Vancouver Giants defenceman Mazden Leslie has verbally committed to Bowling Green State University (BGSU) 鈥� in the NCAA 鈥� for the 2025-26 season.

Leslie is in the midst of a career year, currently sitting second among all WHL defencemen in scoring with 59 points (14G-45A) in 49 games.

He recently broke Jonathon Blum's 16-year-old record for most career goals by a Giant defenceman, when he scored his 50th career tally last Saturday versus the Everett Silvertips. 

鈥淲ith how well Mazden has played this year, he continues to generate pro interest,鈥� Giants general manager Barclay Parneta said.

鈥淲e will continue to support him in achieving his hockey goals and aspirations.鈥�

The 19-year-old Lloydminster, Alta. product was named the Giants 22nd captain in franchise history ahead of the 2024-25 WHL season.

Leslie has attended NHL training camps with both the Toronto Maple Leafs (2023-24) and Vegas Golden Knights (2024-25), and was recently listed by NHL central scouting on their mid-term rankings for the 2025 NHL entry draft.

The lifelong Giant has suited up in 263 regular season games, which ranks 10th all-time in franchise history 鈥� 47 games back of first-place Neil Manning.

He was the 10th overall pick by Vancouver in 2020. He debuted as a 15-year-old during the 2021 bubble season, scoring five goals in 17 games.

"Thrilled to announce my commitment to play Division I hockey at Bowling Green State University,鈥� Leslie announced on social media.

鈥淏ig thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way."

Leslie is the third current Giant to commit to an National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) school, after overage forwards Connor Levis (who also committed to Bowling Green earlier this season) and Max Muranov (who committed to Niagara University). Former Giant Tyson Zimmer also committed to Niagara University in December.

These announcements follow the changes to the eligibility rules for NCAA men鈥檚 hockey.

Leslie has accumulated 177 points (50G-127A) in his WHL career with the G-Men. He has earned 30 points alone during the last 20 games played since the holiday break (7G-23A).

BGSU is located in Bowling Green, Ohio, near Toledo. The hockey program competes in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) conference and plays out of the 5,000 seat Slater Family Ice Arena.

In the meantime, Leslie and the team played in Victoria Friday night, and are back on home ice tonight, to host the Victoria Royals. They're also playing the Prince George Cougars in a matinee Family Day game on Monday at 91原创 Events Centre.