The Vancouver Giants put up six special teams goals in a 7-2 victory over the Kelowna Rockets on Friday night. The Giants, who had only put up one power-play goal through their first five games, exploded for four against Kelowna. They also added two shorthanded goals, which propelled them to their fourth win of the season.
📽️ WHL Highlights – October 29, 2021
🏒 @Kelowna_Rockets (2) at @WHLGiants (7)
The Giants explode for seven goals in a win over the Rockets.
📰 | https://t.co/gvcB3N4xnL pic.twitter.com/xlD7sGb6sp
— The WHL (@TheWHL) October 30, 2021
Game Recap
First Period
The Giants jumped out to an early 1-0 lead after Adam Hall beat Colby Knight shorthanded just over two minutes in. Hall was able to grab a bobbled puck at the blue line and beat Knight high glove. The Rockets tied it up 11:41 of the first when Colton Dach picked up a rebound in the slot and buried it. Giants goalie Jesper Vikman made the save, but his momentum carried him out of position, leaving an empty net. The Giants were able to retake the lead late in the first with their first of four power plays goals as Ty Thorpe tipped a shot from the slot to make it 2-1 with just under five minutes left in the period. The Giants dominated play and were rewarded with a 2-1 lead going into the first intermission.
Second Period
The Giants exploded for four goals in the second, all on special teams. This included the first career goal for Ty Halaburda. He was able to pick up a rebound in the slot and bury his first career WHL goal. That made the game 3-1. Vancouver pushed the lead to 4-1 after a Justin Sourdif shorthanded goal beat Knight five-hole. Kelowna finally answered back on the power play as Jack Poole picked up a rebound in front to make it 4-2. Unfortunately, that was as close as the Rockets would get as Vancouver continued to pour on the pressure and scored three more before the end of the period. Connor Horning and Justin Sourdif scored on the power play, while Lysell scored the game’s final goal five on five as the Giants took a 7-2 lead into the third.
Third Period
There was no scoring in the third, but Justin Lies and Riley Kovacevic dropped the gloves in a heavyweight tilt with less than five minutes left. This had been brewing for a while as both teams were throwing big hits throughout the game. The fans were fired up and left the game happy as the Giants sealed a 7-2 victory at home.
Positive From the Game
The power play finally connected and started to click. The Giants got production from both units and even tried out a five-forward unit. If they want to have a chance to go far in the playoffs this season, they need to have the power play clicking throughout the season. Hopefully, this is a sign of good things to come.
NHL draft picks Sourdif, Lysell help Giants power play flip switch in win over Rockets @WHLGiants @NHLBruins @FlaPanthers https://t.co/cVKLAnIu88
— Steve Ewen (@SteveEwen) October 30, 2021
The other positive was the play of the defence. They limited chances and were able to sweep rebounds away throughout the game. This is as solid a defensive group you will find in the Western Conference, so hopefully, they can continue the strong play throughout the season.
Quotes
Coach Michael Dyck on special teams work:
“I think we recognized how much better we could be with our power play contributing. We made some adjustments. Not so much systematic, but putting guys in different spots. We simplified, and it worked. Also, the shorthanded goals were huge as well. They created a lot of momentum for us.
Ty Halaburda on his confidence:
“I think today; I’ve built my confidence up a lot. Obviously, that goal helped me get my confidence up, and it’s only going to go up from here.”
So Ty, walk us through your first @TheWHL goal.. pic.twitter.com/jSfwJmyJxC
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) October 30, 2021
Fabian Lysell on the overall game:
“I thought the first period was maybe not the best start for sure. We have had some tough starts this season. We had a chat in the locker room going into the second period. We scored some special teams goals today, which have been a bit of a struggle at the beginning of the season, so it was great. I had my mom watching the game. She is here visiting, so I definitely wanted to make sure we got that win today.”
Three Stars for the Giants
Justin Sourdif- 2 goals, 2 assists, +2, 4 shots, 4/9 on faceoffs
Fabian Lysell- 1 goal, 3 assists, +1, 5 shots
Ty Halaburda- 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 shots, 8/18 on faceoffs
Next Game
The Giants will finish up their three-game set against Kelowna on Wednesday night at Prospera Place. Game time is set for 7:05 pm PST.
