Giants edge Blazers 3–1 in Kamloops preseason opener

The Vancouver Giants spoiled the Kamloops Blazers’ return to the Sandman Centre on Wednesday night, Sept. 3, taking a 3–1 preseason win behind a stellar tandem performance in goal. Burke Hood started and stopped all 13 shots he faced before Oliver Bryks took over midway through the second, turning aside 23 of 24 to close out the victory. Vancouver’s offense came from Richard Wonyeneh, Torretto Marrelli and Leonardo Domenichelli, with Blake Chorney chipping in a pair of assists. 

Kamloops generated plenty of looks—37 shots in total—but couldn’t solve Bryks late as Vancouver protected a third-period lead. The night doubled as an early look at the Giants’ youth-leaning preseason roster, which included lines centered by Ty Halaburda replacement Riley Olson and featured Domenichelli on the top unit. Puck dropped at 7 p.m. in front of home fans eager for WHL action after the off-season lull. 

For the Blazers, it’s an exhibition setback with some silver linings: the shot volume and stretches of sustained zone time hinted at systems coming together as camp rolls on. For the Giants, banking an organized road effort—with goaltending front and center—sets an early tone for the rest of their four-game exhibition slate. The clubs won’t have to wait long for more tune-ups as Vancouver continues its preseason this week before shifting to the Lower Mainland.