VANCOUVER – One of the highest profile recruits to any U SPORTS program this off-season is that of former Vancouver Giants captain,
Ty Thorpe.
A dynamic centreman who can be counted on in any situation, the UBC Thunderbirds are more than pleased to have landed the Manitoba native to add to an already deep forward group for the 2023-24 season.
"He's a guy that kind of does everything really well, he does everything with passion and fire and determination, all those really good character traits," said UBC head coach
Sven Butenschon whose squad is off to another 6-0 start to the season. "It started to translate on the ice for him in his last couple years of junior. A great kid, great attitude, loves the game and loves the little aspects of the game, always trying to find ways to get better and we're expecting a lot from him."
His final year in the WHL with Vancouver saw Thorpe put up 37 goals and 71 points – both tops on the team. Starting his major junior career with the Brandon Wheat Kings, after getting traded to Vancouver ahead of the 2021-22 season, the 6-foot-1, 181 pound forward exploded for 115 points in 127 regular season games with the Giants.
"His coaches in Vancouver just raved about him, his opponents all raved about him when we asked around," added Butenschon. ""We were able to convince him that UBC is going to be good for his development as a player and a person."
It was a forced quick adjustment to Canada West hockey for Thorpe who was with the Los Angeles Kings rookie camp followed by an invite to the team's main training camp in mid September. Thorpe then departed southern California on Thursday, September 28 and was in UBC's season opening lineup against the Alberta Golden Bears the following night.
"It was an incredible experience. Being my first pro camp, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was great," said Thorpe of his time with the Kings. "They have an incredibly professional organization, they help you with everything. The coaching staff, trainers, management and everyone else were great. I think the biggest takeaway from my time there was just knowing what it takes to play at that level. The preparation involved and the pace of play and compete, it definitely influences how I train and prepare."
When it came to deciding on his hockey future, Thorpe had no shortage of options. But UBC's unique combination of athletic and academic excellence made it an easy choice.
"UBC is one of the top hockey programs in the country and one of the top academic institutions in the world," Thorpe continued. "Playing in Vancouver for the last two years I've grown to love it here. I've made lots of friends and have familiarized myself with the city. All these things together made it the best opportunity for my hockey career and my future. I knew how good a team we were going to have this year and I knew how great the coaching is so I knew I'd be surrounded by elite players and experienced coaches. The facilities are top notch and there are so many resources and opportunities to develop, it was really a no-brainer for me."
Scoring his first goal as a Thunderbird in the first period of last Saturday's game against Manitoba, Thorpe added an assist on
Jack Wismer's second period tying marker. Now six games into his Canada West career, there's no question Thorpe has made the adjustment to his new team and league.
"I'm really starting to find my groove. I feel comfortable with my linemates now and once you kind of get that chemistry going you can understand the intricacies of the game and get used to the pace of play, that's when you can really take off."
Tied for their best start to a season in program history, Thorpe and the T-Birds start a home-and-home with the Trinity Western Spartans Thursday night at the Langley Events Centre followed by Saturday's rematch at Father David Bauer Arena with a 3:00 p.m. puck drop.
