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Giants Swing a Trade That Sends Whistle Back Home

September 7, 2012

VANCOUVER, BC – Two weeks ahead of their regular season and home opener on September 21st, the Vancouver Giants addressed their crowded crease situation. With 4 goalies still on the roster heading into tonight’s pre-season game vs Kamloops, that number is now down to 3, after Vancouver moved 17-year old goaltender Jackson Whistle to his hometown Kelowna Rockets in exchange for a 3rd-round bantam draft pick in 2014.

“In sending Jackson to Kelowna, we gain a good draft choice and he gets to return home and play for a top flite organization” explained Giants Execute Vice-President and General Manager Scott Bonner. He went on to say “Jackson worked extremely hard this summer and has made huge steps. But in saying that, we had 4 goalies here that had all played well and something had to give. It’s a win-win for all parties.”

Whistle, who was born and raised in Kelowna, appeared in 21 total games for the Giants last season as a backup, with a record (as a starter) of 1-7-0-3. His only victory was a 3-0 shutout over Prince George in January. He finished the season with a goals against average of 3.61 and an .873 save percentage. He is now expected to back up 19-year-old Jordon Cooke for the coming season in Kelowna.

In the meantime, the Giants are now left with 3 goaltenders: 19 year-old Liam Liston (acquired from Lethbridge over the summer), 16 year-old Payton Lee (2nd round draft pick in 2011) and 17 year-old walk-on Tyler Fuhr, who has been one of the best surprises of training camp for the team.

The Vancouver Giants (1-2) continue their pre-season schedule tonight at the Ladner Leisure Centre, hosting the Kamloops Blazers (3-0) at 7pm.

They’ll kick off the 2012/13 regular season with their home opener on Friday, September 21st vs the Victoria Royals, before traveling to Victoria for the rematch on Saturday.

Logan Harland Traded to Saskatoon

After being re-assigned to his AJHL team from last year, the Bonnyville Pontiacs, 17 year-old Logan Harland had to quickly change his plans. The Vancouver Giants have dealt Harland to the Saskatoon Blades, the host team of this season's Memorial Cup, in exchnage for a conditional 7th round draft pick in 2014 and future considerations.

"Logan is a great kid who worked extremely hard this summer and this should be a great opportunity for him to play in our league" said Giants Executive VP and General Manager Scott Bonner.

Harland, who hails from the tiny town of Frenchman Butte, Saskatchewan, will now be closer to home, although Saskatoon is still a good 4 hour drive from Frenchman Butte. He suited up in 10 games with the Giants last season, picking up 1 goal and 2 penalty minutes.