By Steve Ewen

You’ve got to think that Mathis Preston’s start to the season with the Vancouver Giants is catching eyes of those in charge of Team Canada for the world juniors.

Vancouver has been one of the early season success stories in the WHL with their 9-3-1-2 record and the speedy, dynamic Preston has been one of the main drivers.

The Giants host the Prince George Cougars (3-7-0-2) this afternoon (4 p.m., Pulse 107.7) at the Langley Events Centre. Preston woke up Sunday morning fourth in the WHL in scoring (21 points) and tied for third in goals (11). The Penticton native, who was a second-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks this summer, is coming off one goal and four assists in Vancouver’s 6-1 win over the Victoria Royals Friday at the LEC.

Vancouver got out to a 4-0 lead by the 14:34 mark of the first period on the Royals, and Preston had helpers on each of the tallies.That early success prompted plenty of scouring of the Giants record book. The club’s single-game mark for assist is five, set by Craig Cunningham in a 7-5 win at Kelowna on Oct. 20, 2010 and then equalled by James Henry in a 6-5 triumph over Everett on Sept. 28, 2011. The points record is seven, coming from Brendan Gallagher’s three goals and four assists in an 8-4 victory over Portland on Jan. 7, 2012.