Photo Courtesy EGP staff

By Tanner Smith

AJHL

Local talent continues to flood the Storm’s roster

Aug 26, 2025 | 1:33 PM

The Grande Prairie Storm have signed a pair of players from their own backyard.

Two former La Crete Lumber Barons are now taking the jump from Junior B to Junior A, as the Storm welcomed 2008-born centre Cole Penner and defenceman Rydley Gerbrandt.

The 6’1 Penner led the NWJHL in scoring in the regular season, tallying 88 points with 27 goals in 40 games, while Rydley was second in scoring for defencemen with 38 points in 35 games.

During their run to the finals, the pair’s success continued, as Penner found the back of the net eight times and added 14 assists for 22 points; Gerbrandt was steady on the backend, scoring six times and adding another six helpers.

However, they did end up losing in the final to the Fort St.John Huskies.

When discussing the signings, Storm General Manager Mike Bomersback said, “both players came to our spring camp this past spring and were very impressive. Dion Knelsen, the head coach of the Lumber Barons, did a great job with their development last season, and we feel both players are ready to take the next step.”

“Penner has a great skill set and is a very smart player. When you’re 16 years old and you lead an older league in scoring, you’re definitely doing something right. He’s a player who can set up goals or put them in himself. As he continues to develop, I think he can be a real force in the AJHL for years to come.”

“The same can be said for Gerbrandt, who is a good skating, mobile D with good offensive skills and upside. Rydley, who is still 16, had a great season for the Lumber Barons, and it was a great year for his development playing against older, stronger players. We are excited to add both players and look forward to training camp.”

Photo Courtesy Grande Prairie Storm

The Storm are next in action this evening as they play their one exhibition game of the year at Bonnett’s, starting at 6 p.m.