Arguably one of the better defensive units in the WHL just got even better. The Vancouver Giants executed a major coup by getting Minnesota’s 2004 first round draft pick (10th overall), defenseman AJ Thelen, for 19 yr old John Flatters and 16 yr old young up and coming defenseman Nathan Deck, who could reasonably be considered a solid top four d-man in the near future. Thelen is one of those players that have all the skills and the intangibles which makes him a virtually shoe-in in the NHL. By acquiring yet another 20yr old, the Giants had to deal one their current 20’s and Kyle Lamb pulled the short straw. Lamb elevated his game last season, but seemed to be content to coast for the majority of this season and as a result was odd man out in the 20 yr old musical chairs. The Giants acquired 19 yr old LW Michael Wuchterl from the Lethbridge Hurricanes, for the Kyle Lamb. Wuchterl is supposed to be a Garet Hunt type of player, but with more offensive up-side to his game.

Bonner made some smart moves even though being a Memorial Cup host made it a bit easier, I suspect. I would not be surprised to hear that the Wild were pressing for Thelen to be sent here the way that the Boston Bruins were pressing for Rabbit to make his way here. Bonner managed to walk the tight rope though improving his team while giving up very little in return. Not to say young players like Deck aren’t valuable, but compared to what was acquired what GM wouldn’t make those deals? I was enjoying the play of Flatters and respected Lamb for what he brought last season, and flashes of this season, but there’s no doubt the team improved their talent base and their chances to go all the way this year. This time with Don Hay bound and determined to coach his game, roll all four lines in the Memorial Cup and throughout the playoffs and not to be swayed but what the other guy is doing.



Now the Giants have stacked their defensive core and upgraded their offense, but there’s still one question mark hanging over their heads. Tyson Sexsmith. The 17yr old goalie who was just ranked at #8 for NA goaltenders by central scouting (CSS), has ostensibly been given the torch to bear for the Giants playoff and Memorial Cup runs.

Sexsmith is currently a respectable 1.92 GAA, 9.15 SV% with 18 wins, 5 losses, 2 OTLs and 3 SOLs, after 28 games played. Sexsmith is also tied for the lead in shutouts with Everett goalie Leland Irving, at 6. Will Sexsmith be able to handle the pressure of the playoffs and being the number one guy between the pipes? Can the 17 yr old goalie elevate his game to a point where oppositions fear him, as they did Slade during last year’s WHL Championship run?
These questions will be answered by the play of the rest of the season as the Vancouver team by not making a trade for a goaltender have put their faith and trust in Tyson to take them all the way and hopefully beyond as he matures.