Storm get one from the “Land Down Under!”
The Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League are proud to announce the signing of 01 Forward Zachary Okabe. Zach played last season with Shawnigan Lake Midget Prep, a prestigious sports school on Vancouver Island. Zach was among a very select group of 15-year old’s in the CSSHL last season posting an impressive 17Goals and 10Assists in 30 regular season games and another 4Goals and 3Assists in 4 playoff games. Zach’s play earned him a call up as an AP for one game with the Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) last season. Before Shawnigan, Okabe spent 2 seasons with Edge Calgary Bantam prep leading his team in goals his second season. Last year Zachary entered the record books as the first Australian ever to be drafted in the WHL when his name was called by the Tri-City Americans.
Coach Keillor “Fans are going to love the skill Zach possesses. He’s one of those players that can do special things at high speed. He has explosive wrists and a great release. The first time Bomersback and myself watched him play live we had to check his age again. We thought no way this kid is only 16 years old. Zachary has an incredible story and the sacrifices his parents made to leave everything behind in Australia and move to North America for him to pursue his hockey dreams shows through in his character. Were incredibly excited that Zach and his family have chosen the Storm as the next step in achieving his goals”.
Zach will join a pretty special group of Storm players that possess the right mix of skill and character to play as a 16-year-old. That group includes players like Tanner Fritz, Morgan MacLean, and current Storm standout Cruz Cote.
Zachary will get a chance to meet his new teammates August 25th when the Storm hit the ice at Revolution Place to begin main camp. Come down to Revolution place to reserve your season tickets today!