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| F Logan Nelson looks for a rebound against G Cole Cheveldave Friday night. |
Pregame show on The Zone @ 91.3 FM at 6:45 with Marlon Martens and CHEK TV’s Mike Walker.
On the eve of his 18th birthday, Tim Bozon led the charge with a two goal night including the winner as the Blazers snapped a 1-1 second period tie with 3 unanswered in the second.
Kamloops outshot Victoria 34-27, earning Cole Cheveldave his first career playoff win, leaving Keith Hamilton looking for his.
Robin Soudek was back after missing 3 games due to injury scored the lone Royals goal.
Victoria scored once with the man advantage on four opportunities while the Blazers did not capatalize on their four chances.
The Royals have only allowed 2 goals against while shorthanded over their last 13 games (44 for 46).
The Blazers hadn’t won a WHL playoff game since March 30, 2005, when they beat visiting Kootenay 3-2 in Game 3 of a first-round series.
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| Tempers flare between the Royals and the Blazers Friday night. |
SPECIAL TEAMS: During the regular season the Royals power play ranked 15th, Blazers 6th. Victoria penalty killing 13th overall, Kamloops 10th best.
TOP SCORERS SEASON:
Ranford (40-52-92)
Smith (35-50-85)
Bozon (36-35-71)
Herrod (29-41-70)
Lipon (19-46-65)
Crooks (37-30-67)
Nelson (23-39-62)
Soudek (27-30-57)
Rintoul (17-34-51)
Magee (23-24-47)
It’s the Royals franchise 5th post season birth in 6 years. As the Bruins, Chilliwack lost in it’s first two seasons in the first round to Vancouver, missed the following year, then fell in six to Tri City in 2010, and in five to Spokane last year.
Following Saturday’s game, the series shifts back to Victoria, with the city embracing it’s first WHL playoffs sine the 1989 Cougars, with games Tuesday and Wednesday night. Fans are encouraged to wear Royal Blue to support the club.
DRAFTED/NHL SIGNED PLAYERS: For Victoria: D Tyler Stahl (Carolina, 6th rd 2010), D Jordan Fransoo (Ottawa, 7th rd 2011). For Kamloops: Brendan Ranford (PHI ’10), D Austin Madaisky (CBJ ’10).
TOP PROSPECTS: Central Scoutings mid-term rankings of North American players positions Victoria’s Steven Hodges (55), and Logan Nelson (108). For Kamloops: Tim Bozon (39)
INJURIES:
For Kamloops:
For Victoria:
#3, Zach Habscheid, Lower body,
#18 Brandon Magee, undisclosed
SERIES SCHEDULE:
Game 1 – Fri Mar 23 Victoria 1 at Kamloops 4
Game 2 - Sat Mar 24 7:00 PM Victoria at Kamloops
Game 3 - Tues Mar 27 7:05 PM Kamloops at Victoria
Game 4 - Wed Mar 28 7:05 PM Kamloops at Victoria
Game 5 - Fri Mar 30 7:00 PM Victoria at Kamloops **
Game 6 - Mon Apr 2 7:05 PM Kamloops at Victoria **
Game 7 - Wed Apr 4 7:00 PM Victoria at Kamloops **
(** - if necessary)
