Vancouver Giants ended their season in style, dominating the Victoria Royals for a 6-1 victory in Kamloops Tuesday night, May 11.
Tristen Nielsen paced the Giants attack with four points while Tanner Brown and Justin Sourdif added three point games.
Six different Giants contributed goals while Drew Sim made 12 saves in the Giants goal.
The lone Royals goal came from Keanu Derungs late in the first period.
The final goal of the 2020-21 season for the Langley-based Giants came courtesy of Bryce Bader on a power play. Tristen Nielsen and Connor Horning both drew the assists off Bader’s fifth goal of the season that came off a shot from the left-wing circle.
Of course the Captain gets on the board in his final game! pic.twitter.com/nNQ0cz6g0k
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) May 12, 2021
Afterwards, goalie Trent Miner said the fact it was their last game was a motivating factor.
“Everyone knew in the back of their head what tonight was, I think, [which is] why we were able to go out and play a strong game,” Miner commented.
Associate coach Keith McCambridge said the team played “a real complete 60 minute game.”
Playing hockey in a COVID-compliant bubble built camaraderie, with players living together and eating together.
“Every day you woke up in the hotel and went down to the meal room” Miner said.
“We bonded so much as a team and that helped us.”
61 days in the bubble! Thank you to the @TheWHL and all the players, staff and owners in the BC division for giving the players a chance to play the game they love! @WHLGiants @blazerhockey @Kelowna_Rockets @PGCougars @victoriaroyals pic.twitter.com/FpdE5cqquH
— Keith McCambridge (@kmccambridge2) May 12, 2021
It was the final game for three mainstays of the team, over-agers Alex Kannok Leipert, Eric Florchuk and Tristen Nielsen.
McCambridge called the trio the “heart and soul” of the team.
“I think it’s sad because we’re going to lose three great guys,” Miner remarked.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Vancouver Giants down Kelowna Rockets 6-2
Kannok Leipert, a two-year team capatin, was originally selected by the Giants in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft, going on to play 219 career games, all with the Giants.
In that span, the one-time draft pick of the Washington Capitals has managed 21 goals and 62 assists for 83 points for his career along with 240 penalty minutes.
RECAP: The Vancouver Giants finished their #REMAXHub season with a 6-1 victory over the Victoria Royals. It also marked the final game in @TheWHL for Alex Kannok Leipert, Eric Florchuk and Tristen Nielsen.
More 📎: https://t.co/2VFPplF8x2 pic.twitter.com/NX2VMuJbTS
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) May 12, 2021
Florchuk was selected 13th overall by the Victoria Royals in 2015, and went on to play 270 career WHL games with Victoria, Saskatoon and Vancouver. For his entire WHL career, the one-time draft pick of the Washington Capitals has 65 goals and 121 assists for 186 points.
Nielsen was selected by the Calgary Hitmen back in 2015, and has since played in 241 career games with Calgary and Vancouver. For his career, Nielsen has managed 82 goals and 93 assists for 175 points.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: ‘Do or die’ for Giants heading into final three games
Giants recorded their season-ending win after Saturday night’s loss in a crucial matchup, dropping a 3-1 decision to Kamloops, a game that clinched the 2020-21 B.C. Division banner for the Blazers.
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Vancouver Giants ended their season in style, with 6-1 victory over Victoria Tuesday night, May 11. Justin Sourdif extended the Giants lead to 3-1 at the 15:07 mark of the middle frame. (Allen Douglas/special to Langley Advance Times)
Vancouver Giants ended their season in style, with 6-1 victory over Victoria Tuesday night, May 11. It was the last game for over-agers, Tristen Nielsen, ALex Kannok Leipert and Eric Florchuk. (Allen Douglas/special to Langley Advance Times)
