A Saanich Native Returns to the WHL Fold
The Western Hockey League landscape saw a notable local connection solidified on Thursday, October 28, as the Vancouver Giants officially announced the signing of Victoria-born defenseman Sullivan Humeniuk. The acquisition marks the culmination of a developmental journey that has taken Humeniuk through various junior hockey circuits before he returned to the region’s premier professional development league.
According to reports from the Saanich News, Humeniuk earned a WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement with the Giants, a move that signals the organization's commitment to integrating the 19-year-old blueliner into their long-term plans. The signing brings a player with deep roots in Greater Victoria back into the fold of a team that has recently been navigating its own early-season trajectory.
From South Island Royals to AJHL All-Rookie
Humeniuk’s path to the Giants was not linear, characterized by a series of strategic moves across different leagues and levels of competition. Born and raised in Saanich, Humeniuk began his junior career with the South Island Royals in the British Columbia Elite Hockey League (BCEHL) during the 2021-22 season. This early stint provided the foundation for his physical development as a six-foot-three defenseman.
Following his time with the Royals, Humeniuk spent time playing for the Victoria Cougars and Pacific Coast Academy, further honing his skills in the local competitive environment. However, after going undrafted by WHL teams, he sought opportunities elsewhere to continue his development. This led him to play three pre-season games for the Spokane Chiefs before securing a significant role with the Drumheller Dragons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).
It was in the AJHL where Humeniuk truly established himself as a high-caliber prospect. Over the course of 51 games with the Dragons, he recorded 35 points, a statistical output that demonstrated his offensive capability from the blue line. His performance was recognized league-wide when he was named to the AJHL All-Rookie Team, a testament to his immediate impact in a highly competitive junior A environment.
International Recognition and Pre-Season Success
Humeniuk’s rise continued on the international stage when Hockey Canada called him up to represent Canada West at the 2025 Junior A World Hockey Challenge. Competing against top talent from around the world, Humeniuk contributed to a team that ultimately earned a silver medal, adding an international accolade to his growing resume.
Upon returning to North American junior hockey, Humeniuk engaged in pre-season activities with two WHL clubs. He played one pre-season game with his hometown Vancouver Royals before joining the Giants for two pre-season contests. His performance during these exhibition games was instrumental in earning him a spot on Vancouver’s opening-night roster, allowing him to begin his regular-season campaign with the Giants.
Since joining the team, Humeniuk has appeared in nine games. On October 10, he recorded his first career point in the WHL with an assist, marking a significant milestone in his professional development. The early returns suggest that the Giants’ investment in his scholarship agreement is already yielding tangible results on the ice.
Coaching Confidence and Future Matchups
The Giants’ front office has expressed strong confidence in Humeniuk’s integration into the team. Michael Dyck, who serves as both the head coach and general manager of the Vancouver Giants, stated that the organization is happy to have Humeniuk join their ranks. Dyck noted that Humeniuk has embraced his role within the team structure and has been improving daily, a sentiment that underscores the player’s work ethic and adaptability.
Humeniuk himself acknowledged the significance of the signing, stating that he is honored to sign with the Vancouver Giants. In his remarks, he thanked the organization, his family, coaches, and teammates for their support throughout his journey, highlighting the collaborative effort behind his current position in the league.
As Humeniuk settles into his role with the Giants, a unique local rivalry looms on the horizon. The Giants currently sit second in the WHL’s Western Conference with an 8-2-1-2 record, holding a position one spot ahead of the Royals. This standing sets the stage for a highly anticipated matchup on Friday, October 30, when the Giants and Royals are scheduled to face off in Langley.
This upcoming game holds special significance for Humeniuk, as it will potentially give him the chance to play against his hometown team for the first time since leaving the Royals. The contest not only serves as a test of the Giants’ early-season form but also offers Humeniuk a personal milestone in his ongoing career within the WHL.
Beyond hockey, Humeniuk’s athletic background includes high-level baseball during his growing years in Greater Victoria. He competed with the Victoria Eagles program and won gold with Zone 6 at the 2022 BC Summer Games, showcasing a versatile athletic profile that likely contributes to his overall coordination and competitive drive on the ice.
As the Giants continue their push for success in the Western Conference, Humeniuk’s development remains a key subplot. His ability to contribute defensively while providing offensive support from the blue line will be crucial as the team navigates the challenges of the early season. The upcoming game against the Royals will serve as an early indicator of how well Humeniuk has adapted to the speed and physicality of the WHL, as he faces former teammates and familiar faces in a high-stakes conference matchup.