Blazers box

WHAT HAPPENED
The Blazers were embarrassed in the first period but got it together after that, while the Giants ran into penalty problems and ended up losing this one.
THE DEFENCEMAN
Kamloops D Giffen Nyren set up two PP goals as his club tied the score and was solid again. He was a preseason acquisition from the Moose Jaw Warriors, who wanted to play him at forward. He now has five assists in three games.
THE DINNER
Vancouver GM Scott Bonner and his father, Terry, drove into Kamloops on Tuesday. They had dinner in the home off Kamloops GM Craig Bonner, Scott’s younger brother, that evening. Terry scouts for the Giants, the team Craig left to take over as the Blazers’ GM.
THE BRAGGING RIGHTS
Craig Bonner said his mother, with obvious interests going both ways, would be OK with the outcome. “My Mom will be happy,” he said with a smile. “She’s happy with a tie and whatever happens from there we can’t control.”
THE HISTORY
Last season, the Blazers were 1-7-0-0 against the Giants. The lone Kamloops victory came via the shootout — 5-4 — at home on Dec. 30. This season, the teams will play each other nine times.
THE CAMPERS
Vancouver was without D Jon Blum, who is due back from the NHL’s Nashville Predators on Sunday. They got G Tyson Sexsmith back from the San Jose Sharks; he was in uniform but didn’t play. . . . Kamloops had RW Tyler Shattock (San Jose) and D Nick Ross (Phoenix Coyotes) in the lineup for the first time.
THE SOPHOMORE
G James Priestner, who is into his second WHL season, left Kamloops for his home in Edmonton on Wednesday. He is anticipating a trade, perhaps to the Brandon Wheat Kings, sometime this week. Kamloops GM Craig Bonner said Priestner’s leaving the team was a mutual decision.
THE DAILY NEWS THREE STARS
1. D Giffen Nyren, Kamloops. Another strong effort.
2. G Jon Groenheyde, Kamloops. Kept his side in it in the first.
3. LW Evander Kane, Vancouver. Can do it all.
UP NEXT
The Blazers go home-and-home with the Kelowna Rockets this weekend. They play here Friday and are in Kelowna on Saturday. Game time both nights is 7 o’clock.