Sunday 30 November 2014

Recap: VIC 5 - KAM 3

Austin Carroll scored twice to lead the visiting Victoria Royals (15-13-2-0, 32pts) past the Kamloops Blazers 5-3 Saturday night.

“We were thinking about the start before the game, and we came out flying, and had a really good start with 3 goals…” said forward Axel Blomqvist who was third star with two assists.

The Royals broke a 3-3 third period tie with a pair of goals :18 seconds apart to pull ahead with just over three minutes left.

“Feels great, all the boys are happy to get back into the win column…”  said Blomqvist

Victoria wraps up their three game road trip on a high note, after falling by the same 4-2 scores in Spokane Wednesday, and Portland Tuesday.

"It feels good, but obviously not the road trip we were looking for…” said netminder Coleman Vollrath,

“Would’ve liked to have come out of Portland and Spokane with a couple points…”

The Royals evened the season series against the Blazers (11-13-3-2) at two game apiece.

Saturday, Victoria led 3-0 after 20 minutes, and 3-2 after 40.

Coleman Vollrath earned his 12th win of the season stopping 25 of 28 shots, while Cole Kehler allowed 5 goals on 32 Royals shots.

Victoria was 1 for 4 on the power play, while Kamloops was 1 for 5.

The Royals scored a pair of goals just :13 seconds apart by Travis Brown and Carroll just :58 seconds into the first, and at 1:11.

The fastest two goals in succession in franchise history is :11 seconds done by Kevin Sundher and Brandon Manning Nov. 6th 2010 in Kelowna.

Greg Chase added his third in as many games on the power play before the period was out.

The Blazers Collin Shirley and Josh Connolly brought the home team with within one in the middle frame before their Captain Matt Needham drew Kamloops back even, early in the third.

Carroll, the number one star, scored his 20th of the season to retake the lead with just over three minutes left.  He takes sole possession of 2nd place in goals scored in the league.  Just :18 seconds later Taylor Crunk fired home his 5th to put the game out of reach.

Kamloops leading scorer and Team WHL participant, Cole Ully was held off the scoresheet.  Shirley earned a goal and an assist.

Joe Hicketts added two assists to give him 36 points, the most by a defenseman in the CHL.

Travis Brown pulls into a tie for most goals by a rearguard with his 10th.

Brandon Magee served the final of his 5 game suspension and is eligible to return to the line up when Victoria returns home to open a four game homestand against Portland Tuesday.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 5 at Kamloops Blazers 3 - Status: Final
Saturday, November 29, 2014 - Interior Savings Centre - Kamloops, BC

Victoria 3 0 2 - 5
Kamloops 0 2 1 - 3

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Brown 10   0:58.
2, Victoria, Carroll 19   1:11.
3, Victoria, Chase 5 (Hicketts, Blomqvist), 14:33 (PP).

Penalties-Walker Vic (high sticking), 1:46; Ully Kam (tripping), 7:06; Loewen Kam (checking from behind), 13:17; Connolly Kam (high sticking), 17:42.

2nd Period-
4, Kamloops, Shirley 7   3:05.
5, Kamloops, Connolly 4 (Revel, Shirley), 15:31 (PP).

Penalties-Brown Vic (cross checking), 8:26; Reddekopp Vic (slashing), 13:46; Walker Vic (interference), 19:01.

3rd Period-
6, Kamloops, Needham 9 (Zaharichuk, Maier), 5:41.
7, Victoria, Carroll 20 (Hicketts, Blomqvist), 16:11.
8, Victoria, Crunk 5 (Fisher, Gagnon), 16:29.

Penalties-Reagan Kam (hooking), 3:01; Chase Vic (high sticking), 8:03.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 10-9-13-32.
Kamloops 5-13-10-28.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 1 / 4;
Kamloops 1 / 5.

Goalies-
Victoria, Vollrath 12-9-2-0 (28 shots-25 saves).
Kamloops, Kehler 3-6-2-0 (32 shots-27 saves).

A-3,827
Referees-Ryan Benbow (62), Adam Griffiths (36).
Linesmen-Riley Balson (46), Michael Bean (148).

Saturday 29 November 2014

Preview, Royals at Blazers Saturday Nov. 29th 2014

The Victoria Royals (14-13-2-0, 30pts) are looking for their first win on their 3 game road trip which wraps up against the Kamloops Blazers (11-12-3-2, 27pts) Saturday.

Pregame show at 6:40 with puck drop at 7 on The Zone @ 91.3fm www.thezone.fm/whl

Victoria has one win in three games versus Kamloops, with all the games being played in September.  The Royals opened the season on the road against the Blazers, and with 5 players away at NHL Camps, fell 6-3.  Then a week later lost 8-2 at home, before a 4-3 overtime win the following night.

Last season season the Royals won 7 of 8 games against the Blazers.

On their current road trip, Victoria fell by the same 4-2 scores in Portland Tuesday and Spokane Wednesday.  In both games the opposition scored first and held the Royals 5th best power play off the board.

Wednesday against the Chiefs, the Royals got 34 saves from Coleman Vollrath, but 3 point nights from Kailer Yamamto and Calder Brooks, paced Spokane to victory.

The Chiefs broke a second period 1-1 tie with a pair of late goals.  The Royals drew to within one in the third, but Brooks second into an empty net added insurance.

Victoria got goals from Greg Chase his second in as many nights, and Austin Carroll’s 18th, the 3rd most in the WHL.

Kamloops fell 7-3 to the visiting Regina Pats last night as Connor Gay had 3 goals and an assist, while Dryden Hunt had 5 helpers.

The Pats jumped out to a 3-0 lead before the game was 6 minutes old.  Connor Ingram who started the last 5 games for the Blazers was relieved by Cole Kehler who then allowed 4 goals on 39 shots.

Kamloops is now winless in 3, dropping their last 2 straight.  They have 2 wins in their past 10 (2-4-2-2) and with 27 points, the sit 3 back of Victoria in the West.

The Blazers fall to .500 at home with a 6-6 record, while the Royals are 6-10 on the road this season.

Kamloops is led in scoring by Team WHL’s Cole Ully with 35 points, including 23 assists.  Ully has 7 points in the 3 games against Victoria this season (3g 4a).  He’s tied for 5th in overall scoring.  His centerman, Matt Needham is next with with 28 points, and completing their line, 17 year old Devin Sideroff is 3rd with 23 points.  Sideroff leads all rookies in goals with 12, and is 2nd in freshman scoring.

The Royals are led in scoring by Joe Hicketts 34 points, the most by a defenseman in the CHL.  Austin Carroll is next with 33 points, and 18 goals – the 3rd most in the WHL.  Carroll also leads the league in power play goals with 9.  Brandon Magee is 3rd in team scoring, however, will serve the final of his 5 game suspension against the Blazers Saturday.  Defenseman Travis Brown has the 2nd most power play goals overall with 8.

Up next Victoria opens a 4 game homestand Tuesday with visits from Portland, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Vancouver.

The annual Teddy Bear Toss night goes against the Giants on Friday Dec. 12th.

- Marlon Martens

TEAM WHL
Greg Chase – Victoria
Joe Hicketts (1g 1a) - Victoria
Cole Ully (1g 1a) – Kamloops

U17
Jake Kryski – Team Red (5 points in 5 games)

NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING NOVEMBER RANKINGS

C REDDEKOPP, CHAZ VICTORIA WHL 6'3.25" 219 D
C SMITH, EVAN VICTORIA WHL 6'6.25" 174 G
C SOY, TYLER VICTORIA WHL 5'11.5" 172 C

C INGRAM, CONNOR KAMLOOPS WHL 6'0.5" 212 G
C SIDEROFF, DEVEN KAMLOOPS WHL 5'11.0" 171 RW

Attended NHL Camps:

Kamloops Blazers Players (5)
Ryan Rehill, 5th rd New Jersey Devils, 2014, No
Matt Revel, Vancouver Canucks, F/A, No
Collin Shirley, Dallas Stars, F/A, No
Cole Ully, 5th rd Dallas Stars, 2013, No
Mike Winther, 2nd rd Dallas Stars 2012, No

Victoria Royals (6)
Axel Blomqvist, Winnipeg Jets, F/A, YES
Travis Brown, Ottawa Senators, 2012 (Chicago), No
Austin Carroll, Calgary Flames, 2014, No
Joe Hicketts, Detroit Red Wings, F/A, YES
Greg Chase, Edmonton Oilers, 2013, YES
Brandon Magee, Calgary Flames, F/A, No

Victoria Royals vs Kamloops Blazers: Head To Head Stats Summary
Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2014-15 Regular SeasonVictoria 1-2-0-0Kamloops 2-0-1-0
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular SeasonVictoria 7-1-0-0Kamloops 1-7-0-0
Last 5 Years record between teamsVictoria 18-16-1-0Kamloops 17-14-2-2
Victoria vs. Kamloops Last 5 Years record at VictoriaVictoria 12-5-1-0Kamloops 6-9-1-2
Victoria vs. Kamloops Last 5 Years record at KamloopsVictoria 6-11-0-0Kamloops 11-5-1-0
Previous Meetings This SeasonKamloops 3 @ Victoria 4 (Sep 27 2014) Final OT
Kamloops 8 @ Victoria 2 (Sep 26 2014) Final
Victoria 3 @ Kamloops 6 (Sep 19 2014) Final

How the 2 teams match up
Kamloops
Victoria
Team Record11-12-3-2 -- 27 points14-13-2-0 -- 30 points
Division Ranking3rd B.C.2nd B.C.
Conference Ranking6th Western4th Western
League Ranking12th8th
Past 10 Games2-4-2-25-5-0-0
Streak0-2-1-00-2-0-0
Last Game7-3 L vs Regina (Nov 28 2014) Final4-2 L @ Spokane (Nov 26 2014) Final
Home Record6-6-0-08-3-2-0
Away Record5-6-3-26-10-0-0
GF85 92 
GA95 97 
PP (Overall)(18/96) 18.8(30/129) 23.3
PP (Home)(8/40) 20.0(15/48) 31.3
PP (Away)(10/56) 17.9(15/81) 18.5
PK (Overall)(29/132) 78.0(28/127) 78.0
PK (Home)(13/51) 74.5(9/49) 81.6
PK (Away)(16/81) 80.2(19/78) 75.6
Leading RookieSideroff (12-11-23)Nagy (3-5-8)
Most PIMRehill - 76Crunk - 62
Team PIM/GM15.0/Game17.1/Game
Leading ScorersUlly (12-23-35)Hicketts (7-27-34)
Needham (8-20-28)Carroll (18-15-33)
Sideroff (12-11-23)Magee (8-16-24)
Connolly (3-15-18)Blomqvist (10-11-21)
Revel (7-8-15)Brown (9-12-21)
Last 5 Games7-3 L vs Regina (Nov 28 2014) Final4-2 L @ Spokane (Nov 26 2014) Final
2-1 L @ Everett (Nov 26 2014) Final4-2 L @ Portland (Nov 25 2014) Final
2-1 L @ Spokane (Nov 23 2014) Final OT5-0 W vs Regina (Nov 22 2014) Final
5-2 W vs Prince George (Nov 21 2014) Final3-1 W vs Everett (Nov 21 2014) Final
4-1 W vs Portland (Nov 19 2014) Final5-3 L vs Kelowna (Nov 19 2014) Final
Leading After 1st6-1-0-07-2-0-0
Leading After 2nd9-0-0-09-1-0-0
Tied After 1st5-2-3-04-4-0-0
Tied After 2nd2-0-3-02-1-1-0
Trailing After 1st0-9-0-23-7-2-0
Trailing After 2nd0-12-0-23-11-1-0
Out Shooting Opponents6-5-2-28-4-1-0
Out Shot by Opponents4-7-1-05-8-1-0
1-Goal Games2-1-3-26-3-2-0
2-Goal Games3-2-0-03-5-0-0
3-Goal Games3-5-0-01-2-0-0

Thursday 27 November 2014

Recap: Victoria 2 - Spokane 4

Coleman Vollrath made 34 saves including stopping a penalty shot for the visiting Victoria Royals (14-13-2-0, 30pts), but Calder Brooks scored twice and added an assist to lead the Spokane Chiefs (13-8-3-0, 29pts) to 4-2 victory Tuesday night.

“We could’ve competed a little bit harder, I didn’t think we were as good as we could’ve been…” said Assistant Coach Enio Sacilotto,

“Having said that, we definitely had enough chances to win the game, especially at the end…we had great quality opportunities to tie it up, and perhaps even win it.”

The Chiefs broke a second period 1-1 tie with a pair of late goals late in the frame.

The Royals drew to within one in the third, but Brooks second into an empty net added insurance.

Victoria got goals from Greg Chase his second in as many nights, and Austin Carroll’s 18th, the 3rd most in the WHL.

“It definitely stings, we had a lot of chances – enough to win the game…” said Carroll,

“We made a couple costly mistakes and they capitalized…”

Vollrath also made a highlight reel save in third while short handed, to compliment the penalty shot save which was also off rookie Kailer Yamamoto, who contributed with 3 assists.

Video of save: http://t.co/9bI8jkNQka

“I was just trying to do whatever I could to give the team a chance to win…” said Vollrath who was name 2nd star,

“I was having a lot of fun out there tonight, and that’s when I’m playing my best.  On that paddle save, (swatting it out of the air with the backside of his stick) I was just trying anything I could to keep the puck out of the net and it happened to work out.”

Carroll agreed it could be his best of the year, “I haven’t seen a better save yet, from any goalie, so it was definitely one to remember.”

Yamamoto’s line with Brooks, and Adam Helewka (1g 1a) combined for 8 points.

Austin Carroll scored his 18th of the year and Greg Chase added his second goal as a Royal in as many nights.

Victoria dropped their second in a row after falling in Portland one night earlier by the same score.  Spokane wins their 4th in a row and with 29 points are now just 1 back of the Royals in the West.

Garrett Houghson earned the win kicking out 30 of 32 Victoria shots.

The Royals were 0 for 2 on the power play, while stopping all 3 Chiefs man advantages.

Victoria was without the service of Brandon Magee, serving the 4th of a 5 game suspension.  The Royals fall to 6-10 on the road.

Victoria wraps up their 3 game road trip in Kamloops on Saturday.

-Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 2 at Spokane Chiefs 4 - Status: End of Game
Wednesday, November 26, 2014 - Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena

Victoria 1 0 1 - 2
Spokane 1 2 1 - 4

1st Period-
1, Spokane, Brooks 9 (Helewka, Yamamoto), 2:48.
2, Victoria, Chase 4 (Blomqvist, Jarratt), 16:46.

Penalties-Walker Vic (tripping), 11:11.

2nd Period-
3, Spokane, Fram 3 (Sozanski, Yamamoto), 15:03.
4, Spokane, Helewka 13 (Brooks, Yamamoto), 19:04.

Penalties-Fiala Spo (holding), 10:21; Reddekopp Vic (boarding), 15:33.

3rd Period-
5, Victoria, Carroll 18 (Walker, Ibragimov), 8:11.
6, Spokane, Brooks 10 (Yamamoto), 19:23 (EN).

Penalties-Palmer Vic (checking from behind), 1:21; Laday Spo (kneeing), 14:34.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 13-8-11-32.
Spokane 9-12-17-38.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 0 / 2;
Spokane 0 / 3.

Goalies-
Victoria, Vollrath 11-9-2-0 (37 shots-34 saves).
Spokane, Hughson 9-6-3-0 (32 shots-30 saves).

A-4,010
Referees-Kevin Bennett (29), Mike Langin (67).
Linesmen-Jeremi Del Campo (44), Anthony Guzzo (135).

Wednesday 26 November 2014

Preview: Victoria at Spokane, Wed Nov.26th

Tonight the Victoria Royals (14-12-2-0, 30pts) are in Spokane to meet the Chiefs (12-7-3-0, 27pts) for the first time since sweeping them in the first round of last springs playoffs.

Pregame show at 6:40, with puck drop at 7pm on The Zone @ 91.3 fm www.thezone.fm/whl

Spokane sits 5th in the West, 3 points back of 3rd place Victoria, however the Chiefs have played 6 fewer games.

Last night the Royals had their two game win streak snapped in Portland by a 4-2 score against the Winterhawks.  Oliver Bjorkstrand got a pair for the Winterhawks who overcame a 2-1 second period deficit.  Victoria had 38 shots and got goals from Brandon Fushimi shorthanded, and Greg Chase, his first as a Royal.  Jayden Sittler took the loss making 32 saves.

The Chiefs have won 3 in a row, all by 2-1 scores in span of 3 nights.  They earned the victories in Seattle last Friday, Tri City Saturday and at home in overtime to Kamloops Sunday.  Rookie Kailer Yamamoto scored two of the three game winners and is tied for 7th in rookie scoring with 13 points.  Netminder Garrett Houghson was in goal for the last two victories.

Spokane is .500 at home with a 5-5-2-0 record, while Victoria is 6-9 on the road.

The Chiefs have the 3rd best penalty kill, and 17th ranked power play.  They’ve allowed the 7th fewest goals against, while scoring the 5th fewest goals on average per game.

Spokane is led in scoring Adam Helewka’s 28 points in 19 games.  Calder Brooks is second with 21 points, tied with defenseman Jason Fram.

Gone from the Chiefs line up from last season are graduating players Mike Aviani, Mitch Holmberg and netminder Eric Williams.  Moving on were defenseman Jeremy McIntosh, Reid Gow and Cole Wedman.

The Royals have the 5th best power play while scoring the 9th most goals for on average per game.  They’ve only allowed 9 short handed chances over the last 4 games, stopping all but one.

Victoria’s Joe Hicketts leads the CHL in defenseman scoring with 34 points, picking up an assist in Portland.  He’s 5th in overall scoring.

Austin Carroll is 3rd in goals scored with 17, tied for 8th in scoring with 32 points.

Defenseman Travis Brown is tied for most goals by a rearguard with 9, with a league high 8 coming on the power play.

The Royals will be without G Evan Smith and F Dante Hannoun due to injury, and Brandon Magee serving the 4th of a 5 game suspension.

After Spokane Wednesday, Victoria wraps up their 3 game road trip in Kamloops Saturday.

- Marlon Martens

Spokane Chiefs NHL Camp Attendees (2)
Jason Fram, Calgary Flames, F/A, No
Adam Helewka, St. Louis Blues, F/A, No

Victoria Royals vs Spokane Chiefs: Head To Head Stats Summary
  
Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2014-15 Regular SeasonVictoria 0-0-0-0Spokane 0-0-0-0
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular SeasonVictoria 1-3-0-0Spokane 3-1-0-0
Last 5 Years record between teamsVictoria 3-10-1-2Spokane 13-3-0-0
Victoria vs. Spokane Last 5 Years record at VictoriaVictoria 1-6-1-0Spokane 7-1-0-0
Victoria vs. Spokane Last 5 Years record at SpokaneVictoria 2-4-0-2Spokane 6-2-0-0
  

How the 2 teams match up
   
 
Spokane
Victoria
Team Record12-7-3-0 -- 27 points14-12-2-0 -- 30 points
Division Ranking3rd U.S.2nd B.C.
Conference Ranking5th Western3rd Western
League Ranking11th6th
Past 10 Games6-4-0-05-5-0-0
Streak3-0-0-00-1-0-0
Last Game2-1 W vs Kamloops (Nov 23 2014) Final OT4-2 L @ Portland (Nov 25 2014) Final
Home Record5-5-2-08-3-2-0
Away Record7-2-1-06-9-0-0
GF63 90 
GA62 93 
PP (Overall)(15/88) 17.0(30/127) 23.6
PP (Home)(5/45) 11.1(15/48) 31.3
PP (Away)(10/43) 23.3(15/79) 19.0
PK (Overall)(13/99) 86.9(28/124) 77.4
PK (Home)(7/52) 86.5(9/49) 81.6
PK (Away)(6/47) 87.2(19/75) 74.7
Leading RookieYamamoto (6-7-13)Nagy (3-5-8)
Most PIMFiala - 37Crunk - 62
Team PIM/GM14.1/Game17.5/Game
Leading ScorersHelewka (12-16-28)Hicketts (7-27-34)
 Brooks (8-13-21)Carroll (17-15-32)
 Fram (2-19-21)Magee (8-16-24)
 Stewart (10-6-16)Brown (9-12-21)
 Yamamoto (6-7-13)Blomqvist (10-10-20)
Last 5 Games2-1 W vs Kamloops (Nov 23 2014) Final OT4-2 L @ Portland (Nov 25 2014) Final
 2-1 W @ Tri-City (Nov 22 2014) Final5-0 W vs Regina (Nov 22 2014) Final
 2-1 W @ Seattle (Nov 21 2014) Final3-1 W vs Everett (Nov 21 2014) Final
 5-3 L vs Tri-City (Nov 15 2014) Final5-3 L vs Kelowna (Nov 19 2014) Final
 4-2 W @ Kamloops (Nov 14 2014) Final4-3 W vs Kelowna (Nov 18 2014) Final OT
Leading After 1st6-1-0-07-2-0-0
Leading After 2nd7-0-1-09-1-0-0
Tied After 1st3-4-3-04-3-0-0
Tied After 2nd3-0-1-02-1-1-0
Trailing After 1st3-2-0-03-7-2-0
Trailing After 2nd2-7-1-03-10-1-0
Out Shooting Opponents8-4-1-08-4-1-0
Out Shot by Opponents4-2-2-05-7-1-0
1-Goal Games8-3-3-06-3-2-0
2-Goal Games3-3-0-03-4-0-0
3-Goal Games1-0-0-01-2-0-0

Recap: Victoria 2 - Portland 4

The Victoria Royals (14-12-2-0) took 38 shots, but fell 4-2 on the road against the Portland Winterhawks (12-12-0-3) Tuesday at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice, including the eventual winner while Nic Petan added a pair of assists.

The Royals led 2-1 after 20, but trailed 3-2 going into the third.

“In the second period we got away from our game plan a little bit, and that cost us.”  said Assistant Coach Enio Sacilotto,

“We competed hard…but next time out, we just have to be a little bit smarter.”

Jayden Sittler who was nominated for CHL goaltender of the week on Monday stopped 32 of 36, while Adin Hill was named third star for kicking out 36 of 38.

“We still wanted more shots at the net, we played a pretty good third but we were chasing the game…had we stuck to the game plan in the second I think the outcome would’ve been different.” said Sacilotto.

The Royals outshot the Winterhawks 16-10 in the third and held Portland’s 5th best power play to just two chances, both in the first going 1 for 2.  Victoria was 0 for 3, however the final man advantage was only :15 seconds long at the end of the game.

The Royals were without sniper Brandon Magee serving the third of a five game suspension.

After signed Blue Jackets prospect Bjorkstrand opened the scoring on the power play, Brandon Fushimi scored a short handed breakaway goal to even the score, his second shorty of the year.

A last minute marker by Greg Chase – his first as a Royal, but the visitors ahead.

The Winterhawks got a pair in the middle frame by Blake Heinrich, and Bjorkstrand in the final minute.  They  added a single in the third by Dominic Turgeon who had a goal and assist.

Victoria had their two game win streak snapped, while Portland extends their win streak to 3 games after leaving Kelowna with a pair of victories over the weekend.  The season series sits at a game a piece and will meet next on the Island on Tuesday December 2nd.

The Royals continue their three game road swing against the Chiefs in Spokane Wednesday night and wrap up in Kamloops on Saturday.

-Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 2 at Portland Winterhawks 4 - Status: End of Game
Tuesday, November 25, 2014 - Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Portland, OR

Victoria 2 0 0 - 2
Portland 1 2 1 - 4

1st Period-
1, Portland, Bjorkstrand 14 (Petan, Turgeon), 12:44 (PP).
2, Victoria, Fushimi 6 (Nagy), 17:23 (SH).
3, Victoria, Chase 3 (Hicketts), 19:54.

Penalties-served by Price Por (too many men), 6:46; served by Walker Vic (too many men), 11:15; Skapski Vic (high sticking), 16:14.

2nd Period-
4, Portland, Heinrich 2 (Texeira, De Leo), 6:54.
5, Portland, Bjorkstrand 15 (Petan, Viveiros), 19:10.

Penalties-Hicketts Vic (roughing), 20:00; Bjorkstrand Por (roughing), 20:00.

3rd Period-
6, Portland, Turgeon 7 (Price, Koules), 16:54.

Penalties-Turgeon Por (tripping), 0:44; Hill Por (slashing), 19:45.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 13-9-16-38.
Portland 12-14-10-36.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 0 / 3;
Portland 1 / 2.

Goalies-
Victoria, Sittler 2-3-0-0 (36 shots-32 saves).
Portland, Hill 3-2-0-0 (38 shots-36 saves).

A-3,753
Referees-Jeff Ingram (82), Trevor Shively (11).
Linesmen-Jarrod Boman (116), Joel Nyberg (145).

Tuesday 25 November 2014

Preview: Victoria at Portland, Nov. 25th

The Victoria Royals (14-11-2-0, 30pts) open a three game road trip against the Portland Winterhawks (11-12-0-3, 25pts) Tuesday night at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Pregame show at 6:40 with puck drop at 7pm on The Zone @ 91.3, www.thezone.fm/whl

It’s the second meeting of the season after Victoria won 6-2 on home ice back on October 6th.  It’s the first time the clubs will meet in Portland since the Winterhawks took the 2nd round playoff series in 5 games.

The Royals have won 4 of 5, and are riding a two game win streak after a 3-1 home victory over the Silvertips Friday, and a 5-0 blanking of the Pats Saturday.

Jayden Sittler made 33 saves for the shutout while Travis Brown scored a pair of goals.  The club was still without Brandon Magee, who’s now served the second of a five game suspension.

Monday Sittler was nominated by the WHL for the Vaughn CHL goaltender of the week after posting a 0.71 gaa and a 0.974 save percentage with a shut out in three games last week.

Victoria is 2nd in the BC Divison, and 3rd in the West with 30 points, 3 back of Everett and 2 up on Tri City.  They wrapped up their 4 game in 5 night homestand with 3 wins.

The Royals penalty killing is 7 for 7 over their last 3 games and their power play is ranked 4th best in the league.  Victoria has scored 22 goals in their last 5 outings (4.4 goals/game avg) winning 4 of those contests.

Portland is on a 2 game win streak as well after sweeping Kelowna, the #1 team in the CHL, in back to back games on the road.

The Winterhawks won 4-3 Saturday and 4-3 in overtime one night earlier, with Alex Schoenborn providing the winner while overcoming a three goal deficit.

Saturday, Adin Hill earned the win in net for the second straight night, stopping 34 of 37 shots.

Portland is 8th in the West, after winning just 1 of their first 10 games, but have 6 wins in their past 10.  Their power play is 5th best, while scoring the 9th most goals for on average in the league.  The Winterhawks are the 3rd most penalized team in the league on average per game, with the Royals 2nd.  Portland had 9 players attend NHL training camps.

Winnipeg Jets 4th round pick, Chase DeLeo leads the team in scoring with 29 points, followed by Denmarks’ Oliver Bjorkstrand’s 28, coming off a 50 goal campaign and is signed by Columbus.

Nic Petan who appeared for Team Canada at the World Juniors, is signed by Winnipeg and has 22 points in 19 games since returning from Jets camp.  He wore the ‘A’ for Team WHL at the Subway Super Series.

Royals defenseman Joe Hicketts leads his club in scoring with 33 points, which is also tops among rearguards in the WHL, he’s 4th in overall scoring.

20 year old forward Austin Carroll leads the club in goals with 17, 3rd most in the league.  He’s tied for 8th in overall scoring with 32 points, and first in power play markers with 9.

‘Hawks Paul Bittner, Nick Heid, Keoni Texeira, and Evan Weinger were named as being among the 59 WHL players named to NHL Central Scouting’s November preliminary Players to Watch list for the 2015 NHL Draft.

Bittner is one of eight WHL players who were assigned an ‘A’ rating to indicate a potential 1st Round candidate, while Heid, Texeira, and Weinger were assigned ‘C’ ratings for a potential 4th/5th/6th Round candidate.

Royals Tyler Soy, Chaz Reddekopp, and Evan Smith were given ‘C’ ratings.

After Portland, Victoria plays in Spokane Wednesday and Kamloops Saturday before returning home.

- Marlon Martens

2014 Playoffs
Victoria 1 @ Portland 5 (Apr 10 2014) Final
Portland 4 @ Victoria 3 (Apr 8 2014) Final
Portland 1 @ Victoria 2 (Apr 7 2014) Final
Victoria 3 @ Portland 6 (Apr 5 2014) Final
Victoria 2 @ Portland 8 (Apr 4 2014) Final

TEAM WHL
- Nic Petan
- Joe Hicketts

Portland Winterhawks (NHL Camp Attendees - 9)
Oliver Bjorkstrand, 3rd rd Columbus Blue Jackets, 2013, YES
Brendan Burke, 6th rd Arizona Coyotes, 2013, No
Anton Cederholm, 5th Vancouver Canucks, 2013, YES
Chase De Leo, 4th rd Winnipeg Jets, 2014, No
Blake Heinrich, 5th Washington Capitals, 2013, No
Keegan Iverson, 3rd rd New York Rangers, 2014, No
Nicolas Petan, 2nd Winnipeg Jets, 2013, YES
Alex Schoenborn, 3rd rd San Jose Sharks, 2014, No
Dominic Turgeon, 3rd rd Detroit Red Wings, 2014, No

Victoria Royals vs Portland Winterhawks: Head To Head Stats Summary
  
Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2014-15 Regular SeasonVictoria 1-0-0-0Portland 0-1-0-0
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular SeasonVictoria 3-1-0-0Portland 1-1-1-1
Last 5 Years record between teamsVictoria 8-9-0-0Portland 9-6-1-1
Victoria vs. Portland Last 5 Years record at VictoriaVictoria 6-3-0-0Portland 3-5-0-1
Victoria vs. Portland Last 5 Years record at PortlandVictoria 2-6-0-0Portland 6-1-1-0
Previous Meetings This SeasonPortland 2 @ Victoria 6 (Oct 6 2014) Final

How the 2 teams match up
   
 
Portland
Victoria
Team Record11-12-0-3 -- 25 points14-11-2-0 -- 30 points
Division Ranking4th U.S.2nd B.C.
Conference Ranking8th Western3rd Western
League Ranking15th6th
Past 10 Games6-3-0-15-4-1-0
Streak2-0-0-02-0-0-0
Last Game4-3 W @ Kelowna (Nov 22 2014) Final5-0 W vs Regina (Nov 22 2014) Final
Home Record4-6-0-28-3-2-0
Away Record7-6-0-16-8-0-0
GF84 88 
GA99 89 
PP (Overall)(25/108) 23.1(30/124) 24.2
PP (Home)(10/59) 16.9(15/48) 31.3
PP (Away)(15/49) 30.6(15/76) 19.7
PK (Overall)(23/121) 81.0(27/122) 77.9
PK (Home)(10/59) 83.1(9/49) 81.6
PK (Away)(13/62) 79.0(18/73) 75.3
Leading RookieWeinger (4-5-9)Nagy (3-4-7)
Most PIMSchoenborn - 39Crunk - 62
Team PIM/GM14.7/Game18.0/Game
Leading ScorersDe Leo (15-14-29)Hicketts (7-26-33)
 Bjorkstrand (13-15-28)Carroll (17-15-32)
 Petan (4-19-23)Magee (8-16-24)
 Viveiros (4-16-20)Brown (9-12-21)
 Koules (8-9-17)Blomqvist (10-10-20)
Last 5 Games4-3 W @ Kelowna (Nov 22 2014) Final5-0 W vs Regina (Nov 22 2014) Final
 4-3 W @ Kelowna (Nov 21 2014) Final OT3-1 W vs Everett (Nov 21 2014) Final
 4-1 L @ Kamloops (Nov 19 2014) Final5-3 L vs Kelowna (Nov 19 2014) Final
 7-1 W vs Everett (Nov 16 2014) Final4-3 W vs Kelowna (Nov 18 2014) Final OT
 4-3 L @ Everett (Nov 14 2014) Final SO7-5 W @ Vancouver (Nov 15 2014) Final
Leading After 1st8-0-0-37-1-0-0
Leading After 2nd6-0-0-19-1-0-0
Tied After 1st2-5-0-04-3-0-0
Tied After 2nd4-4-0-12-1-1-0
Trailing After 1st1-7-0-03-7-2-0
Trailing After 2nd1-8-0-13-9-1-0
Out Shooting Opponents7-4-0-28-3-1-0
Out Shot by Opponents4-7-0-15-7-1-0
1-Goal Games5-2-0-36-3-2-0
2-Goal Games2-2-0-03-3-0-0
3-Goal Games1-3-0-01-2-0-0



Monday 24 November 2014

Sittler Nominated for CHL Goaltender of the Week

ROYALS’ JAYDEN SITTLER NOMINATED FOR VAUGHN CHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK  
Victoria netminder posted a 2-0-0-0 record and one shutout.

For Immediate Release
Monday, November 24, 2014

Victoria, BC- The Western Hockey League today announced that Victoria Royals’ goaltender Jayden Sittler has been nominated by the WHL for the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week.

Sittler, an 18-year-old from Red Deer, AB appeared in three games for the Royals this past week and registered a 2-0-0-0 record with a 0.71 goals against average (GAA), a 0.974 save percentage (SV%) and his first career WHL shutout.

In six games with Victoria this season Sittler has posted a 2-2-0-0 record with a GAA of 1.21, a SV% of 0.953 and one shutout.

The 6-0, 184 lb netminder was acquired earlier this season from the Kootenay Ice in exchange for a sixth round draft pick in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.

Before Sittler joined the Royals he started the 2014-15 season with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). He has played in six games for the Oil Barons, and recorded a 4-2-0 mark with a 2.79 GAA, a 0.907 SV% and one shutout.

The Royals will begin a three game road trip starting Tuesday night vs. the Portland Winterhawks at 7:00 p.m. They will then face-off against the Spokane Chiefs on Wednesday, November 26th at 7:05 p.m. and finish their road trip Saturday, November 29th vs. the Kamloops Blazers with puck drop at 7:00 p.m.

Victoria returns home for a four game homestand on Tuesday, December 2nd against the Portland Winterhawks. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. Get your tickets today by calling 250-220-7777 or by visiting www.victoriaroyals.com.  

Whether you’re coming to a game with your sports team, co-workers, or friends, group together to save big and earn fun incentives. Discounted rates start at 10 or more people and include a welcome message on the Jumbotron. Arrange for 30 or more tickets and receive a $25 credit to the Royals Team Store  and two tickets to a future game in a suite!


Saturday 22 November 2014

Recap: REG 0 - VIC 5

Jayden Sittler stopped all 33 shots he faced as the Victoria Royals blanked the visiting Regina Pats 5-0 Saturday.

Sittler 33 saves
“Feels great to get my first shutout, having the boys work hard for me in front was really specials.  This will definitely stay in my memory for a long time.” Said Sittler

Travis Brown had a pair of goals for the Royals who held period leads of 2-0 and 4-0.

“The thing that impressed me the most was our execution, and sticking to the game plan and it was a great night.” said Assistant Coach Enio Sacilotto

Victoria closes out their four game homestand with back to back wins, while snapping Regina’s 5 game win streak.  It was the clubs second shut out of the season, with the first on the road against Kootenay, 4-0 October 18th.

“We were ready to play…and we were pretty happy with the effort, especially playing so much hockey lately…” said Sacilotto

It was Sittler’s first career shut out, after earning his first win with the Royals one night earlier in a 3-1 victory over the Silvertips.

His counterpart was 15 year old Jordan Hollett, Regina’s first round bantam selection in 2013 making his WHL debut.  Hollett allowed 5 goals on 26 shots.

Victoria was 1 for 1 on the power play, while shutting down both opposition man advantages.  It was the third game in a row where the Royals kept the visitors power play off the scoresheet.

“I thought we stayed disciplined for the most part, just stuck to the game plan, played a full 60…chipped pucks in and got them out – came out with a nice win.” said defenseman Ralph Jarratt

Taylor Crunk, Jared Dmytriw and Austin Carroll also scored for Victoria, while Regan Nagy and Logan Fisher drew two assists each.  Carroll moves into third overall in goals scored with 17.

Newcomer Greg Chase earned an assist in his second game with the club.

There was one fight, between Royals rookie defenseman Ralph Jarratt and 17 year old Rykr Cole.

Victoria now heads out on three game road trip, with stops in Portland Tuesday, Spokane Wednesday and Kamloops Saturday.

- Marlon Martens

Regina Pats 0 at Victoria Royals 5 - Status: Final
Saturday, November 22, 2014 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Regina 0 0 0 - 0
Victoria 2 2 1 - 5

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Brown 8 (Blomqvist, Chase), 9:08 (PP).
2, Victoria, Crunk 4 (Fisher, Nagy), 19:19.

Penalties-Crunk Vic (checking from behind), 4:07; Williams Reg (tripping), 7:56.

2nd Period-
3, Victoria, Dmytriw 3 (Palmer), 3:30.
4, Victoria, Carroll 17 (Soy), 12:24.

Penalties-Walker Vic (tripping), 19:55.

3rd Period-
5, Victoria, Brown 9 (Fisher, Nagy), 5:30.

Penalties-Cole Reg (major-fighting), 6:12; Jarratt Vic (major-fighting), 6:12.

Shots on Goal-
Regina 10-9-14-33.
Victoria 12-7-7-26.

Power Play Opportunities-
Regina 0 / 2;
Victoria 1 / 1.

Goalies-
Regina, Hollett 0-1-0-0 (26 shots-21 saves).
Victoria, Sittler 2-2-0-0 (33 shots-33 saves).

A-6,049
Referees-Adam Griffiths (36), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Riley Friesen (76), Jeff MacAdams.

Preview: Regina at Victoria, Saturday Nov.22nd

The Victoria Royals (13-11-2-0, 28pts) entertain the Regina Pats (13-9-1-0, 27pts) in their only meeting of the season Saturday night, wrapping up their 4 game homestand.

Pregame show on the Zone @ 91.3 fm at 6:40, or online at www.thezone.fm/whl

Last year Victoria fell 3-2 in Regina on Feb. 21st.  Austin Carroll had a goal and assist, but the Pats scored three goals in the middle frame to snap the clubs 7 game win streak.

It’s four games in five nights for the Royals who are coming off a 3-1 win over the Silvertips Friday night.

Austin Carroll and Jared Dmytriw had a goal and assist each, while Jayden Sittler earned his first win with Victoria.  Newcomer Greg Chase was held off the scoresheet in his debut but registered 5 shots.

It was the clubs third straight meeting against a team in the CHL Top 10, taking 4 of a possible 6 points, with the other win coming against Kelowna Tuesday.

Victoria has won 3 of 4, and 4 of their last 6, giving them 28 points which pulls them into a tie for 3rd in the West with Tri City.

The Royals will again be without the services of Brandon Magee, serving the second of a five game suspension, but will see the return of Taylor Crunk after serving a single game suspension.

The Regina Pats are riding a 5 game win streak after a 6-2 victory in Vancouver Friday, kicking off their BC Division road trip.

The Pats are in a four way tie for 4th in the East after winning 8 of their last 9 games.

On the road, Regina has won 5 of 9 games.  The Pats have scored the 6th most goals for on average per game while allowing the 7th fewest.  They’ve taken the 6th most penalty minutes on average per game.  Regina has the 15th ranked power play, while Victoria boasts the 4th most efficient.  The Pats penalty killing is 20th, the Royals are 14th.

Regina has been perfect when taking leads into intermissions, 7-0 when leading after the 1st, and 8-0 when ahead after 40 minutes.

Netminder Daniel Wapple has started the last 11 straight in goal for Regina.

The Pats are led in scoring by Connor Gay’s 25 points, Dryden Hunt is next with 24.  Calgary Flames 1st round selection Morgan Klimchuk has 15 points in 14 games, riding a 9 game point streak. Sam Steel the 2nd overall bantam selection in 2013, is 3rd in rookie scoring with 16 points, including 12 assists.

Royals defenseman Joe Hicketts leads his club in scoring with 33 points, which is also tops among rearguards in the WHL.

20 year old forward Austin Carroll leads the club in goals with 16, tied for 3rd most in the league.  He’s 8th in overall scoring with 31 points, and first in power play markers with 9.

After a visit from Regina Saturday, Victoria heads out on a three game swing with stops in Portland Tuesday, Spokane Wednesday and Kamloops Saturday

-Marlon Martens

The NHL’s Central Scouting’s November Preliminary Players to Watch list was unveiled Thursday, with 3 Royals and 3 Pats making the list:

C REDDEKOPP, CHAZ VICTORIA WHL 6'3.25" 219 D
C SMITH, EVAN           VICTORIA WHL 6'6.25" 174 G
C SOY, TYLER             VICTORIA WHL 5'11.5" 172 C

C HUNT, DRYDEN REGINA 6'0.0" 199 C/LW
C WAGNER, AUSTIN REGINA 6'1.0" 178 LW
C ZBOROVSKIY, SERGEY REGINA 6'3.0" 198 D

Regina Pats (NHL Camp Attendees)
Kyle Burroughs, New York Islanders, 2013, No
Braden Christoffer, Washington Capitals, F/A, No
Dryden Hunt, Carolina Hurricanes, F/A, No
Morgan Klimchuk, Calgary Flames, 2013, YES

U17 ROSTER: CANADA BLACK:
F – Sam Steel, Regina Pats

TEAM WHL
F - Morgan Klimchuck

OVERAGE / IMPORT
Pavlo Padakin - Ukraine
- Drafted 2012, round 1 #50 overall by Calgary Hitmen in the CHL Import Draft

Victoria Royals vs Regina Pats: Head To Head Stats Summary
Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2014-15 Regular SeasonVictoria 0-0-0-0Regina 0-0-0-0
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular SeasonVictoria 0-1-0-0Regina 1-0-0-0
Last 5 Years record between teamsVictoria 0-3-0-1Regina 4-0-0-0
Victoria vs. Regina Last 5 Years record at VictoriaVictoria 0-1-0-1Regina 2-0-0-0
Victoria vs. Regina Last 5 Years record at ReginaVictoria 0-2-0-0Regina 2-0-0-0



How the 2 teams match up
Regina
Victoria
Team Record13-9-1-0 -- 27 points13-11-2-0 -- 28 points
Division Ranking3rd East2nd B.C.
Conference Ranking4th Eastern4th Western
League Ranking8th7th
Past 10 Games8-2-0-05-4-1-0
Streak5-0-0-01-0-0-0
Last Game6-2 W @ Vancouver (Nov 21 2014) Final3-1 W vs Everett (Nov 21 2014) Final
Home Record8-5-1-07-3-2-0
Away Record5-4-0-06-8-0-0
GF83 83 
GA63 89 
PP (Overall)(18/100) 18.0(29/123) 23.6
PP (Home)(13/68) 19.1(14/47) 29.8
PP (Away)(5/32) 15.6(15/76) 19.7
PK (Overall)(29/114) 74.6(27/120) 77.5
PK (Home)(20/71) 71.8(9/47) 80.9
PK (Away)(9/43) 79.1(18/73) 75.3
Leading RookieSteel (4-12-16)Nagy (3-2-5)
Most PIMChristoffer - 61Crunk - 60
Team PIM/GM17.0/Game18.3/Game
Leading ScorersGay (9-16-25)Hicketts (7-26-33)
Hunt (12-12-24)Carroll (16-15-31)
D'Amico (10-10-20)Magee (8-16-24)
Brooks (9-8-17)Blomqvist (10-9-19)
Christoffer (7-9-16)Walker (7-12-19)
Last 5 Games6-2 W @ Vancouver (Nov 21 2014) Final3-1 W vs Everett (Nov 21 2014) Final
5-4 W vs Edmonton (Nov 18 2014) Final OT5-3 L vs Kelowna (Nov 19 2014) Final
2-1 W vs Seattle (Nov 15 2014) Final4-3 W vs Kelowna (Nov 18 2014) Final OT
6-2 W vs Medicine Hat (Nov 14 2014) Final7-5 W @ Vancouver (Nov 15 2014) Final
8-3 W @ Prince Albert (Nov 12 2014) Final4-1 L @ Tri-City (Nov 14 2014) Final
Leading After 1st7-0-0-06-1-0-0
Leading After 2nd8-0-0-08-1-0-0
Tied After 1st3-6-0-04-3-0-0
Tied After 2nd3-1-1-02-1-1-0
Trailing After 1st3-3-1-03-7-2-0
Trailing After 2nd2-8-0-03-9-1-0
Out Shooting Opponents11-5-0-08-3-1-0
Out Shot by Opponents2-3-1-04-7-1-0
1-Goal Games5-2-1-06-3-2-0
2-Goal Games0-5-0-03-3-0-0
3-Goal Games2-0-0-01-2-0-0

Friday 21 November 2014

Recap: EVT 1 - VIC 3

For the third time in four nights the Victoria Royals (13-11-2-0, 28pts) faced a club in the CHL Top 10, and for a 2nd time came away with a victory.

Friday night on the Island, the Royals had a goal and assist performance from both Austin Carroll and rookie Jared Dmytriw, in a 3-1 win over the Everett Silvertips (14-4-2-1, 31pts) ranked #7 in the CHL.

“I thought we rebounded after our last game, thought we had a great start…” said Head Coach Dave Lowry, “I think we did what we had to do to win…I thought that was one our best team games.”

The Royals held period leads of 1-0 and 2-1.

Jayden Sittler earned his first victory with the Royals stopping 24 of 25 shots.  Carter Hart had his personal three game win streak snapped after allowing 3 goals on 29 shots.

“We were very disciplined and very structured, played within ourselves and were rewarded with the win.” said Assistant Coach Enio Sacilotto.

The loss gives the ‘Tips back-to-back regulation losses for the first time this season.

Dmytriw was named the first star.

“It feels pretty good, it was good for me personally…for the team it was good to bounce back after last game where we didn’t have good start…it was good to get the full 60 minutes today.”  Said the Craven, Saskatchewan 16 year old.

Victoria was without sniper Brandon Magee who served the first of a 5 game suspension for actions at the end of Wednesday’s 5-3 loss to Kelowna, and also without Taylor Crunk, who drew a one game suspension.

It was the debut of 85 point man a year ago, Greg Chase who showed flashes of offensive talent and speed, but was held pointless.  He was acquired from Calgary for Keegan Kanzig Wednesday, with picks going both ways.

Defenseman Joe Hicketts also found the back with the lone goal in the third, his 7th, to continue his league among rearguard scoring with 33 points.

The victory pulls Victoria into a tie for 3rd in the West with Tri City, they remain 2 up on Kamloops, but pull 4 ahead of Vancouver.

The Royals 4th best power play went 0 for 4, but generated 10 shots with the man advantage.  They held the ‘Tips to 0 for 2.

Brayden Low scored on a breakaway, against the flow of the second period where Victoria dominated in hits, puck possesion and shots 15-8.

Austin Carroll notched his 16th of the season and remains tied for 3rd in goals overall with Cole Sanford of the Medicine Hat Tigers.

It was the first of four contests against the Silvertips, with the next one scheduled for Dec. 17th in Everett.

Victoria wraps up their 4 game homestand with a visit from the Regina Pats Saturday, who are riding a 5 game win streak.

- Marlon Martens

Everett Silvertips 1 at Victoria Royals 3 - Status: Final
Friday, November 21, 2014 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Everett 0 1 0 - 1
Victoria 1 1 1 - 3

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Carroll 16 (Dmytriw, Walker), 4:17.

Penalties-Chase Vic (slashing), 7:26; Stadnyk Evt (tripping), 11:55.

2nd Period-
2, Victoria, Dmytriw 2 (Carroll, Jarratt), 11:06.
3, Everett, Low 6 (Scherbak), 15:57.

Penalties-Davis Evt (high sticking), 5:05; Betker Evt (high sticking), 17:32.

3rd Period-
4, Victoria, Hicketts 7 (Fushimi, Fisher), 13:49.

Penalties-Fisher Vic (high sticking), 0:52; Scherbak Evt (checking to the head), 9:54.

Shots on Goal-
Everett 9-8-8-25.
Victoria 10-15-4-29.

Power Play Opportunities-
Everett 0 / 2;
Victoria 0 / 4.

Goalies-
Everett, Hart 4-1-1-0 (29 shots-26 saves).
Victoria, Sittler 1-2-0-0 (25 shots-24 saves).

A-4,415
Referees-Jeff Ingram (82), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Jacob Hill (122), Bevan Mills (98).

Preview: Everett at Victoria, Friday Nov. 21st

The Victoria Royals (12-11-2-0, 26pts) host the #7 team in the CHL, the Everett Silvertips (14-3-2-1, 31pts) Friday night in their first meeting of the season.

Pregame show at 6:40 on The Zone @ 91.3 fm, or online www.thezone.fm/whl

Last season the Royals were 2-2 against the Silvertips, with a 1-0 shoot out win at home on Jan.1st, after a 3-2 road win on New Years Eve.

Friday is the expected debut of Victoria’s most recent acquisition, 19 year old forward Greg Chase from Calgary, traded for defenseman Keegan Kanzig with picks going both ways.  Chase is a signed a drafted Edmonton Oilers prospect who put up 85 points in 70 games last season including 35 goals.

It’s the third game in four nights for Victoria, against teams in the CHL Top 10.

The #1 Kelowna Rockets snapped the Royals two game win streak Wednesday with a 5-3 victory after Victoria won 4-3 in overtime one night earlier.  Their 26 points is good for 2nd in the the BC Division, 2 up on both Prince George and Kamloops.

Everett is 1st in the US Division, and 2nd in the West with 31 points, having won 14 of 20 games, and points in 17 of those contests.  The Silvertips have only lost 3 times in regulation this season.

Everett is coming off a 7-1 loss at Portland Sunday, snapping a two game win streak while playing at the end of 3 games in 3 nights.

The Silvertips are the least penalized team in the WHL, have scored the 4th most goals on average, while allowing the 6th fewest.

Everett is led in scoring by Montreal Canadiens first round selection (26th overall) Nikita Scherbak, acquired from Saskatoon.  Scherbak has 26 points in 17 games, including 11 goals.  He’s only been held off the scoresheet twice this season.

Victoria boasts the 4th best power play, while scoring the 9th most goals for on average per game.

Defenseman Joe Hicketts leads the club in scoring with 32 points, which is also tops among rearguards.

20 year old forward Austin Carroll leads the club in goals with 15, tied for 3rd most in the league.  He’s 9th in overall scoring with 29 points, and first in power play markers with 9.

Brandon Magee is quickly making his way up the scoring ladder, averaging 1.85 points per game after massing 24 points in 13 games.

The NHL’s Central Scouting’s November Preliminary Players to Watch list was unveiled Thursday, with 3 Royals and 3 Silvertips making the list:

B JUULSEN, NOAH        EVERETT WHL 6'1.25" 175 D
C DAVIS, KEVIN        EVERETT WHL 5'11.75" 183 D
C PFEIFER, TRISTEN     EVERETT WHL 6'4.0" 180 D

C REDDEKOPP, CHAZ VICTORIA WHL 6'3.25" 219 D
C SMITH, EVAN        VICTORIA WHL 6'6.25" 174 G
C SOY, TYLER                 VICTORIA WHL 5'11.5" 172 C

Everett Silvertips (NHL Camp Attendees)
Ben Betker, Edmonton Oilers, 2013, No
Dawson Leedahl, Boston Bruins, F/A, No
Austin Lotz, Vancouver Canucks, F/A, No
Nikita Scherbak, Montreal Canadiens, 2014, YES

Saturday the Royals 4 game homestand concludes with a visit from the Regina Pats.  It’s the fourth annual Canadian Forces Night and Victoria will be wearing a limited edition jersey in honour of the Royal Canadian Navy Submarine Fleet.

- Marlon Martens
Victoria Royals vs Everett Silvertips: Head To Head Stats Summary
Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2014-15 Regular SeasonVictoria 0-0-0-0Everett 0-0-0-0
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular SeasonVictoria 2-2-0-0Everett 2-1-0-1
Last 5 Years record between teamsVictoria 7-8-1-0Everett 9-4-2-1
Victoria vs. Everett Last 5 Years record at VictoriaVictoria 4-4-0-0Everett 4-3-0-1
Victoria vs. Everett Last 5 Years record at EverettVictoria 3-4-1-0Everett 5-1-2-0

How the 2 teams match up
Everett
Victoria
Team Record14-3-2-1 -- 31 points12-11-2-0 -- 26 points
Division Ranking1st U.S.2nd B.C.
Conference Ranking2nd Western4th Western
League Ranking4th8th
Past 10 Games8-2-0-04-5-1-0
Streak0-1-0-00-1-0-0
Last Game7-1 L @ Portland (Nov 16 2014) Final5-3 L vs Kelowna (Nov 19 2014) Final
Home Record7-2-2-06-3-2-0
Away Record7-1-0-16-8-0-0
GF75 80 
GA53 88 
PP (Overall)(18/95) 18.9(29/119) 24.4
PP (Home)(10/48) 20.8(14/43) 32.6
PP (Away)(8/47) 17.0(15/76) 19.7
PK (Overall)(15/59) 74.6(27/118) 77.1
PK (Home)(7/31) 77.4(9/45) 80.0
PK (Away)(8/28) 71.4(18/73) 75.3
Leading Rookie(0-0-0)Nagy (3-2-5)
Most PIMPfeifer - 23Crunk - 60
Team PIM/GM8.5/Game18.9/Game
Leading ScorersScherbak (11-15-26)Hicketts (6-26-32)
Stadnyk (10-13-23)Carroll (15-14-29)
Nikolishin (7-15-22)Magee (8-16-24)
Bauml (8-10-18)Blomqvist (10-9-19)
Juulsen (2-13-15)Brown (7-12-19)
Last 5 Games7-1 L @ Portland (Nov 16 2014) Final5-3 L vs Kelowna (Nov 19 2014) Final
3-2 W vs Kamloops (Nov 15 2014) Final SO4-3 W vs Kelowna (Nov 18 2014) Final OT
4-3 W vs Portland (Nov 14 2014) Final SO7-5 W @ Vancouver (Nov 15 2014) Final
6-4 L vs Spokane (Nov 8 2014) Final4-1 L @ Tri-City (Nov 14 2014) Final
5-1 W @ Vancouver (Nov 7 2014) Final6-2 W @ Prince George (Nov 8 2014) Final
Leading After 1st9-0-0-05-1-0-0
Leading After 2nd12-1-0-07-1-0-0
Tied After 1st3-1-0-04-3-0-0
Tied After 2nd1-0-2-02-1-1-0
Trailing After 1st2-2-2-13-7-2-0
Trailing After 2nd1-2-0-13-9-1-0
Out Shooting Opponents7-0-0-07-3-1-0
Out Shot by Opponents7-3-2-14-7-1-0
1-Goal Games5-1-2-16-3-2-0
2-Goal Games2-1-0-02-3-0-0
3-Goal Games3-0-0-01-2-0-0