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Giants Main Camp Recap – Day 1

Nathan Kanter — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 03:15:24 +0000

Ladner, B.C. – The first day of on-ice sessions at Vancouver Giants Main Camp took place on Friday, August 28 at the Ladner Leisure Centre, presented by Preston GM, which included two scrimmages. In the morning scrimmage, Team Gallagher came from behind to beat Team Byram 4-2, thanks to goals from Drew Wilkinson (2010), Kaden Hayes (2008), Austin Mori-Goodman (2008) and Max Sullivan (2006). Derek Thurston (2006) and Colton Gerrior (2008) provided the goals for Team Byram. In the evening scrimmage, Team Lucic defeated Team Gallagher 5-4 in overtime, thanks to two goals Mathis Preston (2008) and single tallies from Hagan Purinton (2009), Cole Bieksa (2007) and Ethan Mah (2010). Brogan McNeil had two goals for Team Gallagher, with Jakob Oreskovic (2007) and Max Sullivan (2006) also scoring. Below is the scoring summary from each game:

GALLAGHER 4, BRYAM 2

1-0 BYRAM – Thurston (penalty shot) END OF 1ST 2-0 BYRAM – Gerrior (A. Lucas) 2-1 BYRAM – Wilkinson (Pura, Callander) 2-2 – Hayes (Charko) 3-2 GALLAGHER – Mori-Goodman (McNeil, Pura) 4-2 GALLAGHER – Sullivan (unassisted)

LUCIC 5, GALLAGHER 4 (OT)

1-0 GALLAGHER – McNeil (unassisted) 2-0 GALLAGHER – McNeil (unassisted) 2-1 GALLAGHER – Preston from Jugnauth End of 1st 2-2 – H. Purinton from Neilson 3-2 GALLAGHER – Sullivan from McNeil 4-2 GALLAGHER – Oreskovic from McNeil and Hartmann 4-3 GALLAGHer – Mah from Preston 4-4 – Bieksa (penalty shot) End of 2nd - OT 5-4 LUCIC – Preston (unassisted)

Training Camp Standings

Team Gallagher – 1-0-1 (8 GF, 7 GA)
Team Lucic – 1-0 (5 GF, 4 GA)
Team Byram – 0-1 (2 GF, 4 GA)

Giants Training Camp continues on Saturday from the Ladner Leisure Centre.

Remaining Schedule

Sat. August 29	SCRIMMAGE: Team Byram vs. Team Lucic	10:45 AM	Ladner Leisure Centre
Sat. August 29	SCRIMMAGE: Shuffled Teams – Team 1 vs. Team 2	4:00 PM	Ladner Leisure Centre
Sat. August 29	SCRIMMAGE: Shuffled Teams – Team 3 vs. Team 4	5:45 PM	Ladner Leisure Centre
Sun. August 30	Howe vs. Quinn Legends Cup	10:00 AM	Ladner Leisure Centre

Giants Announce 2026 Main Camp Rosters

Nathan Kanter — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:29:30 +0000

Ladner, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants have announced the rosters for the three teams that will compete in 2026 Training Camp, with on-ice sessions beginning on Friday at the Ladner Leisure Centre. A total of 65 players spanning 2006-2011 birth years will participate in camp, comprising 38 forwards, 21 defencemen and six goaltenders. Eighteen players at camp were full-time WHL players last season (11 forwards, six defencemen and one goaltender), including 15 who finished the season with the Giants plus three offseason additions: Cash Koch, Rhys Pederson and Derek Thurston. Returning forwards Mathis Preston and Joe Iginla both were selected at the 2026 NHL Draft this summer. Preston was selected in the second round by the Anaheim Ducks, while Iginla was a third-round pick of the Calgary Flames, the same team his dad, Jarome, played for over 16 seasons. CLICK FOR THE TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE The 65 players have been split into three teams: Team Byram, Team Gallagher and Team Lucic. The first scrimmage is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on Friday, August 28. Camp concludes with the annual Quinn/Howe Legends Cup game on Sunday, August 30 at 10 a.m. PT. Returning Giants Tobias Tomik and Jaxson Pawlenchuk will not participate in camp, but are expected to be back with the team for the preseason.

All ice sessions and the Legends Cup take place at the Ladner Leisure Centre and are free to attend. Team rosters can be viewed with the link above or below.

TEAM BYRAM
FORWARDS (12)	YOB	Hometown	2025-26 Team
Linden Delleman	2009	Salmon Arm, B.C.	Thompson Blazers U18 AAA
Dennis Emesibe	2008	Calgary, Alta.	Springfield Jr. Blues
Trace Frieden	2007	Los Angeles, CA	Cowichan Valley Capitals
Colton Gerrior	2008	Williams Lake, B.C.	Seattle Thunderbirds/Vancouver Giants
Hunter Hoggan	2009	Omaha, NE	Star Hockey Academy U17 Prep
Louis Oscar Holowaychuk	2010	Vancouver, B.C.	St. George's School U18 Prep
Joe Iginla	2008	Lake Country, B.C.	Edmonton Oil Kings/Vancouver Giants
Cash Koch	2007	Calgary, Alta.	Tri-City Americans
Asher Lucas	2008	Williams Lake, B.C.	Williams Lake Mustangs
Torretto Marrelli	2007	Devon, Alta.	Vancouver Giants
Garrison Peck	2008	Calgary, Alta.	Port Alberni Bombers
Jace Rask	2007	Corman Park, Sask.	West Kelowna Warriors
DEFENCEMEN (7)	YOB	Hometown	2025-26 Team
Tafari Chingwaru	2008	Edmonton, Alta.	Lloydminster Bobcats
Mckye Duncan	2009	Red Deer, Alta.	Red Deer Chiefs U18 AAA
Dylan Hurren	2009	Maple Ridge, B.C.	Delta Hockey Academy U18 Prep
Brady Leinenweber	2011	Kerrobert, Sask.	Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep
William Ren	2008	White Rock, B.C.	St. George's School U18 Prep
Jakob Schmidt	2010	Prince Albert, Sask.	Prince Albert Mintos U18 AAA
Derek Thurston	2006	Delta, B.C.	Red Deer Rebels/Saskatoon Blades
GOALTENDERS (2)	YOB	Hometown	2024-25 Team
Burke Hood	2007	Brandon, Man.	Vancouver Giants
Donovan Knapp	2011	Clearwater, MN	Detroit Little Caesars 14U

TEAM GALLAGHER
FORWARDS (13)	YOB	Hometown	2025-26 Team
Hunter Ashton	2008	North Vancouver, B.C.	Victoria Grizzlies
Wyatt Callander	2009	Prince George, B.C.	Cariboo Cougars U18 AAA
Samuel Charko	2007	Whitecourt, Alta.	Vancouver Giants
Tomas Figura	2010	Calgary, Alta.	Calgary International HA U17 Prep
Kaden Hayes	2008	Chestermere, Alta.	Okotoks Oilers U18 AAA
Brogan McNeil	2006	Delta, B.C.	Shawinigan Cataractes/Sherbrooke Phoenix
Callum MacLean	2007	Yellowknife, NWT	Merritt Centennials
Daniel Makovetskiy	2010	Seattle, WA	Northern Alberta Xtreme U17 Prep
Austin Mori-Goodman	2008	Sylvan Lake, Alta.	Red Deer Chiefs U18 AAA
Jakob Oreskovic	2007	Langley, B.C.	Vancouver Giants
Luca Pura	2008	Winnipeg, Man.	Vancouver Giants
Max Sullivan	2006	Calgary, Alta.	Calgary Canucks
Drew Wilkinson	2010	Bozeman, MT	Edge School U18 Prep
DEFENCEMEN (6)	YOB	Hometown	2025-26 Team
Kaleb Hartmann	2007	Langley, B.C.	Seattle Thunderbirds/Vancouver Giants
Santino Iriberri	2010	Maple Ridge, B.C.	Yale Hockey Academy U17 Prep
Carsten Kayter	2006	Warman, Sask.	Victoria Royals
Crosby Mateychuk	2010	Dominion City, Man.	Eastman Selects U18 AAA
Nolen Miller	2009	Calgary, Alta.	Edge School U17 Prep
Zachary Pomeroy	2011	Grande Prairie, Alta.	Edge School U15 Prep
Brando Purinton	2007	Cleveland, OH	Merritt Centennials
GOALTENDERS (2)	YOB	Hometown	2024-25 Team
Maverick Bell	2008	Maple Ridge, B.C.	Vancouver Northeast Chiefs U18 AAA
Kasey Fuson	2008	St. Albert, Alta.	Fort Saskatchewan Rangers U18 AAA

TEAM LUCIC
FORWARDS (13)	YOB	Hometown	2025-26 Team
Jack Bakker	2007	Surrey, B.C.	Coquitlam Express (2024-25)
Cole Bieksa	2007	Vancouver, B.C.	Vernon Vipers/Coquitlam Express
Boone Chartier	2009	Minnetonka, MN	Minnetonka High
Blake Chorney	2009	Nipawin, Sask.	Vancouver Giants
Landon Horiachka	2009	Sherwood Park, Alta.	Sherwood Park Flyers U18 AAA
Hayden Iron Shirt	2008	Lethbridge, Alta.	Golden Rockets
Brayden Jugnauth	2011	Kelowna, B.C.	Okanagan Rockets U18 AAA
Noah Lawless	2007	Mission, B.C.	Merritt Centennials
Adam Neilson	2010	Gig Harbor, WA	Star Hockey Academy U17 Prep
Brett Olson	2008	Spruce Grove, Alta.	Vancouver Giants
Mathis Preston	2008	Penticton, B.C.	Spokane Chiefs/Vancouver Giants
Hagan Purinton	2009	Duncan, B.C.	Kerry Park Islanders
Richard Wonyeneh	2009	Langley, B.C.	White Rock Whalers
DEFENCEMEN (7)	YOB	Hometown	2025-26 Team
Chaz Lucas	2008	Fort St. John, B.C.	Williams Lake Mustangs
Ethan Mah	2010	North Vancouver, B.C.	North Shore Warriors U18 Prep
Lance McCloskey	2007	Newport Beach, CA	Vancouver Giants
Rhys Pederson	2006	Stettler, Alta.	Edmonton Oil Kings
Jacob Perez	2009	Parker, CO	Colorado Thunderbirds 16U
Braydon Riggall	2008	Calgary, Alta.	Vancouver Giants
Eli Vickers	2011	South Surrey, B.C.	Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep
GOALTENDERS (2)	YOB	Hometown	2024-25 Team
Oliver Bryks	2009	Edmonton, Alta.	Delta Hockey Academy U18 Prep
Armaan Kaila	2007	Delta, B.C.	Delta Ice Hawks

After the conclusion of camp, the Giants will play four preseason games, two of which will be hosted in the Greater Vancouver Area, beginning at Jon Baillie Arena in Port Coquitlam on Saturday, Sept. 12, followed by a contest at the brand new ARENAS at Langley Events Centre on Sunday, Sept. 13. Both games will be against the Victoria Royals. Tickets for the preseason games in Port Coquitlam and Langley will go on sale next week and will be available for purchase on the Giants website. The G-Men will also play two preseason games on the road in Everett as part of their preseason tournament. Vancouver will face the Wenatchee Wild at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, Sept. 4 at 12:00 p.m. PT and then battle the Seattle Thunderbirds on Sunday, September 6, also at 12 p.m. PT.

FULL PRESEASON SCHEDULE

DATE	OPPONENT	TIME	VENUE
Fri. Sept. 4	Seattle Thunderbirds	12:00 PM PT	Angel of the Winds Arena
Sun. Sept. 6	Wenatchee	12:00 PM PT	Angel of the Winds Arena
Sat. Sept. 12	Victoria Royals	7:00 PM PT	Port Coquitlam Community Centre
Sun. Sept. 13	Victoria Royals	2:00 PM PT	the ARENAS at Langley Events Centre

Giants season tickets and flex packs are NOW ON SALE! Season ticket packages start as low as $18.52 per game. Flex packs start at just $138 and come in six, 12 or 36-ticket packs. Call the Giants Office at 604.4.GIANTS (+1 (604) 444-2687) or contact the Giants at: sales@vancouvergiants.com.

Giants Preseason Tickets Now on Sale

Nathan Kanter — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:56:23 +0000

LANGLEY, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants will host two preseason games against the Victoria Royals next month, with stops in both Port Coquitlam and Langley at the brand new facility. The Giants will face the Royals at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre’s Jon Baillie Arena on Saturday, September 12 at 7 p.m., marking the fifth consecutive preseason the Giants have played in Port Coquitlam. The teams will meet again the following afternoon, Sunday, September 13, at 2 p.m. at The ARENAS at Langley Events Centre, located next door to the Giants’ home rink. BUY TICKETS “We’re excited to continue our partnership with the City of Port Coquitlam and bring a Giants preseason game back to the community,” Giants Vice President, Operations and Assistant General Manager Peter Toigo said. “We’re also pleased to play on the Langley Events Centre grounds in their brand-new facility, which we’re proud to showcase to our fans.” "The Jon Baillie Arena and Port Coquitlam Community Centre continue to prove they're among the best venues in the region," Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West said. "Welcoming the WHL back is a great way to showcase what our city has to offer, both on and off the ice. I can't wait to see the stands packed on September 12." “The ARENAS at Langley Events Centre are a fantastic new addition, providing much needed capacity and space for youth sports,” Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward said. “It’s great to host the Giants for one of their preseason games at the new facility and showcase it to their fans.” Tickets for both games are now on sale for $17 each, including tax. Seating is general admission and first come, first served. Tickets must be purchased online, as there will be no tickets available at the door. Tickets are available here.

Giants Acquire Cash Koch from Tri-City Americans

Nathan Kanter — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:58:22 +0000

Ladner, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants are pleased to announce the acquisition of 2007-born winger Cash Koch (Calgary, Alta.), as well as a conditional fifth-round pick in 2029, from the Tri-City Americans in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2028 WHL Draft. A 5-foot-11, 196 lb. left-shot forward, Koch will be entering his fourth season in the WHL with 175 games of experience, having produced 58 points (29G-29A) and 253 penalty minutes. Koch has established a reputation as a relentless competitor who plays a physical, hard-driving style and thrives in the tougher areas of the ice. “Cash brings an element we are looking for,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “He is highly competitive, plays with an edge and is hard to play against.” Koch recorded 16 points (7G-9A) in 41 games during the 2025-26 season, along with 84 penalty minutes. He cracked the 10-goal mark in both his 16-year-old and 17-year-old seasons, with 10 goals in 2023-24, followed by 11 goals in 2024-25. The Calgary native won a U18 Prep CSSHL championship with Edge School in 2022-23. He was originally selected by the Americans in the second round (24th overall) of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. The Vancouver Giants extend a warm welcome to Cash. https://twitter.com/WHLGiants/status/2090854021858738585

Giants Announce 2026 Chevrolet Training Camp Schedule

Nathan Kanter — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:45:00 +0000

Ladner, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants are excited to announce their schedule for 2026 Training Camp, presented by Chevrolet, which will consist of both a Rookie Camp and Main Camp. Training Camp begins with rookie registration on Monday, August 24 and concludes with the annual Legends Cup game on Sunday, August 30 at 10 a.m. PT. All ice sessions will take place at the Ladner Leisure Centre. Rosters will be announced at a later date, but will include returning players, prospects and free agent invites. Rookie Camp will consist of strictly 2010 and 2011-born players and be split into two teams. Main camp will be split into three teams: Team Byram, Team Gallagher and Team Lucic. This will be the first Training Camp for all 2026 WHL Draft selections, including first-round picks Eli Vickers and Brayden Jugnauth, as well as second-round picks Brady Leinenweber and Donovan Knapp, all four of whom are signed. On-ice action begins on Tuesday, August 25 with the first rookie scrimmage game at 5 p.m. All ice sessions and the Legends Cup game are open to the public for free.

TRAINING CAMP HIGHLIGHTS

DATE	EVENT	TIME	VENUE
Tues. August 25	ROOKIE SCRIMMAGE: Team 1 vs. Team 2	5:00 PM	Ladner Leisure Centre
Wed. August 26	ROOKIE SCRIMMAGE: Team 1 vs. Team 2	4:00 PM	Ladner Leisure Centre
Thurs. August 27	ROOKIE INTRASQUAD GAME	10:00 AM	Ladner Leisure Centre
Fri. August 28	MAIN CAMP SCRIMMAGE: Team Byram vs. Team Gallagher	10:45 AM	Ladner Leisure Centre
Fri. August 28	MAIN CAMP SCRIMMAGE: Team Lucic vs. Team Gallagher	5:45 PM	Ladner Leisure Centre
Sat. August 29	MAIN CAMP SCRIMMAGE: Team Byram vs. Team Lucic	10:45 AM	Ladner Leisure Centre
Sat. August 29	SCRIMMAGE: Shuffled Teams – Team 1 vs. Team 2	4:00 PM	Ladner Leisure Centre
Sat. August 29	SCRIMMAGE: Shuffled Teams – Team 3 vs. Team 4	5:45 PM	Ladner Leisure Centre
Sun. August 30	Howe vs. Quinn Legends Cup	10:00 AM	Ladner Leisure Centre

*All dates & times subject to change Following camp, the Giants will play four preseason games, two of which will be hosted in the Greater Vancouver Area, beginning at Jon Baillie Arena in Port Coquitlam on Saturday, Sept. 12, followed by a contest at the brand new ARENAS at Langley Events Centre on Sunday, Sept. 13. Both games will be against the Victoria Royals. Tickets for the preseason games in Port Coquitlam and Langley will go on sale next week and will be available for purchase on the Giants website. The G-Men will also play two preseason games on the road in Everett as part of the Silvertips preseason tournament. Vancouver will face the Wenatchee Wild at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, Sept. 4 at 12:00 p.m. PT and then battle the Seattle Thunderbirds on Sunday, September 6, also at 12 p.m. PT.

FULL PRESEASON SCHEDULE

DATE	OPPONENT	TIME	VENUE
Fri. Sept. 4	Seattle Thunderbirds	12:00 PM PT	Angel of the Winds Arena
Sun. Sept. 6	Wenatchee	12:00 PM PT	Angel of the Winds Arena
Sat. Sept. 12	Victoria Royals	7:00 PM PT	Port Coquitlam Community Centre
Sun. Sept. 13	Victoria Royals	2:00 PM PT	the ARENAS at Langley Events Centre

Giants Announce Carson Dyck & Jim Vandermeer as Assistant Coaches

Nathan Kanter — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 16:09:28 +0000

Ladner, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants announced today the hiring of Carson Dyck (Lethbridge, Alta.) and Jim Vandermeer (Caroline, Alta.) as Assistant Coaches for the 2026-27 WHL season. Vandermeer, 46, brings 18 years of professional hockey experience to the role, including 461 NHL games from 2002-12. The former defenceman captained the Red Deer Rebels to a Memorial Cup Championship in 2001 and previously served as a Development Coach with the Giants from 2021-23. Dyck, 25, recently graduated from Penn State after a four-year career with the Nittany Lions hockey program, where he was a three-time B1G Distinguished Scholar, two-time team Culture Award recipient and a B1G Sportsmanship Award winner. He led Penn State to its first-ever Frozen Four appearance in 2024-25 as alternate captain and was the youngest player in program history to win the Culture Award in 2022-23. "Both individuals possess the key qualities that are essential in growing our player development program,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “They have the leadership needed to rebuild our culture and identity both on and off the ice.” A physical and hard-nosed defenceman throughout his playing career, Vandermeer made NHL stops in Philadelphia, Chicago, Calgary, Phoenix, Edmonton and San Jose. He also suited up in more than 700 career games between the NHL and AHL and spent six professional seasons in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, where he was a two-time EIHL Cup Champion with the Belfast Giants. “I would like to thank the Vancouver Giants ownership group, Peter Toigo and Michael Dyck for the opportunity to join the Giants and be part of such a proud organization,” Vandermeer said. “I’m excited to work with the coaching staff and players, build relationships and help this group reach its full potential.” Prior to his time at Penn State, Dyck produced 66 points in 110 games over three seasons with the Okotoks Oilers in the AJHL from 2018-21, serving as team captain in 2020-21. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Vancouver Giants organization,” Carson Dyck said. “I look forward to working with the players and staff as we prepare for the season ahead. It’s an honour to be part of an organization with such strong traditions.” With the additions of Carson Dyck and Vandermeer as Assistant Coaches, the Giants have now rounded out their coaching staff for the upcoming season. The staff includes Michael Dyck as Head Coach and General Manager, Simon Ferguson as Assistant Coach and Kayden Jarvis returning as Video Coach.

Vancouver Giants Name Simon Ferguson Assistant Coach

Nathan Kanter — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:47:07 +0000

Ladner, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants announced today the hiring of Simon Ferguson (Prince Rupert, B.C.) as an Assistant Coach. Ferguson, 43, has spent the last six years as the Head Coach and General Manager of the West Kelowna Warriors in the B.C. Hockey League (BCHL). He was named a finalist for BCHL Coach of the Year in two of the last three seasons, including 2025-26, when he led the Warriors to a first place overall finish with a 40-11-3-0 record. "Simon brings a high level of energy, intensity, preparation and a development-first mindset that fits well with the team’s identity,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “He brings a proven ability to identify, recruit and connect with talent – a key pillar in our organization’s strategy.” West Kelowna went a combined 161-81-26-2 in the regular season in the five full seasons with Ferguson as Head Coach from 2021-26. Last year, they finished with the fewest goals against and had a power play and penalty kill that were both top-three in the league. Additionally, Ferguson has helped develop 11 Warriors that have played in the AHL and one in the NHL, while six Warriors have been drafted to the NHL. Prior to his time in the BCHL, Ferguson was the Head Coach of the U18 AAA Okanagan Rockets for three seasons. “I’m honoured to have the opportunity to join the Vancouver Giants organization and would like to thank Michael Dyck and Peter Toigo for their trust in me and for giving me the chance to be part of such a respected franchise,” Ferguson said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know our players, helping them develop both on and off the ice, and working together toward the ultimate goal of playing for a Memorial Cup.” Ferguson's playing career included five years of junior hockey with Lethbridge and Kelowna, followed by nine professional seasons in the AHL, ECHL and Europe. He won a WHL Championship with Kelowna in 2003, a Memorial Cup with Kelowna in 2004 and a Calder Cup with the Hershey Bears in 2010. The Vancouver Giants organization extends a warm welcome to Simon, his wife Heather and their three children: Ryder, Dallas and Saylor.

Giants Acquire Defenceman Thurston from Blades for Conditional Pick

Nathan Kanter — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:30:47 +0000

Langley, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants are excited to announce the acquisition of 2006-born defenceman Derek Thurston (Delta, B.C.) from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2027 WHL Draft. In 131 career regular season WHL games, Thurston has produced 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points, along with 162 penalty minutes and a +11 plus-minus rating. During the 2024-25 season, the 6-foot-1 left-shot blueliner produced a career-best 22 points (9G-13A) in 67 games, along with a +9 rating and 96 penalty minutes. “We are excited to add Derek to help bolster our defence,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “His presence and experience solidify not only our blueline, but our whole organization, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back home to Delta.” Thurston is a product of Delta Hockey Academy, where he won a U17 Prep championship in 2022. He was named the CSSHL U16 Top Defenceman during the 2021-22 season, after recording 36 points (12G-24A) in 33 games. In his U18 season with DHA in 2022-23, he was teammates with current Giants forward Jakob Oreskovic. The Delta native was originally selected by the Rebels in the sixth round (112th overall) of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft. The Vancouver Giants extend a warm welcome home to Derek.

Giants Sign 3rd Round Pick Spencer Wilmot to WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement

Nathan Kanter — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:58:27 +0000

Langley, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants are excited to announce the signing of 2011-born forward Spencer Wilmot (Littleton, CO) to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Wilmot, 15, was selected by the Giants with the 65th overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. The 5-foot-10, 170 lb. forward led Okanagan Colorado’s U14 AAA team with 62 points in 43 games this past season (31G-31A). “We’re excited to announce the signing of Spencer to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “Spencer is a good, two-way forward who plays fast and has the ability to make plays. We are looking forward to having him join the organization.” Wilmot had a standout John Reid Memorial Tournament in January, where he tallied five goals and eight points (5G-3A) in five games, including a hat-trick in the final game. He was also invited to attend USA Hockey’s Boys National 15U Camp earlier this month. "I am very excited to start my journey with the Vancouver Giants," Wilmot said. “I would like to thank my family for sacrificing as much as they do for me to play hockey, and thank Darrell Hay for making me the player I am today. I can’t wait to get started with the Giants.” The Vancouver Giants extend a warm welcome to Spencer and the Wilmot family. Wilmot is guaranteed a WHL Scholarship for every year he plays in the WHL by signing a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Giants’ Lin Named to Hockey Canada’s World Junior Summer Showcase Roster

Nathan Kanter — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:58:51 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – Vancouver Giants defenceman Ryan Lin (Richmond, B.C.) has been named to Hockey Canada's roster for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, set for July 26-Aug. 1 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario. Hockey Canada announced the 32-man roster on Friday morning, where Lin was one of 10 defencemen and 12 skaters with WHL experience invited to the seven-day camp. CLICK FOR THE FULL ROSTER Four goaltenders, 10 defencemen and 18 forwards will take part in practices, scrimmages and a trio of exhibition games against Finland, Sweden and the United States in preparation for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. Lin, 18, was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft earlier this summer. During the 2025-26 Western Hockey League season, Lin led the Giants in scoring with 57 points in 53 games, on 14 goals and 43 assists. The 5-foot-11 defenceman ranked fourth amongst all WHL skaters in average ice-time per game (25:58). His 1.08 points-per-game were the third-highest by a Giants defenceman in franchise history, trailing only Jonathon Blum (1.29 in 2008-09) and Mazden Leslie (1.09 in 2024-25). Canada's camp roster features eight players who are eligible to return from Canada’s 2026 National Junior Team and 17 players who have won gold at the IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, including Lin. The Richmond, B.C. product looks to become the first Giant to represent Canada at the World Juniors since Zack Ostapchuk in 2023, who won a Gold Medal in Halifax. Ostapchuk and current Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck won Gold together in 2022 in Edmonton as well. Lin has represented Canada five times already, most recently at the 2026 IIHF U-18 World Championship, where he won a Bronze medal. Lin also won Bronze at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Gold at the 2025 U-18 Men’s Worlds, Gold at the 2024 U17 World Challenge (Canada White) and played for Canada at the 2023 Youth Olympic Games. Last week, Giants Athletic Therapist Mike Burnstein was named to Canada’s World Junior staff. The player selection process was led by Alan Millar, general manager of the National Junior Team, alongside Byron Bonora, Program of Excellence (POE) head scout, and Dave Brown, assistant general manager of the National Junior Team. Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, and Benoit Roy, director of hockey operations, also provided input. "We're excited to announce the 32 players who will attend the World Junior Summer Showcase in Windsor as we begin our preparation for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship,” said Millar. “This is an important opportunity for our staff to evaluate a talented group of players against top international competition while continuing to build our identity as a team. We're looking forward to seeing this group compete and bringing this showcase to Windsor in front of passionate Canadian hockey fans." The team will practice July 27 and 28 before taking on Sweden on July 29, Finland on July 30 and the United States on Aug. 1.