Blazers Nip Giants

The Vancouver Giants lost for the third consecutive time falling 4-1 to Kamloops in front of 5,812 fans.

The loss was the clubs 10th in their last 11 games this season with just 8 wins in 31 games in 2012-13, keeping then (for now) in the cellar.

The Giants were badly out played as the Blazers held an advantage in shots and territorial play from the outset.

Vancouver’s only saving grace was “tender” Payton Lee, the 16 year old rookie between the pipes. Vancouver’s penalty killers were tested numerous times, but key saves by Payton Lee kept the game scoreless.

The Blazers had a two man advantage for a 1:39 but could no convert the chances. Vancouver had a late chance but failed capitalize seeing the Blazers had another PP late in the period but were also unable to connect, sending the teams to the intermission in a scoreless draw.

The second saw the Giants play better scoring the game’s opening goal as Cain Franson wired a shot from the top of the faceoff circle past Blazers “keeper” Taran Kozun taking a 1-0 lead.

Late in the second with less than six minutes remaining Chase Souto beat Lee tying the game Vancouver took a pair of penalties late in the second giving the Blazers a 2 man advantage heading into the final period.

After two periods Vancouver held a 14-8 edge in shots, which saw many fans buzzing in anticipation.

The Kamloops PP came to work and struck twice within 13 seconds in the opening minute taking the lead. Ranford scored both goals making it a 3-1 lead for Kamloops.

Kamloops added a late empty netter against the Giants as Chase Souto added his second of the night to make the final score 4-1Getting solid keeping from Taran Kozun the Blazers left the Coliseum with a pair of points.

Final shots were 36-26 for Kamloops as Kozun finished with 25 saves while Lee finished with 32.Vancouver fell to 8-22-0-0 on the year and the Blazers improved to 24-7-1-2 as they remained tied with the Portland Winter Hawks for the top spot in the WHL overall.

Vancouver‘s next game is December 14th against Prince George.

Don’t forget it’s “Teddy Bear Toss night” for the Giants charities for the kids.