Storm add depth with seven-player signing spree

Four forwards, two defenceman and a netminder bolster Campbell River roster

Storm add depth with seven-player signing spree Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 16, 2026 The Campbell River Storm has been busy on the transaction front, announcing the signings of seven players ahead of the 2026-27 season, including forwards, defencemen and a goaltender who will look to bolster the club’s roster from top to bottom. Four forwards, two D-men and a netminder join the squad from across the country.

Russia-born forward Simon Nizhnikov, joins the Storm after spending parts of two seasons with King Heights Academy of the CSSHL East U18 Prep league, where he recorded 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 16 games. A playmaker who Stone said can generate offence out of seemingly dead-end plays, Nizhnikov is expected to be an instant offensive threat for Campbell River. “Simon is an incredibly talented and cerebral player,” said Stone.

“He is a pass-first, skilled player that will help us score more goals.” Aidan Yu, a 2008-born forward comes to town from the Wenatchee Wild U18 Prep CSSHL program, where he put up nine goals and seven assists for 16 points in 22 games last season, adding three assists in three playoff games. Yu said player development drew him to the Storm.

“I signed with the Campbell River Storm because I believe the organization offers the best support to help me develop into the best player I can be, both on and off the ice,” he said. Coming to the Storm after three seasons with the Riggers Hockey Academy 18U program, forward Seth Hinse impressed at the Storm’s recent combined camp with the GKings. “Seth is a very intelligent player that works to create turnovers off the puck and has the skill set to make a play with the puck on his stick,” Stone said.

“He came into camp and immediately produced and created opportunities for those around him.” Rounding out the new forwards is Austin Cote also from the Riggers Hockey Academy 18U program. Coach Stone said Cole impressed him with his willingness to get above the puck and create turnovers skating downhill.

Cote said Campbell River was the clear choice for the next step in his development. “I signed with the Campbell River Storm because I felt it was the best place to develop as a player and compete with such a great organization,” he said. “I’m a playmaking sniper and the kind of guy that likes to keep the game entertaining.”

On the defenceman side of things, Campbell River native Tyson Laidlaw arrives after a season with the Pacific Coast Hockey Academy in the CSSHL’s U17 Prep league. The blue-liner brings a physical, defence-first approach to the Storm’s back end. For Laidlaw, it’s the realization of a longtime goal.

“I signed with the Storm because I’ve always wanted to play in my hometown and playing for the Storm has been a dream since I was young,” he said. “Fans at the Brindy can expect a mean, gritty, defensive defenceman who will drop the gloves whenever necessary.” Brady Desharnais joins Laidlaw as a second defenceman in this signing round.

The 2008-born, right-handed defenceman from Coquitlam spent the past two seasons with the Coquitlam HC 18U program, recording 32 points in 58 games, and also gained junior experience with the Coquitlam Express of the BCHL last season. Stone called Desharnais a dependable presence on the back end. “Brady is a super dependable, two-way defenceman that takes serious pride in doing the little things necessary to win games,” Stone said.

Desharnais said the Storm’s culture and a connection through the Coquitlam Express organization influenced his decision. Goaltender Rhys Penninga comes to the Storm after a standout season with the Coquitlam HC 18U program in the JPHL, where he finished first in the division in save percentage (.941) and third in goals-against average (2.26). Penninga said the Storm’s culture was the deciding factor.

“I signed with the Campbell River Storm because it’s a culture and development first environment where I can develop my game, as well as playing with a family and not just a team,” he said. Head coach and general manager Lee Stone said the additions give the Storm a mix of skill, size and character heading into the new campaign, with several of the newcomers coming off standout seasons in the CSSHL and other prep leagues. The Campbell River Storm open the 2026-27 VIJHL season this fall at Rod Brind’Amour Arena.

Season ticket and sponsorship information is expected to be released through the organization’s social media channels over the summer.