Storm Can't Catch Break

The Tri-City Storm just can't catch a break. They have been playing much better hockey as of late, and if Sioux City continues their current slide, the Storm could find themselves sneaking into the coveted 4th and final playoff spot in the West.

A bit of good news is that team captain, Mario Lamoureux, tied Bill Thomas' career point mark with the Storm. With his performance last night, Mario sits at 120 points in 225 career games. Lamoureux also holds the team record for assists in a career (78) and games played. So congrats to Mario for those accomplishments.

Now, for the bad news. Monday it was determined that the team's leading goal scorer, Jordan Willert, would be done for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury. Surgery may be needed, but not known at this point. Willert was having a career year. He had 28 points on 19 goals and 9 assists through 45 games. In his first two seasons, Jordan posted 17 goals total, so he had really found his goal scoring touch. The 28 total points eclipses his previous career high, set last year, of 25 points in 60 games. Willert will enroll next fall at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Last night, the Storm also lost another forward due to an injury. Forward Phil Ginand, acquired previously from Green Bay, tore a hamstring, ending his season indefinitely. Ginand started off his Storm career in good fashion, posting a goal in his debut. He posted 5 points on 2 goals and 3 assists during his time with Tri-City. In Green Bay, Phil put up 18 points and was the team's leading scorer at the time of the deal. Ginand will enroll at Mercyhurst College next fall.

Needless to say, it's a rough time for the Storm as their injured list continues to grow. It will make for an even tougher challenge to catch Sioux City, but it can be done.

Here's to speedy recoveries for both Willert and Ginand.