The Vancouver Giants kicked off their 2008 preseason with an impressive 4-1 win over the Kamloops Blazers at the Ladner Leisure Centre.

Chris Cloud scored at 1:42 of the first period to give the Giants a 1-0 lead over the Blazers after twenty minutes of play. Cloud was able to corral a Brendan Gallagher dump in behind the Blazers net and sweep out from behind the goal, stuffing the puck under Kamloops netminder James Priestner. Shots on goal after one period of play favoured Vancouver 13-5.

The second period saw the Blazers get on the board, courtesy of a tip-in by Alex Rodgers. Nick Ross took the shot to draw the first assist and Mark Schnieder also drew a helper to pull the Blazers even. Time of the goal 1:02.

The tie was short lived however, as the Giants went to the power play shortly thereafter. James Wright was able to tip a Craig Schira point shot at 3:10 to restore the Vancouver lead.

Late in the period, Kamloops goalie James Priestner tried to clear his own zone, but cleared it right to James Wright. Wright was able to find Lane Scheidl all alone out front. Scheidl tipped it past the out of position Priestner to double the lead to 3-1. Time of the goal 19:07

Shots on goal in the 2nd period were 11-4 favouring the Giants. Giants had 24 shots through 2 periods, the Blazers 9.

The third period was all Giants as they stifled all Kamloops chances and added a fourth goal courtesy of a Craig Schira point shot that found a way home. Schira closed out the scoring unassisted at 15:39. Shots on goal in the third period were 19-3 Giants...final shots on goal were 43-12 favouring Vancouver. One of the Blazers three shots in the third was an unbelievable chance by Shayne Wiebe. Wiebe was left all alone after a great pass and was stymied by a cross crease pad save courtesy of Giants goalie Tyson Sexsmith. Chris Cloud and Matt Wray also had a late scrap which was pretty even.

The same two teams will battle Saturday night in Kamloops, 7pm start time at the Interior Savings Centre. Next home game for the G-Men will be Friday, September 5th, when the Kelowna Rockets come calling. The game will take place at the Sun God Arena. Game time is 7:30 pm.