Coaches Biographies

It’s been seven years since Lee Stone stepped into his first head coaching position in Junior hockey. What Lee Stone has meant to the Storm program is immeasurable.

During the Stone era, the Campbell River Storm have captured 3 league championships, appeared at the Cyclone Taylor Cup four times winning Gold, Silver and Bronze and have won the Western Canadians. Quite an achievement.

Lee grew up and played his minor hockey in Surrey. His junior career included stops in Merritt, Port Moody, Sicamous and Comox (11 points in 13 games).

Lee’s memories of Arizona State University and Minot State still put a smile on his face but not as much as when he talks about his Storm, “Coaching in Campbell River means everything to me. I came here as a kid and have grown into an (old) man! The lessons I have learned, the memories I’ve made, the people I have met. It’s incredible to be a part of this Campbell River Storm family and I’ll be sure to cherish this year more than any other. We have all been so lucky to have been around the incredible young men we’ve had here over the years and I’m honoured to Coach them representing Campbell River.”

After his first season with the Westshore Wolves, Sweet-Coulter compiled a 28-13-3 record which was one win shy of a franchise record.

Sweet-Coulter, a native of Victoria, BC was the Head Coach and General Manager of the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials for two seasons from 2019-2021. He also spent four seasons prior to that building the Red Lake Miners program in the SIJHL and was awarded SIJHL Coach of the Year in 2018. He was also nominated for CJHL Coach of the Year in that same season.

Sweet-Coulter spent four years with the Team Canada West program from 2015-2018. He attended twice, as a guest coach at training camp, in 2015 and 2016, followed by two years as an Assistant Coach at the World Junior “A” Challenge, where he won a gold medal in 2017 in Truro, NS and a bronze medal in 2018 in Bonnyville, AB. With Team Canada West, Derek was able to work with many future NHL prospects such as Alex Newhook, Dylan Holloway, and Brett Stapley. Derek is grateful to have worked with such a high level organization and to have learned so much from the amazing coaching staff during those years.

Derek takes pride in developing his players and moving them on to the next level. He has moved numerous players on to Jr “A”, WHL, college, and professional level over his coaching career.

Derek has also been fortunate enough to work with minor hockey players including his time with the OHL Gold Cup in Kitchener, Ont in 2018 where he represented Team HNO.

It is in his passion for hockey and life that he continues to develop players of all ages and helps with a local hockey academy in Victoria. He brings his passion, a strong work ethic, and the motto: Humility, integrity, and courage; building men for others to each season.