Giants Double Up Everett 4-2
The Vancouver Giants kicked off the final weekend of their WHL preseason schedule with a 4-2 victory over the Everett Silvertips at Comcast Arena. Dalton Sward led the way with a pair of goals for the Giants.
The Vancouver Giants dominated the opening period with the bulk of the play in the Everett zone. Unfortunately, the Giants were only able to come away with one goal, settling for 1-1 score through 20 minutes of play. Vancouver outshot Everett 13-6. Dalton Sward got the Giants on the board first on the power play, potting his 2nd of the preseason. Greg Lamoureux and Brett Kulak picked up helpers. The Silvertips got the equalizer with 3:07 remaining in the frame as Jesse Mychan beat Brendan Jensen to tie the game at 1-1.
A penalty filled second period saw both teams with opportunities on a 5-on-3; neither would score, but in the end both the Giants and Silvertips came away with a goal in the period to make it 2-2 through 40 minutes. Everett took its first lead of the game with a 5-on-4 power play goal from Nick Walters 3:55 into the period. The Giants would respond, just after their own power play expired, as Jackson Houck tipped home a James Henry shot to tie things at 2-2. Cain Franson picked up the other assist. Brendan Jensen came up with his best save of the night with four minutes remaining in the period, and the Silvertips on another power play, as he just got his paddle down on the puck on the goal line to keep things knotted up at 2-2. Shots were 9-6 in favour of Everett in the period.
After a lackluster 2nd period, the Giants came out flying in the 3rd period, once again taking control of the play. Silvertips keeper Luke Siemens was keeping his team in the game with a number of big saves. The Giants eventually would find away to beat him as Sward scored his 2nd of the night to give Vancouver a 3-2 lead with 5:18 remaining. It was Sward’s team leading 8th point of the preseason. Less then a minute later Everett blueliner Nick Walters took a 5 minute major for hitting to the head. Jackson Houck was his target, but the 16 year old would be fine and remain in the game. On the ensuing power play Teal Burns scored his 3rd of the preseason to put the Giants up 4-2. That is how things would finish. With the win Vancouver improves to 3-0-2-0 in the preseason. Final shots were 36-19 in favour of Vancouver. Brendan Jensen made 17 saves for the victory.
The Giants are still without the services of Brendan Gallagher (MTL), Marek Tvrdon (DET), David Musil (EDM), and Wes Vannieuwenhuizen (EDM). All four have moved on to main training camp with their respective NHL teams. Vancouver will wrap up their exhibition schedule tomorrow night at the Ladner Leisure Centre vs. the Kelowna Rockets. Game time is 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets can be bought at the door. $10 for adults. $8 for seniors and kids 12 and under. Cash only.
