he expects Westshore to come hard at them.



In other news, Peninsula and Victoria kick off their season thursday at the newly refurbished Archie Browning arena in a rematch of last season's South division final. Oceanside and Kerry Park won't play their first games until friday. Gens are in Courtenay, Isles visit Peninsula.