Three games in, and it is evident that Ty Thorpe is the Giants early season MVP. The Giants acquired the pride of Winnipeg, Manitoba, from the Brandon Wheat Kings via trade. Ever since he has been a leader for this team on and off the ice.
Faceoff master
This season, Thorpe has been one of the best faceoff men in the league. He is 41 for 70, and his 58.6% faceoff percentage ranks second in the BC Divison amongst players who have taken 70 or more faceoffs. Whether shorthanded, on the power play, or at even strength, Thorpe is reliable whenever the puck is dropped.
Work on special teams
Where Thorpe has made a big difference is on special teams. He assisted on the only power-play goal the Giants have scored this season and gives the Giants options to spread the talent out over multiple power-play units. Having two units that can contribute will be critical for the Giants, especially when the first unit struggles as it has early this season. Adding Thorpe to the mix adds another player that can score and generate offence.
Ahead of tomorrow night's @White_Spot Home Opener at the @LangleyEvents, here's Ty Thorpe speaking ahead of today's practice.. pic.twitter.com/eAJCVxUlXG
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) October 7, 2021
As for shorthanded, Thorpe has made a big difference early. The Giants have only given up three power-play goals this season, and all were in the same game against Kamloops. Thorpe has been a big part of the Giants penalty kill all season, whether winning draws or creating offensive opportunities with his speed and skill. It is only a matter of time before he pops a shorthanded goal in as he is dangerous every time he steps on the ice.
Not afraid to shoot
One part of Thorpe’s game that makes him so dangerous is his willingness to shoot the puck and hit the target. He has 11 shots through the three games, which including five against Kamloops. Not only is he firing the puck, but he generally doesn’t miss the net, forcing the opposition’s goaltender to make a save.
Hey @WHLGiants fans, here's a taste of what your new forward Ty Thorpe has to offer! pic.twitter.com/VRI7HI5Y4F
— The WHL (@TheWHL) August 12, 2021
This start is very uncharacteristic for Thorpe as, over his WHL career, he has not been known to shoot the puck in bunches. He only had one five-shot game before in his career, which came in his rookie season with Brandon in 2019. It happened so long ago that the team he did it against, the Kootney Ice, has now relocated to another city. It is evident that Thorpe feels more comfortable in Vancouver and is being given a more offensive role. The hope is that he can continue this strong play throughout the season.
A big win for the Giants
It may be early, but it is easy to say Vancouver won the trade. The Giants will need Thorpe to continue to step up throughout the season if they want to challenge Kamloops for the top seed in the BC Division. Vancouver will be a matchup nightmare for other teams if he can continue to drive play as he has through the first few games.
