Video Player Profile: Rob Ryhorchuk featuring Steve Erickson

 Coming straight from Delta Cables Sports Wave, is an exclusive one on one interview with Delta Giants own Robert Rhyorchuk. Enjoy!

Player Profile: Rob Munro

After a short hiatus due to our first AGM, we are back with a new player profile. Next up is the Delta Giants Captain, Rob Munro. Rob is another member of the team with Team Canada experience, suiting up for the U-20 Gold medal winning team. We recently caught up with him to discuss this year and beyond.

You have been the team captain since the inauguration of the team in 2006. What responsibilities do you enjoy with carrying the captaincy?

R: I like being someone the younger players can look up to. I also like being an energy player and bringing that spark to the team every night. 

Your goal scoring has dropped off the past couple of years. What are you going to try to do this year to get some more goals and take some of the heat off of Rob Rhyorchuk?

R:Well I have always considered myself more of a playmaker. But I have been active this offseason, playing ice hockey and Arenex, trying to improve my goal scoring.

Rob and yourself have been line mates in ice and ball hockey for a long time now. Talk about your chemistry with him on the floor, and how it attributes to your guys' success.

R: I would compare us to the Sedins. We always seems to know where each other are without even looking. It also helps being good friends off the floor.

How do you feel about the team this year? With the official signing of forward Brendan Ham (2 year/terms undisclosed press release shortly) does that shore up any concerns of secondary scoring problems?

R: Oh I am super confident in the team this year. I believe this will be our highest scoring season. Our team is only going to get better and I think the future looks very bright for us.

Finally, this is a big year for the Giants. The WBHL Players Poll and the BCBHL Pre-Season Rankings have you guys ranked first. With such high expectations in only your second year in "A", is this the year the Delta Giants win it all?

R: I am absolutely positive this will be our year. I think everyone is taking this year very serious and everyone is working hard to be in top shape. Also with new additions and Roy getting professional experience, I can guarantee this will be the Delta Giants season.

Great to hear from Captain Serious. Next player profile on deck is the one and only big man on the back end, Derryk Homma. Also stay tuned to the site for a roster announcement and fundraiser info.

Player Profile: Chris Rodriguez

Today we interview current Delta Giant and U-20 Team Canada defenceman Chris Rodriguez. It is already his second year with the Giants, even though he was still eligible last year to play minor ball hockey. After a blazing start to his rookie year, Chris cooled off last season offensively to focus more on defence. We caught up with Chris at the local Taco Del Mar to talk Delta Giants.

After a subpar year last year for you personally, what are you going to do differently to get back into the player that won you the 2010 Rookie Of The Year Award?
C: I think I am going to take more offensive chances, pinch more. I feel that I focused too much on defence last year, and this year I am going to try to be more of a two way defender.

Last year your PIMs went down dramatically. What attributed to this more mature behaviour on the back end?
C: I decided that I wasn't a rookie anymore, so I didn't have an excuse to put my team down a player. I felt like it was time to mature last year and make the other team on the power play rather than fight back. I feel that our team gained more respect after our B Provincials, so we went from a hated team to a legitimate team.

You played last year for Team West Coast in Saskatoon, and played well enough to earn an invite to the U-19 Team Canada national team. How does playing for these provincial and national teams help to improve your game?
C: I've learned a lot of different strategies from different Provinces. I have taken some of those ideas and worked them into my own game. It was nice to compete with players my own age for a change, I felt more dominate after playing mens for a couple years.

So Team Canada wants you to be the anchor on their D-core, but you had to turn it down. Any regrets to that considering it would be your last year eligible for U-20 team?
C: Obviously I have some regrets, its always a privilege to put on the Team Canada uniform. But unfortunately my commitment is with the Delta Giants, and maybe one day I will get an invite for the Mens Team Canada.

You recently suffered your third concussion in under 2 years in ice hockey. When do you think you will hang them up and focus on Giants, and will this affect your game this season?
C: I don't see it ever affecting my game. I have a mind from the future so it would take a few more conkys to sink down from Birds level.

Last question, what can we expect from ole' C-Rod this year? Third year in the league, only 20 years old. Can we assume that throwing sticks over the boards and kicking helmets is out of your game?
C: Ha, yes, but if theres a chance to stand up for my teammates I won't hesitate to do so. You can expect me to pinch down low more often and burying whenever I get the chance to from the point. I'm looking for 5 G and 15 A this year. Anything but a provincial or playoff championship will be a disappointment of a season for me. I think we have the team to win it all, we have no excuse saying it is our first year in "A" anymore.

Gracias Chris! Gran entrevista del Rookie del Año!  You can translate that yourself. Chris Roddy is looking to shake off his recent concussion and have a strong start to the season. Next player profile coming up, the Captain, Rob Munro

Player Profile: Josh MacKenzie

Next up in our long running series is the clap-happy Josh MacKenzie. He broke onto the Giants 2 years along with fellow line mate Dylan Bird, and have never looked back since. The pair have been a great addition to the team and are putting up more points each year. I recently caught up with him at the gym to discuss the upcoming season for the Giants.

You are entering your third season with the Delta Giants. How have you handled the transition from ice hockey, and what about ball hockey and the Giants appeal to you?
J: The transition was rough at first with all the god damn running and trying to stick handle the ball, but the boys have been good helping out and showing patience. Ball hockey appeals to me as a place to go relax with the boys, let loose black out sometimes and have a good time. The Giants are a great bunch of classy ass guys who play hard on and off the floor.


You seem to have found a home on the second line in both an offensive and defensive role. What do you need to do this year to help take some of the scoring load off of the top line and make your line successful?
J: Building Sedin like chemistry with Dylan has been successful so sticking with that, maybe try to work on hitting the net with my clapper. But most of all learn to fucking bury on breakaways! Defensively I plan on back checking more, keeping closer to my d-man and getting  a lot more aggressive towards the other team.

I've been told by your teammates that you're one of the character guys on the team when it comes to locker room. . What makes Josh MacKenzie that guy hang in the locker room?
J: I think I bring a relaxed attitude to the room. Ball hockey is a place to have fun. I like to lighten the mood and make it a fun place for everyone to come and relax for 2 hours a night. Plus the pre game supps help that out a lot yeaaaaah buddy


You are the co-creator of #NevaKnowNation. It is also the motto of the Delta Giants 2012 season. How does this motto coincide with this upcoming season?
J: Neva know is more than a statement, its a lifestyle. Its been blowing up since last year and this upcoming year will be in full force. It is a mantra that everyone on the team can relate to and I guarantee it will win games and frustrate teams cause YA NEVA KNOW.


Final question here Josh. We all know you love to light the lamp. It will be your second year in "A". Goal and assist wise, what will be a successful season for Josh MacKenzie individually and as a team?
J: A successful season individually would be contributing offensively as much as I can. I would like to get more points every year. As a team, a successful season would be winning league and provincials thank who knows, well... YA NEVA KNOW

Co-Creator and proud Delta Giant Josh MacKenzie now in the books! Hopefully we can catch up with the other half of the Bash Brothers shortly. Also, news about Josh/Dylan Giants Fundraiser will be coming shortly, keep ya heads up! Tomorrow we feature Team Canada defence man, Chris Roddy.

Player Profile: Rob Rhyorchuk

Today we sat down with the first Delta Giant to go pro, Rob Rhyorchuk. He recently signed a contract with SHC Bettlach of the Swiss Mens A League. Not only is he there to light the Euros up, he will also be over there to mentor the Junior teams and show them how we roll. While not watching over bad guys, Rob sat down with us for this interview.

You had a very pleasant surprise this off season. You were offered a contract to go play Pro in the Swiss A League. Tell us about that and your feelings towards now being an official "pro"
R: Well it's going to be an awesome experience and I couldn't have done it without my team-mates. It's an honour to have been selected to represent the Delta Giants over in Europe

There are many things to be excited about. Food, culture, ladies...What is the thing you are looking forward to the most while playing in Switzerland?
R: I'm looking forward to living in one of the most beautiful places in the world and hopefully leading the team to a championship. Then I will be coming back to the mother land and ripping it up

Amen. You will be coming back as the Delta Giants season is a week or 2 in. Do you think playing overseas will help you ease right into the season with no rust?
R: For sure. Coming back in mid season form will definitely give me an upside to start the season. This year is going to be our time.

League MVP. Top Scorer. An outstanding last couple years you've had for the Giants individually. Last year though the team failed to win a major championship. What do you need to do to help the team win the Premier A this year?
R: Well I need to consistently light the lamp and I will think about back checking every now and then. We gotta come together as a team and enjoy the long ride to the championship because it's coming.

Backchecking!? That's on record. Final thought here. As another Delta Giant original, where do you see the club going in the upcoming years? The team is still young and most guys won't peak for another 3-5 years. Where would you like to see the team at that time?
R: I would like to see the team making it to Nationals and winning it all. 2-3 times. With the team we have and the prospects in the system, we have the skill and determination to do it.

We wish Rob all the best and we will continually update the site as his season progresses. Our lone pro Giant is going to represent us to the fullest! Below is a copy of the International release. First item in the Delta Giants Gallery at Sungod?

Player Profile: Brad Tobin

Our next interview in our Player Profile series is the Delta Giants resident defensive defenseman, Brad Tobin. With the occasional goals, Tobin is one of the top shut down players of the D core. The diminutive, yet feisty defenseman recently sat down with us and answered a few questions.

First question here Tobin. Your passion for ball hockey and the Giants is undeniable. Where did it all come from and why?
B: I've always been a competitive athlete in any sport that I played growing up in North Delta. The passion comes from building the Giants legacy and name throughout our community growing forward.

Last season ended in a heartbreaking loss in the semi-finals of Westerns in Winnipeg. What are your outlooks and expectations for the 2012 season?
B: I want the team to get out to a fast start much like it did last WBHL season and maintain our focus heading into playoffs. But anything less that BC "A" Provincial Champions will be a disappointment.

You're one of the original Delta Giants. How do you feel about the team now 5 years later? Anything you think the team needs more of? Grit? Scoring?
B: I'm very pleased that the solid core of players has stayed with the team since the beginning and that we have added local talent from North Delta to create the depth we need to stay competitive. With the signing of Chris Steller (3 year/terms undisclosed) we have found the steady veteran depth forward that we were missing late last season.

What about for your personal goals. What are your expectations for this year?
B: For myself, I want to lead the D-core in goals scored once again this season. But also I just want to be a dependable 2-way defenseman that is effective in any situation.

Final question here Brad. What makes the season so enjoyable for yourself? From the locker room, to the bars and parking lots, how would you sum it up?
B: Just being with the boys and enjoying the atmosphere that comes with playing ball hockey. Also, the roadies make or break the team!


Our first D-man player profile in the books. Is there anybody more fired up for the 2012 season than Mr. Brad Tobin? Guy just spits hot fire when it comes to the season! Always a pleasure sitting down the legend Tobin. Stay tuned, team MVP and future Swiss A League Forward Rob Rhyorchuk will be our focus for tomorrow.

Player Profile: Carlos Rodriguez

Our first ever player profile goes to our tendy, Carlos Rodriguez. After ending the 2010 season with a MVP honours and winning gold at B Provincials, Carlos made the transition to "A". He proceeded to a .500 record and was constantly on his game at all times. This year, we hope for big things this year from him to push our team to the next level. We recently sat down with him to discuss his offseason, and the future going forward.

How is your offseason coming along so far?
C: Just started a new training program. Looking to rebound on a disappointing season for my self. Trying out some new gear too.

Where do you think you will have the most improvement coming into the 2012 season?
C: I think ill be coming into the season with a higher fitness level and a fresh start. Ive made it a personal goal to improve my tracking of the ball through traffic.

What do you think the team needs as a whole to become the elite team of the league?
C: We just need to make other teams play our game and come out hard off the opening draw. We can't afford to fall behind early like we did last year.

With the new league proposal, how do you feel about potential weekend "road trips" to places such as Kamloops?
C: I think the expansion is good for the league. Look forward to seeing some of the new teams and building new rivalries. I think the road trips will be great for team building.

Finally, what player are you most excited to see this season and why?
C: Im excited to welcome back Chris Steller and the leadership he brings to the room. The new league format excites me, as well as meeting the Falcon Machine and Centurions.

There it is, Señor Carlos Roddy with the first ever Delta Giants Player Profile. Stay tuned for the next one!

Welcome to North Delta Giants Website!

Brand new spankin site for the new 2012 season! We are going to be planning another fundraiser this year, or 2 if Jmack and Bird do theirs. With the money we earn, it'll be used for our new jerseys and also hotels for our road trip. Speaking of that, read this email below from Swiggy. If anyone has any ideas for fundraisers, jersey suggestions or anything, post it!

Here is the email from Swiggy regarding the season.

Happy New Year Gentlemen!

I hope you had an enjoyable holiday season with your families.

I wanted to touch base with you regarding a proposed provincial A division for 2012. The basic premise is to have all A teams in the Province compete in a league with the winner qualifying to go to the following year’s nationals instead of a one weekend tournament. At the Provincials there is always talk about how there are mean nothing games. With this format of a Province Wide Premier League this would make every regular season and playoff game valuable.

If we can get the 5 teams from the lower mainland from last year along with Kamloops and Vernon who have expressed great interest this will give teams a 12 game regular season. You would play one home and one away game vs each team. Top 4 teams make the playoffs and play a 3 game series for semi -finals with the winners playing a 3 game finals for the championship.

Your team would need to travel one weekend to Vernon and Kamloops to play your away games vs those teams. This is no more expense that travelling away for one weekend to go to provincials. Playoffs series, if you are playing against a team from the interior, may be held in a neutral site such as Hope or Chilliwack where both teams would travel. There may also be one regular season game there to assist the Interior teams not have to travel down all the way to Vancouver twice.

If we can get the 5 Lower Manlaind Teams and 2 Interior Teams we expect League Fees to be in the $3300-$3500 range.

Please let me know your thoughts and if you wish to discuss on the phone please feel free to call me.

Best Regards,

Mike

.....Ive already talked to him and made some suggestion from our team. He was saying it might be Friday/Saturday away game. I pushed for a Saturday/Sunday because most guys work on Friday til around 3/4. Also, tried to get the season pushed to minimum 14 games. 12 seems too low. If you want me to forward any suggestions to him let me know.