Vancouver Giants Draft Overview
-This is arguably one of the top draft classes by a WHL team> I really like what the Giants did by adding key future pieces in all areas of their line-up. It was also their third consecutive year drafting at the third overall position. Outside of the first round, they took two guys in the second who we had hyped up as first round picks. They also took two of the top kids with late birthdays (Tanner Brown and John Little) in this draft class. The Giants also took only one American-born player with their nine picks and only added one goalie.
First Round Selection
–Justin Sourdif (3rd Overall) – By far one of the most complete and versatile players in the draft. Sourdif has shown the ability to be effective in all areas. He has a well-rounded two-way game but also possesses a sharpshooting side offensively. Justin is of the more athletic forwards taken and he already has the tools to be an effective player at the WHL level and potentially higher if he continues to develop.
Notable Selections
–Tanner Brown (24th Overall) – In my personal opinion, I believe that Tanner Brown was the most improved defender in the draft. He has molded himself into a physical two-way defender who thinks the game well. He transports the puck nicely, and can make simple but effective plays with the puck. He has good feet that allow him to get away from pressure and to contain opposition one-on-one. His late birthday will make him a name to watch for a few years.
-Cole Shepard (33rd Overall) – One of my favourite players to watch. Shepard plays the game at a high intensity and is most effective when the puck is off his stick as he finds ice well. He has breakaway speed and some solid playmaking tools that make him a threat with the puck as well. Cole has lightning quick feet and flare in his game that will make him fun to watch for fans in Vancouver for years to come.
-Krz Plummer (46th Overall) – Plummer is coming off of a season with POE where I watched him develop into a fluid skating power-forward. He has some solid offensive tools and strength on the puck that make him effective on the fore-check. Krz has solid space recognition and the ability to score in tight. He should be a good depth to middle line forward for the Giants in the future.
-John Little (60th Overall) – Another guy with a late birthday who we were high on from the beginning. He’s a consistent and competitive two-way forward with strong, versatile tools. He has shown that he can drive the offense on his line and be a physical threat as well. John has a two-way mentality and raw untapped potential that make him one of our top ranked guys when it comes to where they will be in five years from now.
Conclusion
Outside of the guys I touched on, both Braedy Euerby and Alec Saretzky are two under-rated guys who may not get the most hype but really caught out eyes at their provincial camps. Jacob Gendron may be one of the most under-valued players in this draft with his offensive game and physical tools. Overall we are excited to see where this draft puts the Giants in a few years.
