“Teddy Bear” Night

Giant’s “tender” Adam Morrison played exceptional making 46 saves giving the Giants 5-3 win over the Winterhawks in front of 12,103 fans at the Coliseum.

Jordan Martinook recorded a hat trick including an “empty netter” in Vancouver’s 9th annual Teddy Bear Toss for the kids with the proceeds (the bears) all going to the following charities which include the CKNW Orphan’s fund, the Province Empty stocking fund and the Lower mainland Christmas Bureau.

The Giants won their third straight game improving to 8-2-0-0 in the last 10 games in WHL action moving within a point of top spot behind the Kamloops Blazers.

Vancouver scored 2:54 into the game sending the fans into a frenzy and littered the ice with Teddy bears. It took several containers for all the Bears, but the wait was well worth it.

The kids of the lower mainland are the big winners for this night and the smiles on there faces will be worth it.

The Winterhawks regrouped to their dressing room to collect their thoughts while rink staff and some of the Giants players collected the stuffed animals which took 20 minutes. Once they were all collected it was “game on”.

Vancouver extended the lead to 2-0 on a goal by Jordan Martinook (his first of three) on the power play from Henry and Manning.

Gallagher on a brilliant rush beat the Winterhawks d-man to the puck and coming from behind the net back sent a wrist shot past a somewhat shocked MacCarruth at 8:21 putting the Giants up 3-0.

Portland started to climb back with several scoring chances testing Adam Morrison who “held them at bay” making at least a half dozen outstanding saves keeping the Giants in front.

The Winterhawks finally go on the scoreboard on a goal by Troy Rutkowski with 5:55 remaining in the period on a solo (unassisted) effort cutting the score to 3-1 at the intermission.

Vancouver outshot the Winterhawks 19-15 in the opening period as well as being up on the score-board.

Portland narrowed the gap 3-2 with the man advantage converting the PP at 6:49 on a goal off the stick of Leipsic with assists dished out to Leier and Wotherspoon.

Vancouver extended the lead back to two goals as Martinook banged home his second of the night on the PP at 13:52.

The Giants were up again by two goals as they entered the final period with the shots in second were 12-10. The Winterhawks who held a 31-25 edge in the game, shot-wise over two periods of play on the Giants.

Portland controlled the final period as they held a wide edge in play forcing Morrison to make several outstanding saves 9 in the final period.

He helped preserve the two goal lead for Vancouver out shooting the Winterhawks 18-6.

Brad Ross struck at 10:22 taking a lead pass from “keeper” Mac Carruth cutting the deficit to 4-3.  A late PP for Portland was its last chance but the Giants penalty killers did a solid job.

The Winter Hawks pulled Mac Carruth for the extra man and looking for the equalizer but the Giants sealed the victory as Martinook buried his shot into the unguarded net at 19:48. Giving the Giants a 5-3 win.

Shots in the game were 49-31 for visiting Portland and to no real surprise, Giants net-minder Adam Morrison was named first star finishing with 46 saves.
The victory was Vancouver’s 400th in its franchise history since it joined the WHL in 2001 as they improved to a team record of 400-268-30-30 and 24 ties.

The Giants were without Head Coach Don Hay who will be away for the nine games as he prepares Team Canada for the World Junior Hockey Championships with games being played in Edmonton and Calgary.

Assistant Coach Glen Hanlon is holding down the Head Coaching duties until Don returns.

The Games second star was Jordan Martinook with a hat trick and the game’s third star was Portland’s Ty Rattie.

Thanks to the Fan’s for making this a win-win for the teams and the “Kid’s” in the area.

The win makes this night extra special for everyone!!!!!