Guelph Storm - Feed

Summer Spotlight: Jaakko Wycisk ready to lead Guelph’s next generation by the Ontario Hockey League

Lisa Della Mattia — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 01:28:22 +0000

When the Guelph Storm selected Declan McNally seventh overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Jaakko Wycisk did not hesitate to reach out. Just over a year after hearing his own name called second overall by the Storm, Wycisk watched as another Windsor-area product joined Guelph’s young core. With both players having developed in the Sun County Panthers program, the connection made the moment even more meaningful. “I was really pumped when I saw his name get called,” Wycisk said. “It’s pretty cool that we’re both from the same area and get to share that experience.” With help from the Storm’s media staff, Wycisk connected with McNally through FaceTime shortly after the pick was announced. “I just congratulated him, told him to enjoy the night with his friends and family, and take it all in,” he said. “We got to play together a bit growing up, and he AP’d with our team, so it was really exciting to see him get drafted by Guelph.” Selected second overall in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Wycisk understands the significance of arriving in the league as a highly touted young player. The 6-foot-1 centre recorded 43 points (17-26–43) in 60 games during an impressive rookie season with the Storm, and along the way, he learned how important patience and support can be while adjusting to a new league, city and lifestyle. “It’s a big jump from minor hockey,” Wycisk said. “You’re playing with different players and adjusting to life away from home, so it definitely takes some time. My biggest advice would be to take it slow and lean on the people around you. “There are a lot of players going through the same experience, so don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions and keep in touch with your parents. He can always talk to me too. I think he’ll adjust just fine.” Wycisk had a similar source of familiarity when he arrived in Guelph, sharing the dressing room with fellow Windsor-area natives Charlie Paquette and Zach Jovanovski. And now, he has the chance to provide that same comfort and guidance for McNally as he begins his own OHL journey. For Wycisk, his rookie season was defined by learning what it takes to compete at the next level while also finding confidence in himself. “My first year was really about feeling out the league and learning how things work,” he said. “Guelph gave me the opportunity to play the way I like to play and fill the role that suited me. My coaches did a great job helping me adjust, and my billets have been great too. The whole experience has been unbelievable.” After recording three points (2-1–3) in five games while helping Canada White capture silver at the 2025 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Wycisk was recently invited to Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team training camp ahead of the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. That experience will serve as another important step as he prepares for his sophomore OHL season and an especially significant period in Guelph. The Storm are building toward hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup, giving Wycisk, McNally and the rest of the club’s young core an opportunity to grow together with a clear long-term goal in mind. “It’s unbelievable,” Wycisk said. “It’s an honour for the city of Guelph, and I’m really excited to be a part of it. It’s a huge opportunity for me, especially with my draft year coming up, so I’ve been training hard to make sure I’m ready for the season. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead.” The past three Memorial Cup championships have been won by OHL clubs, adding even more motivation for a Storm team hoping to extend that run when the tournament comes to Guelph in 2027. Before then, Wycisk is focused on taking another step individually and helping the Storm establish momentum during the upcoming season. “Personally, I want to have a really strong season from start to finish, keep getting better every day and continue growing as a player,” he said. “I want to learn as much as I can from my coaches and everyone around me. “As a team, I think we’re going to be really good. Hopefully we can make a deep playoff run, build toward the Memorial Cup and put ourselves in a position to compete for a championship.” After spending his rookie season learning from those around him, Wycisk now enters Year 2 ready to take on a larger role – both as a key piece of Guelph’s future and as a familiar face helping McNally begin his own journey with the Storm.

Trio of Storm players invited to Canada’s World Junior Selection Summer Showcase

Lisa Della Mattia — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:21:53 +0000

Storm’s Ethan Czata, Tyler Hopkins, and Ryan Roobroeck have been selected to attend Canada’s National Junior Team Summer Showcase ahead of the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Throughout the showcase, four goaltenders, 10 defencemen, and 18 forwards will take part in practices, scrimmages, and a trio of exhibition games against Finland, Sweden, and the United States in preparation for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.

Ethan, the 2007-born forward, was originally selected in the first round (5th overall) by the IceDogs in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. In three seasons in the OHL, the 6-foot-2, 190 lbs forward has recorded 125 points (53 goals, 72 assists) in 193 regular season games. Czata served as the IceDogs captain for the 2025-26 season. Czata represented his country on three occasions – once during the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challenge, once at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and again during the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships – winning a gold medal at all three events. Czata and Storm Head Coach Cory Stillman won gold with Team Canada at the 2025 U18 World Championships, where the Brampton, ON native finished the tournament with five points (one goal and four assists), including a goal in the gold medal game. Hopkins was acquired by the Storm at the 2025/2026 trade deadlines and originally selected in the first round, 4th overall by the Frontenacs in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. In three seasons in the OHL, the 6-foot-1, 185 lbs forward has recorded 89 points (38 goals, 51 assists) in 155 regular season games. Tyler has appeared in 27 games eith the Storm, adding 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points. The Campbellville, Ontario native was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round (86^thoverall) in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Hopkins has represented Canada three times on the international stage – winning a gold medal on all three occasions – the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challenge, 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and with Storm head coach Cory Stillman at the 2025 U18 World Championships. Roobroeck, the newly acquired Storm forward, was originally selected in the first round (2nd overall) by the IceDogs in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. In three seasons in the OHL, the 6-foot-4, 215 lbs forward has recorded 99 goals and 97 assists for 196 points in 176 regular season games. Roobroeck has added another 6 points (3 goals and 3 assists) in 5 career OHL playoff games. Roobroeck’s 99 career OHL goals lead all 2007-born players over the last three seasons. The London, ON native represented his country twice on the world stage – once at the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challenge and again at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championships. At the 2025 U18 tournament, Roobroeck won gold with current Storm players Tyler Hopkins, Ethan Czata, and Head Coach Cory Stillman recording four goals and five assists for nine points in seven games.

The team will practice July 27 and 28 before taking on Sweden on July 29, Finland on July 30 and the United States on Aug. 1.Every game at the World Junior Summer Showcase will be livestreamed at HNLive.ca (subscription required).

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Jaakko Wycisk named to 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Camp roster

Lisa Della Mattia — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:43:58 +0000

Hockey Canada announced today that nine OHL players have been named to the National Men’s Under-18 Team Camp ahead of the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. The list includes Storm centremen Jaakko Wycisk. The Tecumseth, Ont., native was the 2nd overall pick by the Storm in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. In his first season with the Storm, the 6'1, 190lbs forward had 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points through 60 games played. Internationally, Wycisk has represented Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, where Team White took home silver. Wycisk contributed to Team Canada White 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 5 games.

Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team training camp, set for July 27 to August 1 at NAIT Arena and Rogers Place in Edmonton, will include practices and a game against Sweden on July 30. Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team will also take on Czechia on Aug. 1 as part of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup pre-tournament schedule before the roster is finalized ahead of the start of the tournament.

Click here to read the full release by Hockey Canada.

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Garrett McFadden celebrates 10 years of mental health initiative McFadden’s Movement by Ryan Drury

Lisa Della Mattia — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:18:05 +0000

Kincardine native Garrett McFadden started a movement for mental health advocacy in 2016 that has now hit a decade of making an impact. McFadden's Movement was launched when Garrett was captain of the Guelph Storm of the OHL, and what started as an advocacy initiative through speaking engagements for young people and athletes quickly grew into so much more. McFadden's Movement celebrated Thursday night at a gala in Guelph for a decade of money being raised for mental health programming, with nearly $200,000 raised so far. McFadden says reflecting on a decade of work is incredibly fulfilling. "Thinking back to those early years, the amount of people that were reaching out, trying to help us with whatever we needed. It's been a really cool experience with it all and on top of that, we've made a pretty big difference for mental health in our community and getting people that need it the most the help they need. I'm very fulfilled tonight thinking about that," Garrett said proudly. Over the last decade, McFadden's Movement has donated money to help support organizations like WesForYouth Online, CMHA Waterloo-Wellington and mental health supports in communities like Mount Forest, Guelph, Arthur and many more. The organization has held road hockey tournaments, golf tournaments and raffle fundraisers to raise money for a great cause. Garrett says the support he continues to see from not only the community, but former teammates and even current NHLers, has been very rewarding. Click here to access full article.

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16th Annual Speedvale Dental Mouthguard Clinic set for Thursday, August 20

Lisa Della Mattia — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:08:41 +0000

On Thursday, August 20th, Dr. Jim Fox, Dr. Nicole Cool, Dr. Jenny Vale, and the rest of Speedvale Dental are teaming up with the Guelph Storm for the 16th Annual Charity Mouthguard Clinic. Drop in anytime between 2:00-6:00pm at Speedvale Dental and have a digital impression taken for a custom-fit mouthguard. Each mouthguard is $25.00 (max. of 2 per person), cash only. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the Guelph Storm Adopt-A-School Program! Last year's clinic raised $6,815.00 for the team's Adopt-A-School program. The program provides rewards and incentives to elementary school students throughout Wellington County for exemplary achievement in the classroom, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. In many cases, the Adopt-A-School program proudly gives local kids the chance to attend their first hockey game. The event is open to the public, so don’t miss your chance to meet Spyke and get autographs from some of your favourite Storm players!

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Storm launch new YouTube channel

Lisa Della Mattia — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:03:40 +0000

The Guelph Storm have launched a new YouTube channel, @GuelphStormOHL

The new account will be home to Welcome to game highlights, goals, player features, behind-the-scenes access, mic'd up moments, NHL Draft prospect coverage, exclusive interviews and more. Be sure to subscribe to so you don't miss a minute of the action!

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Storm to support the Hope House Community Backpack Project for a fifth season

Lisa Della Mattia — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:07:07 +0000

The Guelph Storm is proud to be partnering with Hope House Guelph for fifth season to support their Community Backpack Project. Summer may be beginning for students across Guelph, but Hope House is already planning for back to school! Hope House coordinates a yearly school supply drive to provide children with the tools they need for a successful school year. Last season, the Storm were pleased to collect nearly 400 backpacks in support of the initiative. This year, Hope House is seeking out donations of unused backpacks for junior kindergarten to grade 3 and grades 4 through 6. When you donate a new backpack, you will receive one free redeemable ticket voucher to the Annual Community Backpack Project Night on Friday, December 11th, when the Storm takes on the Saginaw Spirit. All backpacks can be dropped off at the Guelph Storm Office, Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars, and ServPro between Wednesday, July 15th, and Monday, August 4th. Business hours are included below. Guelph Storm Office Monday to Thursday 10:00am-4:00pm Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars Monday to Friday 9:00am-8:00pm Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm ServPro Guelph Monday to Friday 8:00am-5:00pm For more information on Hope House and the Community Backpack Project click here.

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Declan McNally named to Canada’s National U17 Development Camp roster

Lisa Della Mattia — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:12:41 +0000

Declan McNally, the team's 7th overall pick in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, has been named to Canada's National U18 Development Camp roster. The 6’5 184lbs LaSalle, Ontario native had a dominant season as a defenceman for the Don Mills Flyers U16 AAA program, registering 33 points (7 goals, 26 assists) through 59 games in the regular season. McNally added another 4 points in 5 games in the 2026 OHL Cup. He joins 30 other Ontario Hockey League prospects at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ont. The 8-player roster will be split into four teams for two days of practices and 6 six games through July 19-21.

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Timothy Kazda signs with the Storm

Lisa Della Mattia — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:41:23 +0000

Guelph, ON – General Manager George Burnett announced today that fourth overall CHL Import Draft pick Timothy Kazda has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the hockey club.

The 6’1, 195 lbs winger was selected in the first round (4^th overall) by the Storm in this summer’s CHL Import Draft. Last season, the forward from Ilava, Slovakia, notched 22 goals and 19 assists for 41 points in 59 games with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League and was named to the USHL All-Academic Team. Before joining the Steel, Kazda played three seasons with Seacoast Performance Academy 14U-16U, where he amassed 136 goals and 92 assists for 228 points in only 146 games.

On the international stage, Kazda has represented Slovakia at the U16 and U18 levels; most recently this past spring at the 2026 U18 Men’s World Championship. The Slovakian winger recorded six goals and six assists through seven games and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. The 2027 NHL Draft prospect helped his country capture a silver medal at the tournament.

"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Guelph Storm," said Kazda. "I'm super excited to get started and meet all the guys at training camp!"

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Adrien Bartovic signs with the Storm

Lisa Della Mattia — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:20:20 +0000

Guelph, ON – General Manager George Burnett announced today that import forward Adrien Bartovic has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the hockey club.

The 6’1, 185 lbs forward was originally selected in the first round (42^nd overall) by the Brantford Bulldogs in last year’s CHL Import Draft. Bartovic’s rights were acquired by the Storm earlier this summer along with fellow countryman Vladimir Dravecky.

Last season, the forward from Pardubice, Czechia, recorded 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points in 29 games with the Bili Tygri Liberec U20 squad, which ranked him second on his club in points. The 2007-born forward also suited up in 17 games in the Slovakian men’s league, where he notched three goals and an assist.

"I'm super excited to join the Guelph Storm for the upcoming season," said Bartovic. "I can't wait to put on the Storm jersey and meet my teammates."

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