Like father, like son: Bieksa’s kid drops the gloves at Vancouver Giants camp
When it comes to making a first impression, the Bieksa family may be the best at doing so with their fists.
Ex-Vancouver Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa fought a total of 58 times throughout his NHL career, and his son Cole appears to have inherited those skills. The 17-year-old forward is attending training camp for the WHL’s Vancouver Giants and decided to catch the eyes of coaches by dropping the gloves on the third day of action.
Bieksa recorded a Gordie Howe hat-trick during that inter-squad game, making sure to get on the score sheet with a goal and assist along with that bout.
Like father, like son. Cole Bieksa, who is the son of former #Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa dropped the gloves today at Vancouver Giants training camp.
— Adam Kierszenblat (@Adamkblat) August 30, 2025
Though Cole may not look like a fighter, standing at just 5-foot-11 and 154 pounds, it’s clear that he learnt a thing or two from his father’s feisty playing-style. It also would not be the first time that a Bieska has thrown a few punches to get noticed.
When Kevin first turned pro with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose in 2004, he beat up teammate Fedor Fedorov outside an Earls in Winnipeg after he was challenged to a fight. Upon hearing the story, then-Canucks GM Brian Burke was so impressed that he immediately inked Kevin to his first NHL contract.
That fight then went on to spark a 13-year NHL career for Bieksa.
While this fight may not yield the same result for Cole, who is trying to break into the WHL for the very first time, it’s clear that he is willing to do anything to help solidify his chances of a junior career.
Giants camp is expected to wrap up on Sunday, meaning that Cole will find out whether or not he will crack the roster sooner rather than later.