Honzek returning to the Giants earlier than hoped

​PHOTO BY ROB WILTON /Vancouver Giants

The start of a new year can bring lots of hope and excitement. Still, this year has gotten off to a rough start for Vancouver Giants fans, with team captain Samuel Honzek (Slovakia) and team Canada eliminated from the World Juniors today.

The 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship took an unexpected turn for Giants' captain Sam Honzek and Slovakia, ending in a 4-3 overtime defeat against Finland in the quarter-final clash on Tuesday. As for team Canada, Czechia defeated Canada 3-2 to advance to the tournament's semifinals.

Slovakia displayed resilience, tying the game in the dying moments of regulation as Filip Mesar struck with just 44 seconds remaining, knotting the score at 3-3. However, just 24 seconds into overtime, Jere Lassila sealed the victory for his Finnish squad with a decisive game-winning goal.

Slovakia played well throughout the group stage, securing a solid 3-1 record with victories over Czechia, Switzerland, and Norway.

Honzek, the Calgary Flames' first-round pick in 2023, concluded the tournament with a respectable performance, racking up three goals and adding an assist for four points across five games. Notably, he led the Slovakian team with a +3 rating and managed ten shots on goal, with two of his three goals as crucial game-winners.

Next week, the 19-year-old will reunite with the Giants during their East Division road trip. Honzek has showcased his talent and leadership in the season thus far for Vancouver, with an impressive three goals, four assists, and 20 shots on goal in five games.

Vancouver (13-21-2-0) hosts the Calgary Hitmen (13-17-4-1)  at home on Wednesday before making their way to Manitoba for a game against the Wheat Kings on Saturday. Saturday’s game will start a six-game road swing covering Brandon, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, and Kelowna.