Yahoo Sports 2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Vancouver Giants
Welcome to The Hockey News 2024-25 season preview series. From August 29 to September 20, THN's WHL duo will examine some of the biggest storylines facing each team this season. Today's edition is focused on the Vancouver Giants, who enter the season with eyes on home ice in the first round of the playoffs.
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2023-24 Statistics:
Regular Season Record: 32-32-4-0-68 Points (3rd B.C. Division)
Playoffs: Defeated By Everett Silvertips 4-1
Key Departures: Brett Mirwald (G), Samuel Honzek (F), Logen Hammett (D)
Key Additions: Tyus Sparks (F), Brett Olson (F), Burke Hood (G)
The Giants are one of the few teams in the WHL that are bringing back a significant chunk of their roster. While they are losing significant pieces, including WHL Goaltender of the Year Brett Mirwald, Vancouver has built a deep roster full of talented players who can put the puck in the net. With plenty of breakout candidates on their roster, the Giants should have what it takes to challenge for a top-four spot in the conference.
Up front, all eyes will be on 2025 NHL Draft prospect Cameron Schmidt as he looks to build off a 31-goal rookie season. On top of Schmidt, teams will need to deal with drafted prospects Connor Levis and Tyler Thorpe, who have both shown that they can light the lamp on a consistent basis. Add in players like Adam Titlbach, Aaron Obobaifo, Tyson Ziemmer, and Ty Halaburda, and you have a forward group that will cause matchup problems for opponents all season.
As for the defence, Mazden Leslie and Colton Roberts are expected to lead the group both at even strength and on special teams. It will also be a big year for Marek Howell and Colton Alain, who are both draft-eligible after the season is over. Add in highly touted prospect Ryan Lin, and you have what should be one of the deeper blue lines in the division.
Lastly, how the Giants manage their goaltending will be an intriguing storyline to follow. Vancouver is going with two young goaltenders, Matthew Hutchison and Burke Hood, with Hutchison the expected starter. The big question is what the split will look like between the two goalies, and how will Vancouver manage rest to ensure both Hutchison and Hood stay fresh the entire season?
Overall, the Giants have plenty of talent that should help them stay close to the top of the conference. There is also a chance they could get Jaden Lipinski back, which would be a massive boost and provide even more depth to the forward group. Ultimately, this is an exciting group that should bring the fans at the Langley Events Centre to their feet multiple times a night.
Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
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