Langley Profile: How the Vancouver Giants Shape Hockey and Community in B.C.

The Vancouver Giants are a major junior ice hockey team based in Langley, British Columbia. Founded in 2001, they compete in the Western Hockey League (WHL), one of the three leagues that comprise the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The team plays its home games at the Langley Events Centre.​

History and League Participation

The Giants began play in the 2001–02 season, originally based at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver before relocating to Langley in 2016. They quickly established themselves as a competitive force within the WHL. In the 2005–06 season, the Giants captured their first Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions. The following year, they hosted and won the Memorial Cup, securing their status as the top team in Canadian major junior hockey. ​

Notable Players

Throughout their history, the Giants have developed numerous players who have advanced to the National Hockey League (NHL). Notable alumni include:​

• Milan Lucic: A power forward who played a pivotal role in the Giants' 2007 Memorial Cup victory and went on to win a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins. ​
• Evander Kane: Known for his scoring ability, Kane has had a significant impact in the NHL with multiple teams.
• Brendan Gallagher: Recognized for his tenacity and leadership, Gallagher has been a key player for the Montreal Canadiens. ​

These players are among the over 35 former Giants who have played at least one game in the NHL. ​

Community Impact and Youth Hockey

The Vancouver Giants are deeply committed to their community and the development of youth hockey. Through the "Be A Giant Foundation," the team has contributed over $3 million to minor hockey and other local charitable organizations since 2001. This includes proceeds from 50/50 raffles during home games, which support grassroots sports teams and initiatives.

Additionally, the Giants actively engage in community programs aimed at promoting mental health awareness and education among young athletes. For instance, they have partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association to host events that emphasize the importance of mental well-being.

Through their on-ice success and off-ice initiatives, the Vancouver Giants have made a lasting impact on their community and continue to foster the growth of hockey among youth in British Columbia.

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.

She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jhansen@waypoint.ca. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

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