CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. — The Campbell River Storm have signed 2008-born goaltender Sawyer Wallin of Brandon, Manitoba.
Wallin spent last season with the Yellowhead Chiefs U18 AAA program, posting a 10-11-0 record, a 4.27 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage. The season before, he went 14-1-1 with the Brandon Wheat Kings U17 AAA team, recording a 1.36 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage.
“I signed with the Storm because the organization was highly recommended, and I wanted to be part of a winning team,” said Wallin.
Wallin describes his game as fast, athletic, and exciting. He looks to Dustin Wolf as a model for the way the goaltender uses his movement and athleticism.
“My short-term goal is to improve my game, help the team be successful and make a deep playoff run,” Wallin said. “Long term, I want to keep growing my game and become the best player and person I can be, on and off the ice.”
Storm Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone said Wallin came to the club’s attention through several recommendations from Manitoba.
“Sawyer is a very good skater who plays an aggressive, fast style,” said Stone. “He moves well and is rarely out of position. What we love most about his game is his compete level. His success with Brandon at U17 speaks volumes about his ability to win games when it matters most.”
In a corresponding move, 2008-born goaltender Rhys Penninga will join the Beaver Valley Nitehawks. The Storm thank Rhys for his efforts in a Storm uniform and wish him the best in his next chapter.
