Coming into the season, there was a lot of talk surrounding 10th overall pick Mazden Leslie.
He did not disappoint in his WHL debut as Leslie posted two goals as part of a 6-0 Giants win over the Kelowna Rockets on Sunday night.
First day hope I do well. pic.twitter.com/Rt4WDvb4JE
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) March 29, 2021
Nielsen and Sourdif take over
Much of the attention tonight will be on Mazden Leslie, but it was Tristen Nielsen and Justin Sourdif who really stole the show tonight. Nielsen finished the game with a hat trick and two assists, while Sourdif set a new career-high with four assists. The two veterans delivered for the Giants tonight as they bounced back from their 7-3 loss on opening night to the Kamloops Blazers.
A complete game
Nine different players recorded points and Trent Miner recorded the 20 save shutout as the Giants improve to 1-1 on the season. The Giants played a complete game and dominated Kelowna from the first whistle. They created chances while shorthanded and never let Kelowna get possession throughout the game. If the Giants can continue to play this style of hockey throughout the season, they will be a force in the BC Divison.
Three best Giants of the evening
Justin Sourdif
Sourdif impressed with four assists tonight but his play away from the puck and on the penalty kill stole the show. It is evident that Sourdif has been working on his two-way game this off-season and it showed tonight. Sourdif will be a big part of the Giants’ success this season and helped lead his team to victory tonight.
Tristen Nielsen
What a game for Tristen Nielsen tonight. He provided jump and energy from the opening puck drop and was rewarded with a first-period hat trick. Nielsen has had a great start to the season with seven points in the first two games. If Nielsen can continue his hot start, he is sure to be offered some NHL contracts in the offseason.
Tristen Nielsen with the 1st period natty hatty ??? pic.twitter.com/NvPFj97dJ0
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) March 29, 2021
Mazden Leslie
What a debut from Leslie.
The 10th overall pick at the 2020 WHL Draft impressed in his debut registering two goals on three shots. Leslie is going to be a star in this league. You can tell Leslie has confidence every time he touches the puck. He is not afraid to use the body or jump into the play. It was a great debut and hopefully, he can continue the strong play throughout the season.
Underaged D-man Mazden Leslie scores in his WHL Debut! pic.twitter.com/4USvdpsDr5
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) March 29, 2021
Next game
The Giants take on the Royals on Tuesday in Kamloops. Victoria (0-1) will be playing Prince George the night before so they may be tired coming into their match against the Giants. If the Giants want to win, they will need to duplicate the effort put forward tonight. It will be a hard fought battle. Tune in on CHL TV and Sportsnet 650 starting at 7:00 pm.
A shutout, hat trick & points galore for the @WHLGiants home opener!
?| https://t.co/VohV38VKxH pic.twitter.com/yRGcgslyRP
— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 29, 2021