Hockey
New Home – New Challenge
The Vancouver Giants held their final practice prior to the start of the 2016-17 season on what is now the new home the Langley Events Centre.
Practice was structured, but had several “light” moments where the Coaching staff was having as much fun as the player, both on and off the ice.
As the team gets set to “kick-start” the 2016-17 season we had the luxury of taking Life Vancouver Japanese reporter Kiyomi Guscott to the practice to interview Equipment Manager Shingo Sasaki in what else – Japanese!!
I along with Sportswave photographer Laird Allan arranged this through media/play by play person Brendan Batchelor.
The interview was done following the teams practice and the two sat for almost an hour which was initially set up for half hour.
But we all know what it’s like when you get talking and I’m a good one to talk – just ask Laird about this.
Kiyomi will be covering several games this season in hopes of getting more information out to the Japanese community in the area as well as back to her native country.
You can read it on line at Life Vancouver.
I can tell you she is not only thrilled to have the luxury of covering the Giants this season, she was equally impressed when she attended last week’s press event with myself and Laird.
She had the chance to not only chat with, but also have her photo with Jay Janower of Global news.
Not only will this be a great “fit” for Sportswave it’s great to be able to help promote the Vancouver Giants.
We wish them all the best in the upcoming 2016-17 season and beyond.
Twas The Night Before
Twas the night before the Giants and all through the LEC
Not a Ref or linesman were missing a call
The Sweaters were hung up in the stalls by Shingo with care
In hopes that opening day soon would be there
The players hit the beds early for rest and some care
While vision’s of victory made Coach Jason aware
With Paul Fricker and Yogi dressed to the nines
Brendan Batchelor settled down to see what was fine
When out on the ice there came such a rattle
Coach Tyler new exactly what was the matter
Away to the Sin-Bin he ran in a hurry
Opened up the gate and knew not to worry
To the delight of newly cleaned ice he grinned with a smile
Gave a lustre of logo’s all shinny and new
And what to his visions he did finally see clear
The 2016 Vancouver Giants all decked in team gear
Hearing nothing but laughter and glee from the crowd
The Giants knew it would surely bed loud
Skating and playing and winning in style
The Giants knew the season was theirs by a mile
With GM Glen Hanlon being sneaky and coy
He used his tactics to trade all in style
Winning the season by push and a shove
Play on – play on he stated with a smile
This new crop of Giants were up for the challenge
New home or not the Giants have a winner
When push comes to shove they’ll surely succeed
Thanks to Ron Toigo and group the team’s a success
Playing in Langley is absolutely the best
Skating away we heard the team shout
Play on – Play on and have a great season!!