As of October 2008, the Vancouver Giants were ranked #8 in the Canadian Hockey League Top 10 rankings.
Don HayThree seasons ago, the Giants won the WHL championship and two seasons ago they won the Memorial Cup. in the 2007/08 season, however, they had to settle for only a BC division championship as they were eliminated from the playoff in the second round. While this was not the most desirable result, it was still a season to be proud of. The team, under head coach Don Hay, has developed a nice winning tradition over the last few years and fans are becoming accustomed to the home team coming out on top on a regular basis.
With the loss of several key members, including Michal Repik, Mario Bliznak and Spencer Machalek, there are some that expect the Giants to falter this season, but with the likes of Evander Kane, Lance Bourna and Mikail Fisneko waiting in the wings, not to mention the return of the always steady Tyson Sexmith in goal, the Giants should turn out just fine.
One of the Giant’s biggest shortcomings this season is expected to be on the physical aspect of the game, with the departure of agitator Garet Hunt leaving gaping hole in an already physically challenged lineup. This seems to be atypical of Giant teams iced over the last few years. These teams have been very difficult to play against, a hallmarks of Giants play and a great source of pride for the organization.
Experts have pegged the Giants to finish somewhere in between 4th and 6th place in the BC division, but, with the leadership of Hay and the strong scouting system that has developed so many strong players, seemingly out of nowhere, the Giants may surprise the experts and compete for the division.
