The Vancouver Giants have officially hit the 50-game mark of the season and are in the home stretch with just 18 games remaining. So far this season, they have recorded a 20-24-4-2 and are comfortably in seventh in the Western Conference. Here is a look back at some of the teams’ top players over the past 50 games.
M.V.P: Ty Thorpe
Captain Ty Thorpe continues to be the heartbeat of this Vancouver Giants team. With 53 points in 49 games, he is the Giants’ leading scorer and often, their best player on the ice on any given night. Whether it is in the faceoff dot, protecting his own zone or creating offensive chances, he continually puts in a strong effort regardless of what the scoreboard says.
Best Defenceman: Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson has continued to impress since signing with the Giants back in early November. He has 19 points in 34 games and has 10 points in his last 10 games. In fact, he is currently on a four-game point streak with one goal and four assists during the stretch. He has played some of his best hockey as a Giant over the past few games and should continue his strong play over the final 18 games and into the playoffs.
Unsung Hero: Ty Halaburda
This award has been given to Jaden Lipinski all the season but based on his season so far, he is more in contention for team MVP rather than unsung hero. That means the torch must be passed and who better than Ty Halaburda to claim the title. One of five Giants to be ranked by NHL Central Scouting, the Victoria-born forward has become one of Vancouver’s most consent players all season.
The past 10 games are no different as he has put up six points during that span. He also is not afraid to get the puck on the net with 28 shots on goal over the past 10 games. A key member of Vancouver’s penalty kill and power play, he is one of the hardest-working players on the team and continues to be a key piece on this team.
Best Performance During Last 10 Games: Jesper Vikman vs Victoria Royals
Jesper Vikman stood on his head and stole a win against the Victoria Royals on February 10th in enemy territory. He stopped 37 of 38 shots in a 2-1 OT win and in the process, captured his 33rd win as a Giant which vaults him past Ryan Kubic into 10th on the franchise’s all-time win list.
After an up-and-down start to the season, the Vegas Golden Knights prospect is starting to find his groove and the perfect time. With a projected playoff matchup against the Kamloops Blazers on the horizon, he will look to get revenge after the Giants were eliminated last season by the very same team in a six-game second-round series.
Player Spotlight: Kyren Gronick
After a slow start to the season, Kyren Gronick has been getting more comfortable and the results are starting to show on the scoresheet. He has 19 points in 45 games so far this season with six of those coming in the previous 10 games. The hope is Gronick can continue this recent run of strong play as he will be looked upon to provide depth scoring and help the Giants once again pull off a first-round upset once the postseason rolls around.
That will do it for the Giants’ 50-game update here on the Area 51 Sports Networks. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled right here as we bring you the best WHL coverage all throughout the season.