CAMPBELL RIVER STORM SIGN VETERAN FORWARD AIDAN ANSELL
CAMPBELL RIVER, BC — The Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) are pleased to announce the signing of 2007-born forward Aidan Ansell for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Ansell, a left-handed forward, brings two years of junior hockey experience to Campbell River. The 18-year-old split the 2025-26 season between the Chilliwack Jets and Nelson Leafs, having spent his entire rookie campaign in 2024-25 with the Jets. Over the course of his junior career, Ansell has appeared in 79 games and established himself as a physical, high-compete presence up front. “Aidan is a gamer,” said Storm Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone. “The type of player that you win hockey games in March and April with. He is great on the forecheck and provides a level of physicality that Storm fans will fall in love with.” “He gets the game and understands how a dressing room should run. He knows that doing the little things on and off the ice makes a difference every day. We are thrilled to welcome Aidan to the Storm family and can’t wait to see him leaving his mark at the Brindy!” Ansell cited the organization’s environment and coaching staff as key factors in his decision to sign with Campbell River. “I signed with the Storm because of the professional setting the organization gives, the positive communication you can have with the coaches and the opportunity the Storm has provided me,” said Ansell. “I look forward to the culture and the facilities. Coaches were saying how much they care about culture, which I believe is one of the most important things a hockey team needs during the season.” A self-described physical, play-driving winger, Ansell models his game after Washington Capitals power forward Tom Wilson. “A style of player I like to base my game off is Tom Wilson — he’s been my idol for a while,” said Ansell. “I love the role of being first into corners and engaging the game physically to create space for my team while also making plays and helping the team. Ansell joins a growing Storm roster as the organization continues to build toward the 2026-27 VIJHL season.
