Eye Of The Storm: A Guelph Storm Podcast w/Ryan Drury

Ryan welcomes back longtime Storm centre, Guelph native, and Ohio State Buckeye Jake Karabela to the pod. Jake gets into his first year in the NCAA, campus life, his courses, the differences between playing in the OHL and college, and his very successful freshman campaign where he had 37 points in 37 games and was named to the Big10's all-freshman team, ending the season with Rookie of the Week honours. We will be doing the podcast throughout the off-season for the first time, with episodes coming out monthly until the season gets back underway in September.

With the playoffs set to begin, Ryan sits down with Storm Head Coach Cory Stillman to look back on the 2025-26 regular season, the improvements he's seen in the players, the strength of his coaching staff with Rob Davison and Scott Simmonds and the excitement of hosting the Memorial Cup next season. Cory also discusses this year's first round matchup against the Windsor Spitfires, and how the Storm are looking to play underdog upset.

Ryan welcomes on former Storm captain Garrett McFadden and former Storm Community Relations Director and current GTHL Director of Strategy and Communications Stephanie Coratti, who are the co-founders of mental health organization McFadden's Movement. Steph and Garrett share details on the roots of the organization and how the Guelph Storm helped to foster the growth of the work being done. They also speak to the Guelph community and the help along the way to emphasize the message of McFadden's Movement, including the annual golf tournament which returns this summer, as they get ready to celebrate a decade of championing mental health awareness.Check out the great work they do, buy some merch, and maybe even sign up for the golf tournament HERE: https://mcfaddensmovement.com/

Ryan welcomes back 3rd year Storm defender Rylan Singh, who is near ready for game action again following a surgery for an appendectomy. Rylan discusses his growth so far in the league, his season so far which included an impressive showing at the Top Prospects game, going back to the playoffs and the excitement of hosting a Memorial Cup next year. Rylan also gets Ryan excited about some of his go to Oasis tunes.

Ryan welcomes on Storm forward Josh Avery, who was acquired at the trade deadline and missed some time due to injury. But in his first game for Guelph, he had a big impact, with 2 helpers in a tough 5-4 loss to the Rangers. Josh talks about growing up in Uxbridge, his minor hockey days and time with the U16 Petes team that also featured Wil McFadden, his time in the OHL so far and how he's meshing with his team mates in the Royal City.

Ryan welcomes on legendary Storm alumni Dan Paille to discuss his time in the OHL, bringing an OHL title to the Royal City, winning a Stanley Cup for the Bruins and his other stops along a great pro career. Dan also digs into his time representing Canada at the World Juniors, playing pro in Europe and his involvement now with the Storm as he gets some community hockey camps rolling in Guelph.

Ryan welcomes on the Storms's Coordinator of Public Relations and Social Media Lisa Della Mattia. Lisa shares the behind-the-scenes details of her role with the team, which includes handling the team's socials, going with the players to community events, working with the broadcast crews and much, much more. She also delves into what makes working for the Storm so special, and her journey that brought her to the Royal City.

Ryan catches up with second year Storm goalie Zach Jovanovski, fresh off a road win in Niagara. Zach talks about his development, playing in the Connor McDavid Top Prospects Game, prepping for the playoffs this year, and the chance to be a starting goalie in a Memorial Cup tournament.

Ryan sits down with the two Storm import players this season, forwards Misha Haponenko and Simon Belohorsky. Ryan asks the guys about their hockey roots in Ukraine and Czechia, how they fell in love with the game, their desire to come play junior in Canada and much more.

Ryan brings on Storm forward Layne Gallacher, who is finally off and running in the Royal City after being acquired in November, but had to wait to get into the lineup due to an injury. Layne discusses his early hockey days in the Oshawa region after growing up in Brooklin, his equipment preferences, early days in the OHL and getting to go perform at the Connor McDavid Top Prospects Game. Ryan also learns the cool origins of Layne's name.

Ryan welcomes on recently acquired centre Tyler Hopkins, who came to the Royal City in a trade with Kingston in December. Tyler talks about the trade, his time in Kingston, the chance to play in Guelph for a Memorial Cup, his hockey history, being drafted by the Maple Leafs, and much more.

Ryan welcomes back Storm GM George Burnett to discuss the season so far, the 2026 trade deadline, the deals the Storm made and a breakdown of what the new acquisitions will bring to the team. George also shares his thoughts on the preparation for the Memorial Cup coming to the Sleeman Centre in 2027.

Ryan welcomes back 2nd year Storm defender Eric Frossard, to chat about the season so far. That includes Eric scoring his first career goal, a beauty snipe against Sarnia in December. Eric also discusses the Memorial Cup coming to Guelph, his continuing development and work with the coaches, and his take on playing defence in numerous situations.

Ryan sits down with longtime Communications Director for the Guelph Storm Lindsay Newby, who retired after the 2024-25 season. Lindsay discusses how she started with the franchise, developing relationships with all the players and staff, and her numerous responsibilities throughout her Storm career. She also digs into the special relationships she built with staff past and present, and shares some of her favourite memories with the team over the years that included 2 OHL titles. Lindsay also had a huge hand in getting this podcast going, so if you're listening or watching, give her a thank you!

Ryan welcomes back Wil McFadden to discuss a pretty smooth transition to being a defender lately for the Storm in his 3rd year with the team. Wil talks about filling in on defence and succeeding mightily, what's leading to that success, and the goals for him and the team the rest of the season as they prepare to host the Memorial Cup in 2027.

Ryan welcomes on Storm fan and the host of All 61: A CHL Podcast, Steve McLean. Steve shares the story of his Guelph fandom, his excitement to see the Memorial Cup come to the Royal City, and his ranking of every rink in the CHL past and present. You can check that out on All60CHLpod.com.

Ryan is joined by the Storm's Vice President of Business Operations Matt Newby, who shares details on Guelph's successful bid to host the 2027 Memorial Cup. Matt shares insights into the franchise's prep work for the selection committee, which included involving alumni, venues around the city and much, much more that ultimately led to an extremely exciting get for the Storm and the Royal City.

Ryan welcomes on rookie Storm forward and native of Ukraine Illia Shybinskyi onto the pod. Illia shares details of his early hockey years in Europe, being drafted by the Storm, adjusting to the style of hockey here, and his favourite players to watch.

Storm d-man and Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Grant Spada comes on the podcast again to tell Ryan about being drafted into the NHL, his experience at rookie camp and how his game continues to evolve. Grant also talks about his love of playing physical and sticking up for his team mates, and scoring his first career OHL goal.

Ryan welcomes on first year forward Christopher Soares, a camp invitee who made the team and continues to impress with his hard work. Chris chats about his minor hockey journey, his time in the OJHL, his NCAA commitment and his enjoyment of the Storm group so far. This was recorded just a few days before Chris scored his first AND second career OHL goals against London.

Storm rookie forward Mark Pape joins Ryan this week. Mark talks about growing up in Ohio and his love for Cleveland sports, how he fell in love with hockey and his minor hockey experiences at The Brick Invitational and the Pittsburgh Penguins minor hockey AAA program. He also gives details on his equipment, music taste and his early time in the Royal City.

Ryan talks with newly acquired Storm defender Patrick Babin on his transition to Guelph, growing up in Niagara and his early hockey influences. Patrick also shines a light on his equipment preferences, his team building experience with the guys, and his development journey as a young captain with Niagara North Stars and a GOHL stint, as well.

Ryan sits down with 3rd year Storm defender Quinn Beauchesne to relive his 2025 draft night after getting picked by Pittsburgh in the 5th round. Quinn also discusses his mentality this year, his colleagues on the Storm blue line, and the challenges that operating a power play present to offensive defensemen.

Storm defender and assistant captain Rowan Topp joins Ryan to talk about his experience at Minnesota's NHL prospects camp this year, his continued growth as a leader on the team and what being part of the leadership core this season means to him.

Storm overager and captain Charlie Paquette comes back on the show to discuss being drafted by Dallas, attending NHL camp, his time in Guelph and what makes being a member of the Storm so special as he enters his 5th and final season in the OHL.

Storm Head Coach Cory Stillman chats with Ryan about settling in for his 2nd year behind the bench, returning players, new faces, his bench staff and the new leadership core as the Storm look to have a bounce-back season.

Ryan welcomes on Storm overage forward Ethan Miedema to talk about his newfound role and home in Guelph, his hockey roots, his OHL journey so far and being drafted into the NHL. Ethan also talks about his equipment, his music preferences and his desire to be a leader on this young Storm team.

Ryan welcomes 2025 OHL 2nd overall pick and one of the newest members of the Guelph Storm, Jaakko Wycisk onto the show. They dig into Jaakko's hockey family growing up, as his father played many years in Germany, where Jaakko was born. They also chat about Jaakko's play style, his journey to the OHL, equipment preferences and much more.

Ryan welcomes on former Stormer, longtime NHLer and now the Advisor to the President in Guelph, Dan Cloutier on to the show. Dan discusses his illustrious junior Career, including a Memorial Cup with the Soo, his connections to Guelph, which included his brother Sylvain captaining the Storm, and his lengthy NHL career.

Season 3 opens with Ryan catching up with Storm GM George Burnett. They discuss the Storm's new faces, including an impressive new rookie crop that features No. 2 overall pick Jaakko Wycisk, and the outlook for the team this year with returning players like Charlie Paquette, Quinn Beauchesne and many more.

Guelph Storm assistant captain and overage forward Jake Karabela joins Ryan to discuss Jake's final OHL season, having spent his entire career in his home city of Guelph. Jake discusses how special it's been to live at home and play in the league, the team mates and relationships he's built over his 4 seasons, and what's coming next for him in his hockey future.

Former Storm star and captain, Michael Latta, joins Ryan on the show this week to discuss his lengthy hockey career. Michael goes into detail on his hockey roots in Kitchener, his early hockey life, and his days in the OHL in Ottawa before being traded to Guelph. He also shares stories of his early pro days after being drafted in the 3rd round by Nashville, eventually making his NHL debut with Washington. Michael goes into playing with Ovi, Nick Backstrom, Tom Wilson and how his days in Guelph helped shape his long career that included stops in Europe before retiring after the 2021-22 season.

Ryan welcomes on fellow Ryan, known to his team mates as "Miggsy", Ryan McGuire. He discusses his overage season so far that included a brief time away from the team due to overage limits. Since returning, McGuire has been an ever steady leader with his always intense physicality, his goal scoring and his willingness to stand up for team mates. He also touches on his special relationship to Guelph, his fellow OAs in Max Namestnikov and Jake Karabela, and what's next for him when his stellar OHL career comes to a close.

Ryan welcomes on Brennan O'Sullivan, the Assistant to Storm GM George Burnett, and the team's video coordinator. Brennan discusses his hockey journey, his path through sports management at Brock University, and his early days with the franchise as he embedded himself in the Guelph community. Brennan also discusses the family-like atmosphere that the staff all share and create on a daily basis so fans can enjoy the best product possible.

Hunter McKenzie joins Ryan Drury to discuss his upbringing in Holstein and playing on the outdoor rinks with his 3 brothers, his farm strength and hardworking roots, and his path to the OHL. The third year forward has already set new career highs in goals and points, and Hunter discusses learning from leaders throughout his life, making a physical impact on the ice and his interesting nickname in the room.

Ryan welcomes on Matt Newby, the Storm's Vice President of Business Operations, to talk about the recent and very successful mini-rebrand of the team to the Royal City Jockstraps. The guys discuss how the idea came together, Matt's long history with the club, and the special relationship the club enjoys with the City of Guelph.

Ryan welcomes back veteran Storm forward and now Assistant Captain Charlie Pacquette to discuss his season and the team this year. Charlie talks about continuing to develop into one of the Storm's most consistent producers, his relationship with the city, the fans and his team mates and coaches, and points out his euchre dominance on the bus.

Eric Frossard checks in with Ryan and delves into his hockey history, from growing up in London and attending Knights games, to starting his love for hockey, his journey to the USHL and commitment to Notre Dame of the NCAA, and finally landing in the Royal City. Eric also discusses his hockey inspirations, his equipment preferences, and his experience so far with the young and exciting Storm core.

Ryan welcomes back Storm GM George Burnett, who discusses the season so far as the Storm look to make a drive toward a playoff spot down the stretch. George touches on the trades that took place leading up to the deadline, the new faces in the Royal City and his overage core that will lead this team forward down the stretch drive. He also talks about his coaching staff and the job they've done dealing with loads of injuries this year and teaching an exciting young group.

Ryan chats with Storm defender Noah Jenken, who came over in a trade with the London Knights. Noah discusses his London roots growing up and his hockey inspirations, playing for his hometown Knights, and adjusting to getting more ice time so far in Guelph. He also touches on scoring his first two career goals in a first star performance in his first Storm home game, playing for the crown in the Royal City, and his hockey prowess against his older brothers.

Ryan welcomes on legendary Storm forward and the team's all-time leading scorer, The O-Dog himself, Jeff O'Neill on to the show. Jeff reflects on his time in Guelph in junior, en route to becoming the first ever player to have their number retired by the franchise. He tells stories of his team mates from back then, winning gold at the World Juniors, his long NHL career and playing for his childhood favourite Maple Leafs.

Ryan sits down with Storm goalie Zachary Jovanovski, fresh off his first career win in the OHL against Kingston in Guelph. Zachary reflects on the win in the Teddy Bear Toss game, his stunning first star performance where he made a handful of clutch saves, and his season so far spent mostly with the powerhouse Ayr Centennials of the GOJHL. Zachary also reveals a bit about his regimented game day prep, his philosophy on playing the position and how he resets after letting in a goal.

Ryan welcomes on veteran Storm defender, Will Haley, on to the show. Will discusses his OHL beginnings in Peterborough and Mississauga, his early days in the game, being born on the East Coast, and the lineage of coaching in his family. He also touches on his game-day routines and his expertise at euchre on the bus.

Ryan welcomes on new Storm signing Lev Katzin. The 2023 5th round pick by Guelph is a Penn State NCAA commit, and has plied his trade in the USHL in Green Bay for parts of this and last season. Lev discusses the NCAA eligibility rule changes factoring into him beginning his OHL career, his hockey influences, his incredible career with the Toronto Marlies in the GTHL and his style of play as he gets set to make his Royal City debut at the Sleeman Centre.

Ryan sits down with Storm defender Grant Spada, to discuss his Fort Erie roots, switching to playing D permanently when he was younger, his hockey superstitions and more. Grant also talks about playing in the GOJHL, his road trip routines and his series binge preferences when he has some downtime. He also throws his hat into the ring for the team NHL video game crown, saying he thinks he could take down number 1 guy Ryan McGuire.

Ryan welcomes back fan favourite in the Royal City, "Mad Max" Namestnikov, to discuss how his overage season in the OHL is going. After a slow start, Max and the Storm have been filling the net with authority lately, including a 4-goal performance from Max against London. Max also discusses his OHL career in the midst of his final year, his goal to play pro, his favourite goal, and the relationship he's developed with Head Coach, Cory Stillman.

Ryan welcomes on rookie Storm netminder Colin Ellsworth, fresh off a silver medal win with Canada at the U17 World Hockey Challenge in Sarnia. Colin discusses growing up in Aurora and playing youth hockey for the AAA York Simcoe Express, breaking OHL camp as a 15-year-old (he turns 16 December 3rd), and his first couple of months as an OHLer. He also picks out his favourite goalie to model his game after and dishes on which of his team mates are toughest to stop in practice.

Ryan sits down with rookie Storm defender Dawson Morris. Dawson discusses taking part in his first OHL camp, scoring his first goal against Brampton, his leadership qualities and he gives himself a scouting report. He also talks about growing up in Sudbury and his favourite spots to hit up north, and gives some insight into his equipment and overall demeanour around the rink.

Ryan welcomes Jett Luchanko back on to the pod to discuss a wild and busy summer and fall for Jett. He tells Ryan about being drafted 13th overall by Philly, attending development camp and regular training camp, making the Flyers out of camp and his first NHL game. The guys also discuss being in Philly, Torts and a big "Welcome to the Show" moment for Jett. Being that it's Halloween, Jett also discusses his favourite Halloween costume and his go-to Halloween candy.

Carter Stevens, another of the rookies on the 2024-25 Storm squad, joins Ryan to discuss his hockey upbringing, play style and his feelings on being drafted by the franchise. He also discusses his equipment preferences and musical tastes. This was recorded prior to Carter scoring his first career goal in the OHL on October 18 against Windsor.