The Vancouver Giants announced today that 20-year-old defenceman Derek Thurston (Delta, B.C.) has been named the 25th captain in franchise history.

"We had a good chat as a coaching staff about looking for somebody who embodied the identity we want to create here," Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “We talked to the players as well, looking for common threads, and I think that's what we found.

”Derek leads by example. He leads from the front. His actions speak much louder than words. He's not a talkative guy, but when he does talk, people listen."

Joining Thurston on the leadership group for the 2026-27 season are: Blake Chorney (Nipawin, Sask.), Jakob Oreskovic (Langley, B.C.) and Mathis Preston (Penticton, B.C.). All three will be full-time alternates.

"We felt that we were looking for guys that could make an impact in the room in different ways," Dyck added. "I think they each bring something different...Jake's got experience. He's been here a long time. He's played a really solid two-way game. I think Blake is an up-and-comer. It's a good thing to have a leader who's a younger guy and a conduit to some of the younger players, but still has the respect of the older guys. And I think Mathis is a game-breaker. I think he can lead from the front as well."

Thurston said the opportunity to lead his hometown team is one he doesn’t take for granted.

"Being named captain in my hometown, especially in my final year as a 20-year-old, means a lot to me," Thurston said. "I grew up watching the Giants, so getting the opportunity to lead this team is really special. I'm grateful to the organization, my teammates and everyone who has supported me along the way. I'm excited to make the most of it and have a great year with the guys."

Thurston was acquired from the Saskatoon Blades this offseason and has suited up in 132 career regular season games, posting 26 points (10G-16A). Last year he was an alternate captain with the Red Deer Rebels, but was limited to 23 games between the Rebels and Blades.

Chorney is in his second year with the Giants and was the team's Rookie of the Year and Scholastic Player of the Year in 2025-26. He was Vancouver's lone full-time 16-year-old last season, producing 20 points (8G-12A).

Oreskovic has played 167 career games, all with the Giants, the most games played in a Giants uniform among current roster players. The former first-round pick is coming off a career-high 40-point season where he contributed in all situations.

Preston is entering his third WHL season and first full year as a Giant. He has produced at nearly a point-per-game in his career thus far, with 93 points (45G-48A) in 105 career games. He was a second round pick of the Anaheim Ducks this summer.