Hard Work Pays Off As Vancouver Giants Ty Halaburda Receives Young Stars Invite From The Canucks
The 19-year-old had 66 points in 68 games for the Vancouver Giants last season.
Photo by Rob Wilton/Vancouver Giants - Hard Work Pays Off As Vancouver Giants Ty Halaburda Receives Young Stars Invite From The CanucksTy Halaburda is one of 25 players set to represent the Vancouver Canucks at this year's Young Stars Classic. One of only five invitees on the roster, the 19-year-old is from Victoria and has played the last three seasons with the Vancouver Giants in the WHL. A speedy winger who was part of the team's leadership group last season, Halaburda is ready to impress in Penticton.
After attending the Boston Bruins Prospect Challenge last year, Halaburda is excited to play for the team he grew up cheering for. He also doesn't need to make a cross-country trip, as the journey up to Pentiction is only a few hours from Delta, where the Giants live and practice. As Halaburda explains, he is excited for the opportunity as it is a chance to represent the team he grew up cheering for.
"I was really excited, said Halaburda. "My agent called me and filled me in on the news. Close to home and close to the Giants, too, so I was really excited. I look up to the Canucks, and I watched them growing up as a kid, and I like them this day."
As for some favourite Canucks players growing up, Halaburda went with Alex Burrows, who also went undrafted. Throughout his career, Burrows was a fan favourite in Vancouver not just for his statistics but because he was one of the hardest-working players on the ice. Like Burrows, Halaburda is looking to stand out to Canucks management and maybe become the organization's next great undrafted free agent.
"Alex Burrows. He was my idol as a kid. When they slayed the dragon against Chicago, that's probably my go-to favourite. I was pretty young, but it's still vivid in my head."
This year's Young Stars Classic is also a great opportunity for Halaburda to face off against former and current teammates. Three players who are eligible to play for Vancouver this season will also be headed up to Pentiction, including Jaden Lipinski, who Halaburda has played with for the last three years. While Halaburda is focused on having a strong tournament, he is also looking forward to facing off against some familiar faces over the weekend.
"It's really exciting. I look forward to playing Honz (Samuel Honzek), Lip (Jaden Lipinski), and Levy (Connor Levis). Makes for real exciting times for the Vancouver Giants."
If anything, this is a great opportunity for Halaburda to compare himself to some of the best prospects in the NHL. Every player at the event will be looking to make a statement, which means prospects like Halaburda, who are invitees, must find ways to stand out from the crowd. That being said, if Halaburda can showcase his speed, skill and tenacity, he should leave a lasting impression that could help him get either drafted or earn him an entry-level contract in the future.
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