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 aren’t 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.

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 Leipert’s teammates consistently call him a warrior and talk about how important he is to their group as a whole.

“The last two seasons have been a blast,” said Kannok Leipert in a press release from the Canucks. “The city and our fans took this past season to the next level and I’m 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.”

Kannok Leipert went viral this season when he fought the Calgary Wranglers’ 6’8″ forward Adam Klapka. Kannok Leipert didn’t just fight the much larger Klapka, I’d say he won the bout.

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.

He’s 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.