Photo: GPAC Twitter account

By Shane Clausing

GPAC storm

U15 AAA GPAC Storm return home from first-ever John Reid appearance

Jan 17, 2022 | 3:04 PM

The U15 GPAC Storm have returned home after competing in the John Reid Memorial U15 hockey tournament for the first time ever this past weekend in St. Albert.

The 44-year-old tournament is one of the top U15 AAA hockey tournaments in western Canada and attracts scouts from across the United States and Canada.

“It was the first time in GPAC’s history a U15 AAA team had ever made the tournament,” said Storm Head Coach Ryan Allen. “Obviously, that in itself was an accomplishment and we competed very well and were in every game except for one. I’m definitely proud of our players.”

Allen tells EverythingGP the Storm were invited to the tournament because of their record this season.

“The beauty of it, that’s why it is so prestigious, it is the best teams in all of the leagues. It is invite-only and you have to earn your way in there,” Allen explained.

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“The deadline I believe is November 15 and we were second place in the AEHL (Alberta Elite Hockey League). I believe the top four teams in our division (north division) and top two teams in the south got invited.”

While the team and its play was the top priority for Allen and the Storm, he also acknowledged this was a great opportunity for players to showcase their talents to scouts that were in attendance.

“It’s good exposure for our players. They do get quite a bit in the league we play in, but certainly, get a lot more in this tournament. This year was kind of unique too because there was no Mac’s tournament for the U18 AAA age division, so scouts, GM’s and managers were all chomping at the bit to watch all the players at the tournament. Pretty cool for sure.”

The Storm finished the tournament with a record of 2-3.

The Storm resume their regular season this weekend with a pair of home games. The club is 15-5-1 on the regular season.