Giants Select Tyus Sparks and Gavin Karl in 2023 U.S. Priority Draft
Published on May 10, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Vancouver Giants News Release
Vancouver, B.C. - This morning the Vancouver Giants added a pair of American-born prospects to their organization when they drafted 2008-born forward Tyus Sparks (8th overall) and 2008-born forward Gavin Karl (29thoverall).
Tyus Sparks (Boise, ID) is a right-handed forward that checks in at 5'7" and 150 pounds. He averaged two points-per-game last season with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings 14U AAA program, scoring 49 goals and 41 assists for 90 points in 45 games, which was good for second on the team in scoring. Sparks also accumulated 52 penalty minutes.
"Tyus is an elite goal scorer and playmaker with a very high compete level," said Vancouver Giants US Scout Ryan Sawchyn. "He plays in multiple situations and with a level of intensity that can change games. His hockey sense and consistency are key drivers to his success."
In the second round, the Giants selected left-handed forward Gavin Karl (Excelsior, MN) with the 29th pick. The 5'6", 135-pounder played 23 games with MN Lakers 14U AAA last season and piled up 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points along with 8 penalty minutes.
Sawchyn notes, "Gavin is a complete 200-foot player with an exceptional compete level. He's very well-rounded with a high skillset in each facet of the game. His coachability and work ethic is outstanding and he has a very high ceiling."
Tomorrow at 9 AM PT, the Vancouver Giants will participate in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. The Giants are scheduled to make a pair of first-round selections (6th and 8thoverall).
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