Giants host top prospect game - 12 December 2022

Story by Steve Erickson

Morning came early for two Vancouver Giant players who were part of the official presentation for the CHL/NHL Kubota Top Prospects Game on January 25th.

Special guests included Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Michael Buble, Stan Smyl, Giants Head Coach Michael Dyck as well as local guests.

The MC for the event was “good friend” Brook Ward who has a way to introduce everyone in his own unique style while adding fun to the proceedings.

The event was “kicked-off” after a meet and greet with those in attendance with both Daniel and Henrik being introduced first followed by Stan “Steamer” Smyl.

Everyone in attendance was impressed with the line-up of those on the stage who were having a one on one with Brook giving some direct answers to any and all questions.

Once the Q&A was over it was time for a one on one with those who were on hand to talk about the event played at the Langley Events Centre.

Personally, I had the chance to chat with Michael Buble for a quick chat as you can only imagine the demand on his time, but he was gracious enough to chat while talking about his passion for the game.

While players from all three leagues were named first the final two names were two Vancouver Giant players who were also named to the roster taking part in the Kubota Top Prospects Game.

Samuel Honzek, who was given an “A” rating by NHL Central Scouting in their preliminary ratings, will be taking part in the game. 

Honzek leads the Giants, and WHL rookies in scoring this season with 16 goals and 25 assists for 41 points. 

Honzek was also named the WHL Rookie of the Month for November.

Jaden Lipinski was also added onto the roster. The Scottsdale, AZ native has 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points on the season and listed as a “C” rated prospect in the NHL Central Scouting preliminary ratings.

Vancouver Giants GM Barclay Parneta told the media “The Giants want to congratulate both of the players chosen by the NHL to participate in the Kubota Top Prospect Game.” 

He continued “Samuel has transitioned exceptionally well to the WHL. His power and skill have set him apart and we look forward to his continued growth in the WHL with the Vancouver Giants. Jaden continues to excel with great passion and work ethic on and off the ice. He is a focused, driven person that understands the work that goes into improving. Jaden has a great skill set with the ability to protect the puck. He is a player that the puck follows on the ice.” 

Previous Vancouver Giants to represent the Giants at the Top Prospects Game:

•      Justin Sourdif (2020)
•      Bowen Byram (2019) 
•      Tyler Benson (2016)
•      Ty Ronning (2016)
•      Evander Kane (2009)
•      Gilbert Brule (2005)

As if this wasn’t enough a press release sent out later in the day mentioned that Zack Ostapchuk will be on Team Canada’s roster at the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships.

He is a prospect of the Ottawa Senators and attending the World Juniors for a second time and was also a part of the Gold-Medal winning squad this past summer.

The Giants captain has 10 goals and 19 assists so far this season for 29 points in just 21 games.

Giants Head Coach Michael Dyck “We’re really proud of Zack playing for his country again, and we know he’ll represent the Vancouver Giants organization well with Team Canada.” 

Previous Vancouver Giants to represent Canada at the WJC level

•     Zack Ostapchuk (2022)
•    Justin Sourdif (2022)
•    Bowen Byram (2020, 2021)
•    Brendan Gallagher (2012)
•     Evander Kane (2009)
•     Cody Franson (2007)
•     Kenndal McArdle (2007)
•     Michael Dyck – Assistant Coach (2021, 2022)
•     Mike Burnstein – Trainer (2019, 2020, 2022)
•     Don Hay – Head Coach (2012)

www.thehockeygranddad.ca for https://sportswave.ca 

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Story and photos by D. Laird Allan (unless otherwise noted)

In July I posted a story regarding the Australian U20 men’s hockey team on their travels through Vancouver en route to Mexico to the IIHF Div. III 2022 Hockey Championship.  On their stop over they played an exhibition game against a local Major Midget team, the West Coast Warriors.  One of the players on the Australian team, Rylie Langille, was the son of a family who are he friends of one of my dear friends in Perth, Australia.

To make a long story short, the young lad was signed by the Campbell River Storm of the VIJHL (Jr. B).  My friend from Perth, Barb Wood is on holiday with her entourage in Union Bay on Vancouver Island at this time.  They wanted to see Riley play.  So, with Steve Erickson’s contact/friend, media guy of the Storm, Mark Berry, I was set me up with a pass.  So on the 8th of December we hit the BC Ferry (my daughter Jen was my driver) and headed north to Campbell River.  The game was set on December 9th, 7:30pm at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena against the Port Alberni Bombers.  This gig was twofold, one, cover the Storm’s game, and two, have a sit down with Riley Langille and discuss his hockey journey.

The evening was living up to the Storm’s name with a terrible snow/rain/wind storm raging outside.  Even with the storm there was a great noisy crowd of 652 in the building.  The game was a spirited affair with PA getting on board early on the PP.  CR answered back with a PP of their own and then scored again to go into the room 2-1.  CR came out in the second and set the tone with a goal right of the mark at .13.  They scored again and went into the room after two leading 4-1.  The second was a feisty penalty filled affair with 15 minors between the two teams.  The the third was relatively quiet with CR scoring their fifth goal at 18:27 to close it out.

During the game the announcer addressed the crowd regarding Riley being chosen to play for Team Australia, which drew a rousing ovation.  Riley was not in the lineup, so I had time to get into a quiet space and have a talk.

How is the transition between living and playing in Campbell River than at home in Australia.

Playing;

Big. In Australia we practice two/three times a week, while here we have on ice and/or off ice every day.  The system here is very structured and you know what they want.   The skill level is higher and everyone knows their job and what is required.  The pace is quite high, especially game action.  I am learning everyday.

Living;

It has been a learning experience.  My billets are special and make me feel at home.  I am making new friends with my teammates.  I am here to learn and everything revolves around the team.  I also have a great support network from back home and they are in regular communication.

It was announced yesterday that you have been chosen to be a member of Team Australia U20 team heading to the IIHF Div. III in Turkey in January, 2023.  

Your thoughts?

It is always an honour for me to be chosen to play for my country again and be a part of that team.  I am looking forward to the challenge and believe this stint with the Storm will help me on and off the ice.  I really enjoyed and learned from the 2022 IIHF U20 Worlds, Div III in Mexico.  We won bronze but was disappointed that we didn’t win gold.  (In his team’s defence, they ran into a hot goalie in Mexico.  It can be a cruel sport, where you play your best, may deserve to win but lose)(just look at the World Cup).

What are your future goals in hockey?

To continue on I as I have been. Stay in Campbell River and learn everything I can to get better.

Anything else you would like to add?

Just that I love the support coming from back home, especially my parents who have been with me and behind me every step of the way.  Also, it is neat that mates from home are here for the game tonight.

The attached photos will help tell the story.

https://www.swhockey.ca
http://www.iha.org.au.