Vancouver Giants name new assistant coaches
Published 3:00 pm Monday, August 10, 2026
Vancouver Giants have hired Carson Dyck and Jim Vandermeer as assistant coaches for the 2026-27 WHL season.
Vandermeer, 46, (Caroline, Alta.) has 18 years of professional hockey experience including 461 NHL games from 2002-12. The former defenceman captained the Red Deer Rebels to a Memorial Cup Championship in 2001 and previously served as a Development Coach with the Giants from 2021-23.
Dyck, 25, (Lethbridge, Alta.) recently graduated from Penn State after a four-year career with the Nittany Lions hockey program, where he was a three-time B1G Distinguished Scholar, two-time team Culture Award recipient and a B1G Sportsmanship Award winner. He led Penn State to its first-ever Frozen Four appearance in 2024-25 as alternate captain and was the youngest player in program history to win the Culture Award in 2022-23.
“Both individuals possess the key qualities that are essential in growing our player development program,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “They have the leadership needed to rebuild our culture and identity both on and off the ice.”
Vandermeer made NHL stops in Philadelphia, Chicago, Calgary, Phoenix, Edmonton and San Jose. He suited up in more than 700 career games between the NHL and AHL, and also spent six professional seasons in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, where he was a two-time EIHL Cup Champion with the Belfast Giants.
“I would like to thank the Vancouver Giants ownership group, Peter Toigo and Michael Dyck for the opportunity to join the Giants and be part of such a proud organization,” Vandermeer said. “I’m excited to work with the coaching staff and players, build relationships and help this group reach its full potential.”
Prior to his time at Penn State, Dyck produced 66 points in 110 games over three seasons with the Okotoks Oilers in the AJHL from 2018-21, serving as team captain in 2020-21.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Vancouver Giants organization,” Carson Dyck said. “I look forward to working with the players and staff as we prepare for the season ahead. It’s an honour to be part of an organization with such strong traditions.”
With the additions of Carson Dyck and Vandermeer as assistant coaches, the Giants have now rounded out their coaching staff for the upcoming season. The staff includes Michael Dyck as Head Coach and General Manager, Simon Ferguson as Assistant Coach and Kayden Jarvis returning as Video Coach.