First game in new arena a win for Vancouver Giants

Vancouver Giants defeated the Victoria Royals 5-3 Sunday afternoon before 716 fans at Langley’s newest arena for their third of four wins in pre-season action.

It was the first WHL hockey game in the just-completed facility.

Arenas at Langley Events Centre, a $149-million Langley Township project, includes three ice rinks and two dry-floor arenas. It officially opened at the Langley Events Centre on the Wednesday before the Giants game, welcoming ice and ball hockey players and lacrosse players.

Giants trailed 1-0 after 20 minutes, then took a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Blake Chorney and Sam Charko.

After Victoria tied the game, Chorney scored again in the second period, to put the Giants ahead 3-2 going into the third period.

In the final frame, the Royals tied the game early, but it didn’t last long as Dennis Emesbie scored to give the Giants a late 4-3 lead.

After the Royals pulled their goalie, Giants forward Nickolas Kovich scored on the empty net with 59 seconds left.

Giants goaltender Maverick Bell stopped nine of 11 shots in half a game of action, while Oliver Bryks came in to the second half of the game, recording 17 saves on 18 shots.

Regular season play starts Saturday, Sept. 19, at Langley Events Centre against the Kelowna Rockets at 7 p.m.

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