The WHL’s Vancouver Giants have signed 2007-born defenseman Lance McCloskey.

McCloskey, a Newport Beach native, was listed by the Giants last season. 

“Lance is a strong-skating, two-way, right-shot defender,” Giants general manager Hnat Domenichelli said. “He will provide depth to our group of defensemen.”

McCloskey has played the last two seasons at Fairmont Prep in Anaheim, helping the team reach the 3A final of the USA Hockey High School National Championships last year, where he produced 12 points in five games.

In total, McCloskey registered 61 points (30 goals, 31 assists) in 47 games against California high school competition last season, plus 84 points (30 goals, 54 assists) in 54 games against 18U AAA teams.

According to Elite Prospects, McCloskey had more points than any other defenseman playing 18U AAA hockey in the United States last season.

McCloskey also played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks during his youth hockey career.

Hockey runs in the family for the McCloskey’s as Lance’s older brother Lukas played for the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild last season and is currently in his freshman year at NCAA Division I Army West Point.

Photo/Vancouver Giants

— WHL Staff

(September 16, 2025)