Alex Kannok Leipert has quickly become a fan favourite in the Fraser Valley even though the Langley community already knew how exciting the kid can be.
After playing in 41 games during his rookie year, AKL followed up with a sophomore season that saw him play in 44 games for the Abbotsford Canucks and two playoff games.
The former captain of the Vancouver Giants was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Kannok Leipert is a solid defensive defenceman who has only scored one goal and added eight assists over his two seasons with the Abbotsford Canucks. When you look at the stats, you arenโt impressed, but anyone who has seen him in a game knows that his impact comes from what he can do defensively along with his willingness to stand up for teammates or drop the gloves to spark the team and home crowd.
Standing ovation for Alex Kannok Leipert.
He just had a heck of a fight, standing up for a hit to the head on Danila Klimovich. pic.twitter.com/GUvCrUXw41
โ ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ถ๐ Faber ๐ฅ๐ (@ChrisFaber39) April 13, 2023
The heavy-fisted Kannok Leipert was born in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, and though he is a depth defenceman in the AHL, his work ethic in practice and toughness during games provides a huge boost to the Canucks. His presence makes the AHL an easier place for high-skilled prospects to feel comfortable. Kannok Leipertโs teammates consistently call him a warrior and talk about how important he is to their group as a whole.
โThe last two seasons have been a blast,โ said Kannok Leipert in a press release from the Canucks. โThe city and our fans took this past season to the next level and Iโm really looking forward to bringing that energy into the upcoming season. Coming back to the Fraser Valley for a seventh year in a row just feels right.โ
Kannok Leipert went viral this season when he fought the Calgary Wranglersโ 6โ8โณ forward Adam Klapka. Kannok Leipert didnโt just fight the much larger Klapka, Iโd say he won the bout.
Alex Kannok Leipert โ โ5โ11โ
vs
Adam Klapka โ โ6โ8โ pic.twitter.com/Az8bqUqsqn
โ ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ถ๐ Faber ๐ฅ๐ (@ChrisFaber39) January 22, 2023
Kannok Leipert looked more comfortable in the AHL this past season and now has a one-year contract where he will look to improve enough to earn an NHL contract in the future. His skating is above average at the AHL level and his physicality is obviously at the top-end of the league.
Heโs a fun player to cover, played his junior hockey locally, and his teammates love him.
All around, this was an easy home run for the Abbotsford Canucks.
