Vancouver Giants - Feed https://chl.ca/whl-giants/tag/jan-30-van-vs-pa-highlights/ Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:52:56 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 Vancouver Giants Name Simon Ferguson Assistant Coach https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/vancouver-giants-name-simon-ferguson-assistant-coach Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:47:07 +0000 chlwebproduct https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/vancouver-giants-name-simon-ferguson-assistant-coach 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 https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-acquire-defenceman-thurston-from-blades-for-conditional-pick Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:30:47 +0000 chlwebproduct https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-acquire-defenceman-thurston-from-blades-for-conditional-pick 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 https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-sign-3rd-round-pick-spencer-wilmot-to-whl-scholarship-development-agreement Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:58:27 +0000 chlwebproduct https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-sign-3rd-round-pick-spencer-wilmot-to-whl-scholarship-development-agreement 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 https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-lin-named-to-hockey-canadas-world-junior-summer-showcase-roster Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:58:51 +0000 chlwebproduct https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-lin-named-to-hockey-canadas-world-junior-summer-showcase-roster 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.]]> Giants Acquire 6-foot-5 Defenceman Pederson from Oil Kings for Late Draft Pick https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-acquire-6-foot-5-defenceman-pederson-from-oil-kings-for-late-draft-pick Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:59:05 +0000 chlwebproduct https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-acquire-6-foot-5-defenceman-pederson-from-oil-kings-for-late-draft-pick Langley, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants are pleased to announce the acquisition of 2006-born defenceman Rhys Pederson (Stettler, Alta.) from the Edmonton Oil Kings in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2027 WHL Draft. A 6-foot-5 left-shot defenceman, Pederson has nearly 200 games of WHL experience and was an alternate captain last season for Edmonton. “We are excited to welcome Rhys to the Giants organization,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “He brings a combination of size, experience and reliability to our blueline core.” During the 2025-26 season, Pederson averaged more than three minutes of shorthanded ice-time per game for the Oil Kings, who had the WHL’s fifth-best penalty kill at 80.1%. He recorded four assists in 39 games over the course of the year. Pederson also won the Oil Kings Humanitarian of the Year Award last season, thanks to a commitment to supporting non-profits, such as Edmonton’s Food Bank, Operation Friendship Seniors Society, and serving as a player ambassador for Hockey Gives Blood. In 183 career regular season games, Pederson has four goals and 22 assists for 26 points, along with 133 penalty minutes. The Alberta product was originally selected by the Oil Kings in the fifth round (90th overall) of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft. He has recorded a pair of assists in eight career playoff games. The Vancouver Giants extend a warm welcome to Rhys.]]> Vancouver Giants Sign 4th Overall Pick Jugnauth to WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/vancouver-giants-sign-4th-overall-pick-jugnauth-to-whl-scholarship-development-agreement Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:30:01 +0000 chlwebproduct https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/vancouver-giants-sign-4th-overall-pick-jugnauth-to-whl-scholarship-development-agreement Langley, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants are proud to announce the signing of 2011-born forward Bryaden Jugnauth (Kelowna, B.C.) to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Jugnauth was selected by the Giants with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. The 15-year-old right-shot forward was named the U18 player of the year in the BC Elite Hockey League (BCEHL) this past season after producing 58 points (32G-26A) in 34 games. He added nine goals and nine assists for 18 points in just six playoff games, helping the Rockets win back-to-back U18 Championships. “We’re thrilled to welcome Brayden to our organization and announce the signing of his WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “Brayden is a highly intelligent forward who has excellent instincts for the game. He enjoyed a standout season while competing against much older players, which speaks to both his skill and maturity. We look forward to supporting his development and watching him grow into an impact WHL player.” Jugnauth’s 32 goals led the BCEHL U18 AAA division and his 58 points were second. The 5-foot-9 centre helped the Rockets capture their second straight Pacific Regional Championship, advancing to the TELUS Cup National Championship where they made the semifinal, in large part thanks to Jugnauth, who recorded 11 points in seven games (6G-5A). Despite being the youngest player at the Telus Cup, Jugnauth’s 11 points tied for second among all forwards in the tournament. “I’m very honoured and grateful to be drafted by the Giants. My appreciation goes out to the management and coaching staff, ownership and the scouts for putting their trust and believing in me to give me this amazing opportunity,” Jugnauth said. “Most importantly I want to thank my family for helping me and being there every step of the way. I also want to thank my coaches, teammates and the whole Okanagan Rockets staff for their endless support over the last couple of seasons. I’m super excited to become a Giant and can’t wait to get started and see what the future holds.” The Vancouver Giants extend a warm welcome to Brayden and the Jugnauth family. Jugnauth is guaranteed a WHL Scholarship for every year he plays in the WHL by signing a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

"Brayden Jugnauth shattered expectations this season."

Jugnauth was ranked third overall on Elite Prospects Top-120 Ranking for the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. "Not only did he make an impact at [the U18] level, but he was able to dominate it, finishing second in league scoring. He followed that up with a dominant playoff run, winning the league championship," EP’s ranking said. “Jugnauth is able to control games with his brain. It starts away from the puck, as he’s always open, intercepting breakouts and spacing the ice. With possession, he’s a deadly shooter, firing off the catch, off the rush, and from sharp angles. Plus, he’s a skilled playmaker who creates time and space with dishes, particularly in transition. While Jugnauth’s not an explosive skater, his relatively thin frame suggests he has a lot more room to develop. His stock has skyrocketed this season, jumping from 14th on our first ranking to a surefire top-five pick and looking like a future first-line centre.”]]> Giants Athletic Therapist Burnstein to Serve on Staff of Canadian World Junior Team https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-athletic-therapist-burnstein-to-serve-on-staff-of-canadian-world-junior-team Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:45:15 +0000 chlwebproduct https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-athletic-therapist-burnstein-to-serve-on-staff-of-canadian-world-junior-team Calgary, Alta. – Vancouver Giants Athletic Therapist Mike Burnstein will serve on the support staff of Canada's National Junior Team at the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton and Red Deer this winter. Hockey Canada announced the full coaching and support staff on Monday morning. Burnstein (Hamilton, ON) is entering his 10th season with the Giants, after initially being hired ahead of the 2017-18 season. He returns to Canada’s National Junior Team for the fourth time. Burnstein captured a Gold Medal with Canada in 2022 (Edmonton) and 2020 (Czech Republic), and also served on their support staff in 2019 (Vancouver/Victoria). “The Vancouver Giants would like to congratulate Mike on being named to Hockey Canada’s staff,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “Mike has earned the trust and respect of Hockey Canada through years of outstanding work, and we're proud to see him represent the Giants once again on the world stage. We know he'll be a tremendous asset to Canada's staff.”  Additionally, Burnstein earned a Gold Medal with Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics. His international resume also includes five World Hockey Championships, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey (Team Europe) and the 2015 Spengler Cup. Burnstein previously spent 20 seasons with the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. Head coach Misha Donskov will be joined by assistant coaches Drew Bannister, Brad Lauer, Jim Hulton, Ryan Getzlaf, goaltending coach Dan De Palma and video coach Adam Filmon with additional support from James Emery, Hockey Canada's director of performance analysis. The coaches and support staff were selected by National Junior Team general manager Alan Millar and Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, with input from director of hockey operations Benoit Roy and Dave Brown, the assistant general manager of the National Junior Team. "We are excited to officially announce our coaching staff for Canada’s National Junior Team and bring together a group of experienced, accomplished leaders who are deeply committed to player development and winning on the international stage,” said Millar. “We are confident this staff will create an environment that allows our players to succeed and proudly represent Canada as we prepare for the World Juniors." Canada’s National Junior Team will begin preparations for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship at the World Junior Summer Showcase, July 26-Aug. 1 in Windsor, Ontario, where it will be joined by Finland, Sweden and the United States.]]> Giants Rookies Holowaychuk & Mateychuk Invited to Hockey Canada U-17 Development Camp https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-rookies-holowaychuk-mateychuk-invited-to-hockey-canada-u-17-development-camp Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:00:42 +0000 chlwebproduct https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-rookies-holowaychuk-mateychuk-invited-to-hockey-canada-u-17-development-camp Calgary, Alta. – Vancouver Giants incoming rookies Louis-Oscar Holowaychuk and Crosby Mateychuk have both been invited to Hockey Canada's national under-17 development camp, which will take place July 17-21 at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ontario. Holowaychuk and Mateychuk are two of 80 players invited to the summer camp. Participants will be split into four teams for the five-day camp, which includes two days of practice and six games from July 19-21. Following camp, players will continue to be evaluated through the beginning of the 2026-27 season before the Canada Red and Canada White rosters are named for the 2026 U17 World Challenge, scheduled for Nov. 1-7 in Oakville. CLICK FOR THE FULL U17 DEVELOPMENT CAMP ROSTERS “We are excited to unveil the top Canadian under-17 players who have earned invitations to our development camp this week, and to introduce these young players to Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence,” Program of Excellence (POE) general manager Alan Millar said. “This is a very talented and exciting group that will be surrounded by world-class coaching and support staffs, and we look forward to introducing them to our program, setting the expectations for the season and preparing for the U17 World Challenge later this year.” Holowaychuk was the Giants' first pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, 6th overall. The right-shot centre made a seamless transition from U15 prep to U18 prep in the CSSHL this past season with St. George's School. He was named the top freshman and a first-team U18 Prep all-star after posting 23 goals and 44 points in 28 games. The Vancouver native finished fifth in goals and eighth in points-per-game among all U18 skaters, leading his team in both categories. He also added five goals and a pair of assists in five playoff games. The right-shot forward dressed in seven games with the Giants as a call-up this past season – making his WHL debut on December 6 – during which he tallied a pair of assists. Mateychuk was the Giants' second selection in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, 13th overall. The left-shot blueliner was named a second-team all-star in his first U18 AAA season with the Eastman Selects in his home province of Manitoba, after producing 59 points in 37 games (24G-35A). While his 59 points were the third-most in the league by a defenceman, his 1.59 points-per-game ranked first. The Dominion City, Man. product also dressed in seven games with the Giants as a call-up, making his WHL debut on December 28. The Giants have had one player win Gold at the U17 World Challenge in three straight years: Blake Chorney in 2025, Ryan Lin in 2024 and Cameron Schmidt in 2023. Brett Olson won Silver in 2024 as well. For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.]]> Giants Sign Goaltender Donovan Knapp to WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-sign-goaltender-donovan-knapp-to-whl-scholarship-development-agreement Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:59:29 +0000 chlwebproduct https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-sign-goaltender-donovan-knapp-to-whl-scholarship-development-agreement Langley, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants are excited to announce the signing of 2011-born goaltender Donovan Knapp (Clearwater, MN) to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Knapp, 15, was selected by the Giants with the 33rd overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. The 6-foot-4, 180 lb. goaltender backstopped the 14U Little Caesars to a USA Hockey Tier I National Championship this past season, posting a perfect 5-0-0 record at Nationals with a 1.51 G.A.A. and .920 save percentage. “We’re excited to announce the signing of Donovan to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “Donovan is a competitive goaltender who battles hard, stays composed under pressure and gives his team a chance to win every time he’s in the net. He has a strong work ethic and has shown a real commitment to his development. We’re excited to welcome him to our organization and look forward to being a part of his continued growth both as a player and as a person.” According to USA Hockey’s website, Knapp went 24-2-1 during the 2025-26 season with a 1.46 goals-against average (G.A.A.) and eight shutouts. "I am incredibly excited and honoured to officially sign with the Vancouver Giants and begin the next chapter of my hockey career," Knapp said. “I want to sincerely thank the Giants organization for believing in me and giving me this opportunity, as well as my family, coaches, teammates and everyone who has supported me along the way. I’m grateful for everyone who has helped me reach this point and can’t wait to get to work and proudly represent the Giants. Here’s to the next chapter!” The Vancouver Giants extend a warm welcome to Donovan and the Knapp family. Knapp is guaranteed a WHL Scholarship for every year he plays in the WHL by signing a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.]]> Giants Flex Packs Now on Sale https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-flex-packs-now-on-sale Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:12:56 +0000 chlwebproduct https://chl.ca/whl-giants/article/giants-flex-packs-now-on-sale