It wasn’t too long ago, Tristen Nielsen was living in Calgary, AB playing for the same WHL Team who drafted him 20th Overall out of 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.
The Fort St. John Native has put up some very respectable stats so far in his WHL career, and at the international level as well, so there’s no doubt the Vancouver Giants landed a great player.
The news broke on Halloween, about a spooky deal that nobody saw coming. Giants fans had lost their leading scorer for a player who had not put up a single point in five games with the Calgary Hitmen this season. Nielsen is hoping to turn that stat around quickly as already in his first seven games on the West Coast, he has four points.
When I talked to Tristen about his time so far in Vancouver, he had nothing but good things to say.
“The team is so close in that room, everyone is buddies which is nice”
Nielsen also added “coaches have been good, they’ve been strict, they’re pretty hard on us, they expect a lot from us, but they’ve given me the opportunity to have fun and play hockey again so I’m thankful to be here”
As for Nielsen’s scoring woes so far in 2018-19, he says his first two goals as a Giant at home against Regina on November 16th were long overdue and he’s happy to get back into the rhythm.
As far as the BC Division goes, number eight said it’s different than the the Central Division he’s gotten used to. The teams out here have more depth, it’s the top end division.
When I asked Tristen about his playing style, I knew he was a solid two-way forward but it’s evident he cares about team defense.
“I think I got an above average shot, if I’m doing all the right things in the D zone, hopefully it translates and ends up in the back of the net at the other end” said Nielson.
For season goals, Nielsen said he changes them every game he plays, adding six shots a game would be something he wants to achieve.
“Usually if I’m doing that, I’ve got the puck on my stick and my feet are moving so that’s a big one for me”
Giants Head Coach Michael Dyck has been impressed by Nielsen’s play early on with the team, especially his attitude even though the 2000-born has struggled a little bit on the score sheet.
“He has played well, right through, he’s had some great chances and hasn’t found the net, when that happens you can get frustrated and I think he’s had a great attitude through the whole thing”
On October 31st, 2018 the Vancouver Giants acquired Tristen Nielsen from the Calgary Hitmen in exchange for James Malm and a 2020 Conditional Draft Pick.
The Giants play again on November 24th when the Victoria Royals visit the Langley Events Centre.
