Brett Mirwald Breaks Down The Vancouver Giants' Recent Success
The Giants are 7-0-1 in their last eight games.
Photo by Rob Wilton/Vancouver Giants - Brett Mirwald Breaks Down The Vancouver Giants' Recent SuccessThe Vancouver Giants have been on a roll recently. They are 6-0 at home in 2024 and have the second-longest-point streak in the WHL at eight games. The decision to be buyers at the trade deadline has paid off as they continue to ascend up the standings late in the season.
While he has been good all season, Brett Mirwald has taken his game to another level over the last couple of weeks. He is 4-0-1 in his last four games and was recently named WHL Goaltender of the Week after two strong performances against the Seattle Thunderbirds and Wenatchee Wild. As he explains, the team has been building chemistry all season, with everything finally coming together during a three-game set with the Victoria Royals.
"I think maybe at Christmas, we hit a reset," said Mirwald. The deadline comes pretty quickly after that. I think it was just getting our flow and then we've really built chemistry pretty quick. That week in Vic, coming back in those two games just really sparked us in this group and showed that no matter what the game is, we're in it."
As mentioned, general manager Barclay Parneta decided to take a risk at the deadline and become a buyer rather than a seller. In doing so, he brought in experienced players in Connor Levis and Tyson Zimmer, to try and change the team's direction. This decision has worked wonders and, as Mirwald describes, was a great feeling as it showed that Giants management had faith in the overall group.
"It shows that he wants to make a run, and he sees that the core at least has the capability. Personally, as a 20-year-old, you don't really want to miss the last year, so seeing that was huge for me and getting the chance to hopefully carry this team deep into the playoffs."
One of the most significant changes surrounding this group is confidence. Even if they give up a lead early, they are calm and composed, which is why they have been able to come back multiple times during their eight-game point streak. When asked about Vancouver's confidence, Mirwald explained that hard work at practice and short memories are what has been driving this team lately.
"I think it's a healthy amount of confidence. I don't think the guys are overly cocky. We're still working hard at practices, and we're not we're not too big dawg. I think we're still keeping a level head, and it's a healthy confidence. That's helping us in the games."
With the start of the playoffs a little over a month away, Mirwald and the Giants remain focused on making the postseason and winning a round for the first time since 2019. Currently in sixth with 51 points, there will be plenty of opportunity to move up in the standings over the final 17 games of the season. Vancouver is one of the hottest teams in the WHL and could find themselves with home-ice advantage in the first round if they can continue this streak down the stretch.
Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
