Vancouver Giants
B.C. Division, Insight, Prospects

Future Giants: Ethan Semeniuk

Written by Adam Kierszenblat on

 

Ethan Semeniuk was drafted by the Vancouver Giants in the third round of the 2020 Bantam Draft. The Fort St John, BC native has put up four points in six games so far for the Calgary Royals U18 AAA team. His coach Chad Scharff describes Ethan as a “dynamic player that has a bright future.” Ethan’s size and skill will be a key to success for the Giants in the next few seasons.

Play Style:

According to his current head coach Chad Scharff, Ethan is a “heavy two-way forward who has the ability to put the puck in the net”. Ethan is listed at 5-foot-11, 170-pounds which is a great size for a 15-year-old. Ethan’s speed and hockey IQ allow him to be effective across the ice, making him a solid two-way forward. Scharff himself was a Vancouver Giant who played in the 2006 Memorial Cup. His experience playing so recently for the Giants will help Ethan develop his game as he can give pointers and advice on what it takes to make the WHL.

Strengths:

Ethan’s biggest strength according to his coach is his size and power. He also registers a high fitness level compared to his teammates which is key to a 15-year-old playing in a U-18 league. Ethan is putting in the work day in and day out to ensure he can have a successful career. Semeniuk’s combination of skill, hockey sense, and size are all contributing factors to why he could be a third round steal for the Giants.

He knows how to put up big offensive numbers as he registered 50 points in 30 games with Delta Hockey last season. Now Ethan has to prove he can produce against older and better competition. If the start of the season was any indication, Ethan could be set for a big year offensively when the season restarts in Alberta. Ethan’s coach compares him to Eric Lindros. Hopefully, Ethan can develop into the offensive force that big number 88 was.

Weaknesses:

Ethan needs to work on using and understanding his strength and size. This will come with time and development. When your body is still growing, you sometimes forget how strong you really are. As Ethan continues to grow physically, he needs to learn how to use his strength more to his advantage. Once he does, he will be a solid player in the WHL.

Calgary Royals:

The Calgary Royals organization has a great track record on and off the ice developing players. Some alumni of the program include Hunter Shinkaruk, Thomas Hickey, Josh Morrissey, and Josh Teves. The organization makes sure they have coaches who understand the game and can develop players to have success. This is evident with Scharff who had a long WHL career as a player and coach with the Vancouver Giants. Scharff has also spent some time in the Edmonton Oilers organization. The experience and lessons he can pass on to the next generation is key to their development. Scharff understands what it takes to succeed in the league, and ensures his players are performing at their highest potential.

Projection:

Vancouver Giants fans should be excited about Ethan Semeniuk’s potential. He has all the tools to succeed. Now it is about developing and learning to play the game against older competition. In order for the Giants to have success in the future, they need big bodies who have high skill levels like Ethan. As he is only 15 this year, he will have to wait before making his WHL debut. If his development stays on track look for Ethan to make a push for the team as early as the 2021 season.