VIDEO: Giants sign best skater in 2026 draft
Published 11:45 am Wednesday, May 27, 2026
A 2011-born defenceman described as the best skater in the 2026 WHL prospects draft is the newest addition to the Vancouver Giants roster.
Eli Vickers from South Surrey has been signed to a WHL scholarship and development agreement, the team announced Tuesday, May 26.
Vickers, selected by the Giants with the third overall pick in the prospects draft, was top-ranked by the Elite Prospects Top-120 report.
“Eli Vickers makes hockey look easy,” the EP ranking said.
“Arguably the best skater in the draft class, he’s extremely fluid, elite off his edges, and explosive across the rink.”
EP described Vickers as a “high-end thinker, scanning, anticipating, and reading plays. Combined with his skating, his skill and strength make him extremely challenging to get the puck from.”
His number are impressive.
Vickers was named the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) U15 Prep Top Defenceman this past season after leading all U15 prep blueliners with 62 points in 30 games, 22 goals and 40 assists.
Giants Assistant General Manager Pete Toigo called Vickers “a dynamic, offensively gifted defenceman who moves the puck exceptionally well and has the talent and work ethic to make a major impact in our league.”
Giants Director of Player Personnel Greg Batters is a fan.
“I’ve admired his competitiveness and his will to win for the last two years,” Batters said after the Giants drafted the 5’9” 159 lb. left-hander on May 6.
Vickers said he was “so honoured to be selected by the Giants,” calling them his “hometown team.”
Under the development agreement, Vickers is guaranteed a WHL Scholarship for every year he plays in the league.