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B.C. Division, Game Recap, WHL

Bader and Sourdif shine and Miner makes history as Giants beat Royals 6-4

Written by Adam Kierszenblat on

 

Three-point nights from Bader and Sourdif propelled the Giants to a come-from-behind win versus the Royals. The Giants who were down 4-2 less than five minutes into the second scored four straight to beat the Royals for their fifth straight win. This game was a special one for Trent Miner as he set a franchise record tonight for the longest shutout streak. The team answered after a slow start and now find themselves alone in first place of the BC Divison.

Special night for Miner

Miner passed Ryan Kubic’s 207:00 minute after coming into the game early in the second period. Trent Miner’s shutout streak is now at 225:48. Miner has looked unstoppable so far this season and could set a WHL record next game. Currently, Chris Worthy holds the all-time shutout streak at 265:13. Miner will need to shut out Prince George for 39:26 to pass Worthy for the all-time record. The last time the Miner faced Prince George, he stopped 14 shots and three shootout attempts for a 1-0 shutout win. Miner has a great opportunity to set the record on Saturday. If he continues to play at this elite level, we should be hearing Miner’s name called as part of the WHL year-end award ceremony.

Bader steps up

Bryce Bader has been a bright spot since signing with the Giants in the offseason. The former Calgary Hitman recorded two goals, an assist, and a fight tonight for the Gordie Howe hat trick. Bader has really stepped up so far this season bringing the physicality and creating space for linemates Ostapchuck and Florchuk. Now Bader is starting to chip in offensively as he sits fourth in team scoring with five points in six games. If Bader can continue this progression, he should find himself near the top of the Giants scoring leaders at the end of the season.

Penalty Kill steps up

A big problem for the Giants this year has been penalties. They gave up seven powerplays tonight including a five-on-three late. The good news is that the Giants continue to deliver when down a man. They are currently second in the WHL with a 90.3% penalty kill rate having only given up three goals on 31 opportunities. The Giants need to find a way to be more disciplined. If not, it could hurt them down the line in more critical situations.

Three best Giants of the evening

Justin Sourdif

Sourdif continues to step up game after game. His two goals and one assist put him in a tie for first with Tristen Nielsen on the Giants scoring leaderboard. Sourdif is also tied for the highest points per game in the entire WHL. The Panthers prospect is having one of the best seasons of his WHL career and continues to impress night after night.

Bryce Bader

Tonight was Bader’s best game as a Giant. He has already surpassed his point total from last season and is bringing the physicality every game. Bader has been one of the most impressive players for the Giants this season. He gets to the dirty areas and is now being rewarded offensively. Bader was a bright spot tonight and is slowly becoming a fan favorite for the Giants.

Bader after an impressive night

“Getting the puck deep past their d men and grinding it out. We do a good job down low and we generate some offense by getting to the net and grinding it out. I’m getting more comfortable now and using my shot and starting to find the net.”

Trent Miner

What more can be said about Miner. He is having a historic season and one that could lead Miner to some end-of-season awards. The team settled down after Miner came in early in the second. The team looks very confident in front of Miner. Look for Miner to take a run at the all-time WHL shutout streak next game versus Prince George.

Miner on the record

“It sounds like a personal record but we are giving up minimal opportunities every game and blocking tons of shots so for as much as you can say it’s a personal record, it’s a team record.”

Next Game:

The Giants’ next game is versus Prince George on Saturday Night.  The Giants will be going for win number six in a row and look to keep their lead atop the BC Divison. Tune in on Sportsnet 650 and CHLTV for full coverage. Game time 7:00 pm.