University of Victoria adds pair from VIJHL's Campbell River Storm

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The University of Victoria has added a pair of recruits from the Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, as forward Braeden Cyra (Kelowna, BC) and defenceman Ryan Grills (Whistler, BC) will join the Vikes for the 2016/17 BCIHL season.

Cyra grew up in Kelowna and played his minor hockey there, winning a Midget Tier 1 provincial championship in 2013. He then spent two seasons with the KIJHL's Kelowna Chiefs before a trade to Campbell River in June 2015.

"I'm beyond excited to announce my commitment to the University of Victoria," says Cyra. "Playing University hockey has always been a dream and I'm excited to attend such a respected school. The Engineering program at UVic is top notch and there is a lot of potential for success with the hockey team."

"Braeden joined the Storm and instantly impressed our fans scoring a hat trick in his first game," says Campbell River head coach and general manager Lee Stone. "He was voted our team's Fan Favourite in large part because of his blazing speed and ability to beat a goalie from anywhere. Braeden was important member of the Storms defensive core and demonstrated he is a team player through his strong leadership."

Meanwhile, Grills joins the Vikes following three successful seasons in Campbell River. He grew up and played his minor hockey in Whistler before affiliating with the Comox Valley Glacier Kings in 2012 and joining the Storm full-time the following season.

The 20-year ols was a key cog on Campbell River's blueline when the team captured league, provincial and regional championships during the 2014/15 season. He was named an assistant captain for the 2015/16 campaign, where the Storm progressed to the VIJHL Finals and earned a bronze medal at the 2016 Cyclone Taylor Cup.

"Ryan was a heart and soul hockey player for our organization," says Stone. "Consistently out working his peers, Ryan was a leader from the minute he showed up in 2013/14 as a fresh faced 17-year old rookie. A strong stay-at-home defenseman, Ryan consistently led our PK and was a defensive mainstay with his physical play and shot blocking ability."

Grills picked UVic because it’s located in a beautiful city and a respected school. He plans to continue playing hockey and earn a degree from the Peter B. Gustafson School of Business. Ryan would like to earn his business degree and work in the hockey business upon graduation.

The Vikes have 2 returning defence for the upcoming season so it is important to find players that have experience and leadership to fill defensive roles on the team. Ryan had 2 successful seasons with the Storm and was lucky to learn form the Storms GM/ Head Coach Lee Stone.