With a new head coach, a new general manager — even a new home rink — the Vancouver Giants are getting set to write a brand new chapter as training camp opens today in Ladner.
The 2016/17 Western Hockey League season kicked off unofficially Monday as Giants players, coaches, management and special guests took to the course at the Tsawwassen Springs Golf Course for their annual golf tournament.
It was a great way to begin the season, and have the players bond a bit before rookie camp, which started Tuesday at the Ladner Leisure Centre. Main camp starts today and runs until next Wednesday, Aug. 31 with the Alumni Challenge Intrasquad Game at 7 p.m.
The Giants begin their pre-season campaign against the Silvertips in Everett on Sept 2. On Sept. 11, the Giants play host to the Victoria Royals in Ladner at 2 p.m.
The regular season opener and home opener is at the Langley Events Centre (LEC) on Sept. 23 against Everett.
“We are all looking forward to getting started,” said head coach Jason McKee prior to teeing off at Monday’s golf tournament. “For me coming in here these guys are all new to me, so it truly is a fresh start. It’s a clean slate for everyone. My philosophy is to try and create depth throughout our line-up. We don’t need one or two guys to save us. I think we all have to do our part and when you put all those parts together you have the makings of a pretty strong hockey club.”
McKee said he wants to see more consistency in all aspects of their game.
“We need to be consistent in our day-to-day routines, how we want to play. I’m expecting that all our guys will buy into the system I want to create,” he said. “The rink needs to be a destination the players want to be. I think we will create that culture. It’s going to take time for the players to get to know me and for me to know the players, but I’m a believer in what I do and that it works and I believe it will work here. We have some great players and we are excited about the season.
Once the players arrive and camp starts you know the season is here and that’s exciting.”
Captain Tyler Benson is back for his 18-year-old season after being selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of the NHL draft. Last season’s leading goal scorer, Ty Ronning, was also taken in the draft, going to the New York Rangers in the seventh round. Goaltender Ryan Kubic will look to build off his strong rookie campaign, while veterans Thomas Foster, Dmitry Osipov and Brennan Menell are back again looking to make an impact.
“It’s been a long summer, but I’m happy to be back and just be back with the guys,” said Benson. “There have been lots of changes, but I’m excited for the changes. I think it’s going to be a good year. Everyone is excited to be back and we are ready to prove ourselves and show that we are a good team.”
New general manager Glen Hanlon said the organization is not phased by all the changes saying everyone is embracing the fresh start and new opportunities.
“The last few years if nothing changes, nothing changes, so we will be making some changes in how we do things just to kind of make it fresh and different,” Hanlon said. “We have a new coach and a new rink, and a bit of a new fan base out in Langley. I think everyone is excited about the prospects of playing at (LEC).
“We want to create a loud building, a great atmosphere and a competitive hockey club. We have a lot of home games early in our schedule and we want to ride off of this new wave here, get people involved and get off to a good start.”
