By Steve Erickson | WBN News | May 8, 2026

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While many hockey fans are focused on the NHL playoffs—despite the Vancouver Canucks finishing near the bottom of the standings with a record of 25 wins, 49 losses, and 58 points—the Vancouver Giants are quietly building for the future.

At the recent 2026 WHL Bantam Draft, the Giants’ brass made strategic moves, including selecting a pair of promising young players early in the draft. Their focus: skill, work ethic, and long-term upside.

The organization moved its second pick to the Wenatchee Wild in exchange for the third overall pick in 2026, along with a first-round pick in 2030 and second-round selections in 2027 and 2028. It’s a move that signals patience—and confidence in their scouting system.

With that third overall selection, the Giants chose 5’9” defenceman Eli Vickers from Delta Academy’s U15 program. Vickers led all U15 prep defencemen with 22 goals and 40 assists for 62 points in just 30 games.

In addition to his offensive output, Vickers’ all-around game stood out. Giants Head Scout Terry Bonner noted that Vickers “does everything really well,” highlighting his awareness, work ethic, and defensive positioning. His ability to angle opponents, maintain gap control, and finish checks made him a top target.

Vickers also finished fifth among all U15 skaters with 98 points in 65 games—an impressive mark and the second-highest total all-time among defencemen at that level.

With their fourth selection in the first round, the Giants added forward Brayedn Jagnauth from the U18 AAA Okanagan Rockets. Jagnauth was named U18 Player of the Year in the BC Elite Hockey League and delivered a standout season with 58 points (32 goals, 26 assists) in 34 games.

He elevated his play in the postseason, adding nine goals and nine assists in six playoff games, helping the Rockets secure back-to-back U18 championships—an impressive feat for a 14-year-old competing at that level.

Giants Director of Scouting Kelly Kursteiner praised Jagnauth as “one of the top forwards available in the draft,” citing his elite skating, scoring ability, and high-end skill set.

Jagnauth also led the BCEHL in goals and finished second overall in points. He continued his strong performance at the TELUS Cup, recording 11 points in seven games as the Rockets advanced to the semifinal.

As of press time, the second round of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft is ongoing, with the Giants holding the 26th, 33rd, and 49th overall selections, along with additional picks in later rounds.

With these additions, the Giants are clearly investing in youth and development. That should make for an interesting training camp in August—and potentially an exciting season ahead for Vancouver Giants hockey.

Steve Erickson - Author and Live Feed Broadcaster - Delta City News
Broadcaster Delta TV/Eastlink TV - Play by Play/Host/MC for Sportswave
Play by Play for Delta Ice Hawks, Sportswave TV on YouTube.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-erickson-61a50719/
Website: https://sportswave.ca

Robert Skinner - Publisher and Editor
Delta City News — Licensed Partner of the WBN News Network
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#Vancouver Giants #WHL Draft #Junior Hockey #Delta BC Sports #BCEHL #Hockey Prospects #Canadian Hockey