Kamloop Storm forward Ryan Larsen has signed with the Melville Millionaires to play in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League next season.
Larsen, 19, is coming off a season in which he led the Storm in goals (27), assists (26) and points (53) in 44 games. Larsen added six points in seven playoff games and represented the KIJHL in the BCHC Prospects Game. In 81 career KIJHL regular season games, the Kamloops product and former Thompson Blazer, had 28 goals and 61 points.
Larsen said earning the commitment from the Millionaires is a “pretty huge thing” because of the big steps he has taken with his development from his first season with the Storm. The 6-0, 180-pound forward credited Head Coach Jan Ludvig for helping him achieve this as the Storm coach prioritized skill development.
“I thought the biggest area I improved was my confidence with the puck. It’s not all me, it’s also the people I’ve played with,” said Larsen. “With and without the puck, I was able to get in front of the net and create chances for myself.”
Storm General Manager Matt Kolle said because of Larsen’s work ethic, he has always been trending in the right direction.
“Ryan is willing to put the time and effort into his training and becoming a better hockey player,” said Kolle. “During his rookie season, his numbers weren’t there, but we internally knew that Ryan was getting better every day. It just took time for him to start getting the bounces.”
