After a pre-season record of 1-3-1-1 the Giants are looking at rebounding in the home opener for the 2012-13 season.
With no pro hockey being played due to the lock-out, it is hoped that the Giants and all 7,812 fans along with other franchises can attract some new fans.
Both squads sport large rosters with 27 for Vancouver plus an injured Arvin Atwal, while Victoria comes to town with 26.
One standout in pre-season for the Giants was Cain Franson as he finished with 4 goals and 6 points in 5 games.
Taylor Makins managed with 6 points in 4 games, so expectations are high for both players.
Vancouver has a pair of fresh faces between the pipes for the start and both are Alberta products as well as spending time in the Wheat Kings system.
Last season’s backup Jackson Whistle was moved to Kelowna all due to an impressive training camp by Tyler Fuhr.
The Royals come to town displaying their 14th overall 18 year old import draft pick Patrick Polivka from the Czech Republic.
He also won the job with an impressive pre-season beating out 20 year old Keith Hamilton, who was released on waivers. The Giants start the season without the services of Brandon Gallagher and Jordan Martinook who hope to start the season in Hamilton and Portland Maine respectively.
The Giants are looking for a solid season from Marek Tvrdon who finished last season with 31 goals and 74 points in 60 games. The Giants had a better last season than Victoria finishing 31 points ahead of the Royals, but both were knocked out in the first round.
The Giants took a 2-0 lead on Spokane, then lost four straight to have an early exit. For an expansion team the Royals squeaked in the playoffs, but were eliminated in four straight games by the overpowering Kamloops Blazers.
Last season the Giants owner the Royals with 7 wins and 3 losses on the season.
The last one came in O/T. They (almost) doubled the Royals in the goal department out scoring them 51-26.From the start the Royals controlled the tempo and speed making the first shot in each period count.
They seem to rely on 16 year old Joe Hicketts from Kamloops. Last year he played 46 games grabbing 16 goals, 33 assists, 49 PIM’s and is eligible for the draft in 2014.
Royals new head Coach Dave Lowery is high on his talent and see’s him controlling the back end on the PK, not to mention his shot on the PP unit.
The Giants looked at making a comeback in the third with a pair of goals in the last 10 minutes as well as some physical play.
The Royals were up to the task at accommodating the rough style of play dished out by the Giants, much to the delight of the fans.
The Giants went on the PP with 3:25 remaining but failed to muster up a comeback goal forcing O/T.
With the net empty the Royals took the season opener from the Giants by a 6-4 margin. Final shots were 28-18 for the Giants.
Game’s first star was # 11 Hodges for the Royals.
Next home game Friday September 28th against Everett.
