What do you get when you have a player that combines size, with strength and speed? A lot of scouts will call that player the complete package. Around the Dauphin Kings offices they call that player Branden Storey.
“He’s an impressive player.” stated Kings Assistant Coach Marc Berry. “He has very good size and he’s very strong. There’s a definite presence there. Branden has a great shot, he’s physical and his foot speed is developing nicely. He’s committed to being a hockey player. We think he’s a very mature young man.”
Being from Grandview, just down the road from Dauphin, one would think the path to the Kings organization would be an easy one. This wasn’t the case however. At the MJHL Bantam Draft in 2013 the Kings were fully prepared to make the son of Troy and Maureen Storey their first pick that year. Two picks before the Kings could make their selection, the OCN Blizzard stepped up and selected Storey 20th overall.
In the MJHL the team that drafts a bantam aged player has until their sixteenth birthday to add that player to their 50 man protected list. When Branden’s sixteenth birthday came around, the Kings scouting and coaching staff were both shocked and excited to see that Storey was still unlisted.
“We were surprised for sure. One of our scouts tracks the list players in the league very closely. When we saw Branden was unlisted after his birthday, we didn’t hesitate to add him. It might have been the fastest addition we have ever made.” said Berry. “We knew the window to get Branden listed was small and he would be a player any team would want.”
Becoming a Kings prospect was an exciting day for both the Kings and Branden.
“It would mean the world to me, to be a Dauphin King.” says Storey. “I grew up watching the Kings a lot and I was always hoping I could put on that jersey one day. The Kings are close to home and have had a lot of success. There have been a lot of Kings players from Grandview that I know personally.”
Storey’s favourite King growing up was Dauphin product, Dallas Drysdale.
“He was a big powerhouse defenceman who had an unreal shot and loved to play the body.”
Last season Storey patrolled the blue line for the Parkland Rangers in the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League. In 46 games he picked up 4 goals and 12 assists for 16 points. The big defenceman also showed his physical side as he racked up 71 penalty minutes.
In the off season Storey competes at Track and Field. He also loves to work out. He’s always up for playing catch or mini-sticks with his brothers, Dylan – 18 and twins Austin and Logan – 13. His favourite team is the Winnipeg Jets. Being true to his team, his favourite player is Dustin Byfuglien. Fast and Furious 7 is Branden’s favourite movie. His favourite colour is red and ten is his number of choice.
Steak or Chicken – Both
Coke or Pepsi – Neither
Golf or Lake – Lake
iPhone or Blackberry – iPhone
TSN or Sportsnet – TSN
Country or Rock – Country
Magazine or Book – Magazine
Call or Text – Text
Burger or Hot Dog – Hot Dog
You can catch Branden on the ice this fall as he makes his push to be a Dauphin King. Main Camp is September 3rd through 6th. Exhibition games are scheduled in Dauphin for September 7th vs. Swan Valley, September 11th vs Neepawa, September 15th vs Winkler and September 18th vs Virden.