Former Storm captain to make coaching debut

Kearney, Neb. – Former Tri-City Storm Captain Garrett Gamez announced Tuesday (August 22, 2017) he will stop playing hockey because of health concerns. Gamez is a 22-year-old junior at Providence College and had been sidelined since collapsing March 11 against Notre Dame. He will join the Friars coaching staff as a Student Assistant Coach.
“From growing up as a kid in California, all the way to playing juniors in Kearney, Nebraska for the Tri-City Storm, and finally Providence College, I have shared some of the best memories of my life with all you guys and those memories will last forever,” Gamez wrote.
Storm Owner Kirk Brooks added, “Garrett was one of the finest captains we have ever had in the Storm organization. If we could field a team of 23 players with his skill, desire and character we would never have a worry on or off the ice. The whole Storm family wishes Garrett nothing but the best.”
Gamez played for Tri-City from 2012-15 and is sixth on the team’s all-time points list (96). In 2014, Gamez earned the USHL’s Curt Hammer Award, presented annually to the player that demonstrates outstanding performance skills, leadership, pride and determination both on and off the ice.

Gamez volunteer work highlights
– Grace Fellowship church nursery + Step Out & Serve
– Viaero Center’s “Learn to Skate” program
– Barn painting with Central Nebraska Make-A-Wish

Storm career highlights
– 44 points in 44 games during 2014-15
– 6^th in Storm career points (96)
– T-12^th in Storm career regular season GP (147)

A graduate of Kearney High School, Gamez volunteered at Kearney’s Grace Fellowship, launched “Reading Up a Storm” at a local elementary school and participated in Central Nebraska Make-A-Wish program.
In 2014-15, Gamez was Storm Captain and scored 15 goals and 44 points in 44 games. Tri-City qualified for the Clark Cup Playoffs for the first time under his leadership and made the Western Conference Final.
While at Providence College, Gamez scored eight goals and 16 points in two seasons.
The Storm preseason kicks off Sept. 15 vs. Lincoln at 7:35 p.m. Tri-City’s final home preseason game is Sept. 23 at 7:35 p.m. vs. Omaha. Tickets are free for season ticket holders, $5 for the public and will go on sale at a later date.