Giants Captain Leslie named Tempo WHL Player of the Week
Calgary, Alta. – Vancouver Giants defenceman Mazden Leslie has been named Tempo WHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 13, 2024, the Western Hockey League announced Tuesday.
The Giants captain led his team with a goal, five assists and a +1 rating through three road games.
Leslie broke the ice against the Red Deer Rebels on October 8 with a powerplay blast that snuck through the five-hole of Minnesota Wild prospect Chase Wutzke. The Giants worked the man advantage again in the first period with Leslie wiring a cross-ice pass to Ty Halaburda to make it 2-0 for the visitors. With Vancouver up 3-1 in the middle frame, Leslie made a quick outlet pass to catch the Rebels on a line change and spring Aaron Obobaifo for another goal. Two minutes later, Leslie put another powerful shot on net that Jakob Oreskovic would tip home. Leslie’s one-goal, three-assist performance saw him named first star as the G-men cruised to a 5-2 win. The match also marks Leslie’s second four-point WHL game.
The 6-foot-1, 202-pound blueliner helped spur a comeback for his squad as Vancouver continued its Central Division swing with a tussle against Lethbridge. With the Hurricanes leading 3-2 late in the third period, Leslie set up Obobaifo again to tie the game and force overtime. The Giants only needed one opportunity in the extra frame to snag the second point. Winnipeg Jets prospect Connor Levis won the faceoff draw back to Leslie, who fired the puck to top 2025 NHL Draft prospect Cameron Schmidt, who wheeled into the offensive zone to bury the overtime winner.
He’s since added another assist against the Edmonton Oil Kings on Thanksgiving Monday, though it didn’t count toward this week’s WHL Awards.
Leslie has netted three goals (including one game-winner and a shorthanded tally) and eight assists for 11 points in seven matches this season. The 19-year-old is tied for second in points on the Giants and third in points among all WHL blueliners.
The Lloydminster, Alta. product has amassed 39 goals and 90 assists for 129 points in 221 WHL games since being selected by the Giants with the 10th overall pick in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. He recently surpassed current Edmonton Oilers defenceman Brett Kulak for fourth in all-time points by a Giants defenceman and sits 21 points behind Buffalo Sabres blueliner Bowen Byram for third.
Leslie also attended Vegas Golden Knights Rookie Camp and 2024 Training Camp, rejoining the Giants on September 23.
Vancouver (5-4-0-0) returns home to face the Prince Albert Raiders (1-5-2-0) on October 19 at the Langley Events Centre.
2024-25 Tempo WHL Player of the Week
September 23, 2024: Roger McQueen, Brandon Wheat Kings
September 30, 2024: Nathan Behm, Kamloops Blazers
October 7, 2024: Shea Van Olm, Spokane Chiefs
About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL offers a world-class player experience featuring three key cornerstones: hockey development, education, and a safe and positive environment for all participants. A diverse and inclusive organization, the WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 16 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for close to 60 years. The WHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.
-30-
Loading ...