Vancouver Giants 2020-21 Player Awards – Part 1
After the safe and successful completion of the 2020-21 season inside the RE/MAX Hub in Kamloops and Kelowna, the Vancouver Giants are pleased to announce their 2020-21 Individual Award winners. The Giants will be announcing award winners today, tomorrow and Friday.
Unsung Hero Award: Tanner Brown
2002-born defenceman Tanner Brown enjoyed a breakout season for the Vancouver Giants. The Kelowna, B.C. product suited up in all 22 games for the Giants and posted two goals and eight assists for 10 points. He added a team-leading +11 rating and 18 penalty minutes. Originally selected by the G-Men in Round 2 of the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft, Brown has established himself as a reliable, versatile defenceman who logged big minutes in all situations for the Giants.
Most Sportsmanlike Player: Eric Florchuk
2000-born forward Eric Florchuk’s final WHL season proved to be a successful one at both ends of the ice. The product of Fort Saskatchewan, AB finished third in team scoring with 20 points (4G, 16A) and did so while only accumulating eight penalty minutes. Florchuk’s eight power play assists were tops on the team, as were his 432 faceoff attempts.
Three Star Awards: Justin Sourdif, Tristen Nielsen, Trent Miner
Justin Sourdif finished the 2020-21 season with 34 points (11G, 23A) which led the Giants, and also had him ranked tied for third in league scoring. In 22 games, Justin Sourdif recorded at least one point in 17 of them.
Tristen Nielsen finished the 2020-21 season with 32 points (15G, 17A). His 15 goals were tops on the team and tops in the B.C. Division. He also led the Giants with six power play goals and 12 power play points.
Trent Miner finished the 2020-21 season with a 7-8 record with a 2.16 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. His four shutouts were tied for the most in the WHL. The 2001-born goaltender started the season with a shutout minutes streak of 234 minutes and 31 seconds – A new franchise record.
Save-On-Foods High School Scholastic Player of the Year: Zack Ostapchuk
“Zack has shown commitment and resilience in his studies, even as the COVID pandemic has forced dramatic changes in learning. He is a dedicated student, striving for his personal best as he completes High School.” – Gatlin Saip, Giants Academic Advisor.
Post-Secondary Academic Player of the Year: Trent Miner
“Trent has once again demonstrated academic excellence this year, and continues to set the tone for his teammates in his commitment to his studies.” – Gatlin Saip, Giants Academic Advisor.
More awards will be announced tomorrow, including:
- The Players Choice Award.
- The Bublé Iron Man Award.
- The Milan Ilich Rookie of the Year Award.
- The Most Improved Player Award.
- The Bruce Allen Inspirational Leader Award.