Vancouver Giants’ Blake Chorney: Crafting a Crosby-Like All-Around Game Ahead of NHL Draft

Vancouver Giants centre Blake Chorney is already drawing attention from NHL scouts ahead of next summer’s draft, with his versatile, all-around play resonating heavily with professional evaluators.

When asked about the NHL players he studied while growing up, the 17-year-old centre points directly to Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby. While Crosby’s offensive exploits are legendary, it is his relentless, all-around game that has deeply influenced Chorney’s development.

“Watching Crosby, you see that he wins faceoffs, he makes plays in the d-zone,” Chorney explained. “At the NHL level, that’s what they need and want. I’m building my game on that basis.”

Standing at 6 feet and 204 pounds with a left-handed shot, Chorney was selected by Vancouver in the first round (10th overall) of the 2024 WHL Draft. He has quickly transitioned into a highly dependable, all-situations player for the Giants, killing penalties, contributing on the power play, and regularly being relied upon in the final minutes of games—whether protecting a lead or chasing down a goal.

Chorney’s production has begun to reflect his elevated role. After recording eight goals and 20 points in 64 games during his rookie campaign, he has exploded out of the gate this season, posting eight goals and 21 points in just 19 games. His recent performances have been particularly dominant, including a three-goal, one-assist outing in a 10-3 victory over the Moose Jaw Warriors.

“He plays with poise. He plays with vision. He plays fast. He gets to the middle of the ice and he can shoot it when he gets the chance,” Vancouver leading scorer Mathis Preston, an 18-year-old winger, said of Chorney. “He’s a hybrid — a power forward who has skill as well. He’s getting a lot better all the time.”

Although Chorney hasn’t disclosed the exact number of NHL teams he has spoken with, he confirmed that area scouts have been in touch. His early draft projections have been intriguing; NHL Central Scouting recently placed him on its “Players to Watch” list with a C rating, suggesting a potential fourth- or fifth-round selection. However, Chorney’s early interviews and recent offensive explosions could easily push his selection much earlier.

“The work starts now. I want to be A ranked at the end of the year, to be honest,” Chorney said, expressing his goal of securing a first-round grade from Central Scouting. “I’ll keep working toward that. I’ll keep working on my game.”

Under the guidance of general manager and head coach Michael Dyck, the Vancouver Giants (10-6-1-2) are sitting third in the Western Conference. The team has shown significant resilience and growth following a last-place finish in the conference last season, proving that Chorney’s development is occurring on a team on the rise.

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