Royals Last Day Interviews

Tim Traber begins the ceremonial hand shake.

The Victoria Royals said their good bye's today and gave their final interviews before heading out.

Marc Habscheid (on final day at rink)
 
Marc Habscheid (on obtaining a bonafide netminder)
 
Marc Habscheid (on pieces of the puzzle)
 
Marc Habscheid (on recruiting from the USA)
 
Marc Habscheid (on Rintoul & Soudek future)
 
Marc Habscheid (on youth movement)
 
Marc Habscheid (what he sees on returning overagers)

Marc Habscheid (on season game plan)

Robin Soudek scores in Kamloops during Game 1.

Robin Soudek (on future of club)
 
Robin Soudek (on pro career)
 
Robin Soudek (on the series)
 
Robin Soudek (on what he takes from his time here)

Logan Nelson tries to beat Cole Cheveldave in Kamloops.

 
Logan Nelson (on what he takes from season)
 
Logan Nelson (on heading home and offseason fun)

Hayden Rintoul about to fire in Kamloops in Game 1

Hayden Rintoul (on whats next)
 
Hayden Rintoul (on future of team)

Ben Walker interviewed on the Big Screen at SOFMC.

Ben walker (where his speed comes from)

Ben walker (on scoring 1st playoff goal in front of Dad)
 
Ben walker (on future outlook of team)

Ben walker (his growth over season)

Ben walker (Cheat Meal and Summer Work out)

Recap: KAM 4 - VIC 1 (Game 4)

The Royals and Blazers shake hands after a 4-0 series sweep by Kamloops Wednesday.

The Kamloops Blazers sweep the Victoria Royals to win their first playoff series since 1999 with a 4-1 victory in the capital city Wednesday night.

“…You’re always disappointed when you lose, but I thought our guys started strong…then in third, just seemed emotionally we were out of gas more than physically…” Marc Habscheid Head Coach & GM of the Royals.

Keith Hamilton stops Chase Souto on a breakaway.

Brandon Herrod had three assists, Dylan Willick two goals and 40 goal man Brendan Ranford scored his first of the post season for the eventual game winner.

Cole Cheveldave made 30 stops for his 4th career playoff victory, while Keith Hamilton stopped 21 in the defeat.  The Royals out shot the Blazers 31-25.

Dylan Willick scores to make it 3-1.

Both teams were unable to score with the man advantage, Victoria had 3 chances on the power play to just 2 for Kamloops.

“That’s how you get better, you got to go through times like this you got to realize the intensity level and I think making the playoffs and being involved in four very intense games is going to help us a group.”  added Habscheid.

Ben Walker got his first of the post season to open the scoring for the Royals, before Matt Needham tied it up at 1.

In the second, the Blazers added a pair with Ranford scoring on a breakaway and Dylan Willick adding his 4th of the playoffs to take a 3-1 lead to the third.

Kamloops was able to shut down Victoria’s offense in the final frame and added an empty net by Willick to win 4-1.

The Royals will have to continue to wait for the City’s first playoff win since 1989, when the Cougars fell to the Blazers 5 games to 3.


The club graduates overagers D Hayden Rintoul and F Robin Soudek as they pursue pro careers.

Tri City and Medicine Hat also advance with 4-0 series wins against Everett and Saskatoon respectively.

Marc Habscheid on Game 4:


F Tim Traber on the emotion after the series loss:
 

Marc Habscheid reflects on the past season:


Marc Habscheid on what's next on the agenda:

 
Kamloops Blazers 4 at Victoria Royals 1 - Status: Final
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Kamloops 1 2 1 - 4
Victoria 1 0 0 - 1

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Walker 1 (Nelson, Traber), 1:40.
2, Kamloops, Needham 2 (Gaudet), 12:13.

Penalties-Carroll Vic (elbowing), 3:03; Hansen Kam (holding), 5:29; Hodges Vic (embellishment), 5:29.

2nd Period-
3, Kamloops, Ranford 1 (DePape, Herrod), 4:27.
4, Kamloops, Willick 4 (Herrod, Maschmeyer), 13:07.

Penalties-Souto Kam (tripping), 9:34.

3rd Period-
5, Kamloops, Willick 5 (Herrod), 18:47 (EN).

Penalties-Lipon Kam (slashing), 0:11; Rintoul Vic (hooking), 1:08; Hansen Kam (high sticking), 6:09.

Shots on Goal-
Kamloops 6-7-12-25.
Victoria 11-12-8-31.

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

Goalies-
Kamloops, Cheveldave 4-0-0-0 (31 shots-30 saves).
Victoria, Hamilton 0-3-0-0 (24 shots-21 saves).

A-5,277
Referees-Trevor Hanson (19), Matt Kirk (4).
Linesmen-Bevan Mills (98), Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).

Preview: Game 4 Kamloops at Victora (Wed Mar 28)

Cole Cheveldave makes a stop on Logan Nelson Tuesday night in Victoria.

The Victoria Royals face elimination in a do or die Game 4 against the visiting Kamloops Blazers, trailing in the Western Conference Quarter Final 3-0 in the best of seven series.

Pregame show starts Wednesday night at 6:45 on The Zone @ 91.3 FM.

The Royals along with the Blades and Silvertips are in must win situations tonight.  The last, and apparently only WHL team to come back from a 3-0 series deficit was the 1996 Spokane Chiefs who came back to win 4 straight against the Portland Winter Hawks..

The Blazers haven’t won a playoff series since the spring of 1999 when they beat the Tri-City Americans in the Western Conference final.  The Royals look for the clubs first win in the City’s first WHL playoff since 1989.

Blazers Aspen Sterzer was thwarted by Keith Hamilton on this chance, but prevailed 7-5 Tuesday.

LAST GAME:  Kamloops scored six times in the second period to take Game 3 by a 7-5 score. 

Jamie Crooks hat trick, a franchise first, was over shadowed by the Blazer’s special teams that scored 5 goals, 3 on the power play and 2 short handed.

Victoria led for the first time in the series, 2-0 after 20 minutes and 4-3 in the second, but Kamloops would come from behind twice and never relinquish the lead.

Jared Rathjen started, while Keith Hamilton finshed the game as the pair split the goaltending duties for a second straight game.  Rookie Cole Cheveldave earned his third straight win.

Logan Nelson and Steven Hodges chipped in with a pair of assists each. 

Colin Smith was named the number 1 star with his goal and three assists.  JC Lipon had a goal and two assists for 3rd star honours. 

Blazer Captain Chase Schaber was injured at 3:40 of the first and did not return to the game.  He suffered an apparent skate cut to one of his legs and spent the night in hospital.

The Royals tied a franchise record for most goals scored in a playoff game with 5.  The Chilliwack Bruins scored a 5-1 decision over Tri City back on March 23, 2010 – Jamie Crooks also had a goal that game.

HOME & AWAY:  Victoria is (14-19-1-2) at home, while Kamloops boasts a (22-9-2-3) road record during the regular season.  In the season series, the Royals are (1-2-1-0) at home vs the Blazers.

SUSPENDED: D Austin Madaisky has served one of a two game suspension for a check to the head of Zane Jones in game number two.

INSIDE THE SERIES:

Kamloops 7 @ Victoria 5 (Mar 27 2012)
Victoria 4 @ Kamloops 7 (Mar 24 2012)
Victoria 1 @ Kamloops 4 (Mar 23 2012)

In the combined 3 games, the Royals have outscored the Blazers in the 1st and 3rd periods by 3-2 and 4-2 margins.  Kamloops holds the edge in the second period with a combined 14-3 advantage over Victoria.

GOALS:
Kamloops: 2-14-2 (18)    Victoria: 3-3-4 (10)

SHOTS:
Kamloops: 36-49-35 (120)    Victoria: 25-29-23 (77)

POWER PLAY:
Kamloops: 5 / 17 (29.41%)    Victoria: 1 / 13 (7.69%)

SCORING LEADERS:

Lipon (1-6-7)
Smith (1-5-6)
Bozon (4-0-4)
Willick (3-1-4)
Schaber (2-2-4)

Crooks (4-1-5)
Hodges (0-4-4)
Nelson (0-3-3)
Carroll (2-0-2)
Soudek (2-0-2)

GOALTENDING:

Keith Hamilton 3 (0-2) 5.50 0.867
Jared Rathjen 2 (0-1) 7.02 0.822

Cole Cheveldave 3 (3-0) 3.33 0.872

INJURIES:

For Kamloops
#10, Chase Schaber
Suspension: Austin Madaisky, 2 games under supplemental discipline versus Victoria on March 24 (Served 1).

For Victoria:
#3, Zach Habscheid, Lower body
#18 Brandon Magee, Undisclosed

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)

SERIES SCHEDULE:

Game 1 – Fri Mar 23 Victoria 1 at Kamloops 4
Game 2 - Sat Mar 24 Victoria 4 at Kamloops 7
Game 3 - Tues Mar 27 Kamloops 7 at Victoria 5
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)

HISTORY: 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.

The WHL playoffs have returned to Victoria after a 23 year hiatus.  The last WHL playoff was a best of 9 Western Conference Semi-Final between the Victoria Cougars and the Kamloops Blazers.  Kamloops won 5 games to 3.

Recap: KAM 7 - VIC 5 (Series 3-0 Kam) (Game 3)

The Kamloops Blazers scored six second period goals to earn a 7-5 victory over the Royals in Victoria Tuesday night, and take a 3-0 strangle hold series lead.

Colin Smith scored a goal and 3 assists in a 7-5 Blazer win.

Game 4 goes Wednesday night with a 6:45 pregame show on The Zone @ 91.3 FM.

“I thought four things basically it came down to, power play, penalty killl, goaltending and composure.” Ben Cooper, Assistant Coach of the Royals.

It was a see-saw affair, as the Royals took a 2-0 lead to the first intermission.

The Blazers scored the next three to go ahead for the first time, followed by a pair by Victoria to regain the lead 4-3.  Kamloops scored the next 3 to take a 6-4 lead to the third.

The Royals cut the lead to one in the final frame as the team exchanged goals for a 7-5 Blazer final.

Jared Rathjen who got the start for Victoria stopped 16 of 21 before being replaced in the second by Keith Hamilton who made 10 saves on 12 shots.  Cole Cheveldave blocked 18 for his 3rd consecutive win.  Kamloops out shot Victoria 33-22.

Captain Hayden Rintoul blocks an attempt at the empty net.

The Blazers power play scored 3 times in the second going 3 for 6 on the night, while adding 2 short handed markers – all special teams goals coming in the second period.   The Royals went 0 for 4.

Jamie Crooks score the franchise’s first playoff hat trick and was named 2nd star.  Logan Nelson and Steven Hodges chipped in with a pair of assists each. 

Colin Smith was named the number 1 star with his goal and three assists.  JC Lipon had a goal and two assists for 3rd star honours.

Ben Cooper, assistant coach of the Royals, breaks down the game:


Royals F Tim Traber talks about the fans and the next game:
 

Ben Cooper talks about the Blazers second period:
 

Ben Cooper on the teams mindset heading into Game 4:


Kamloops Blazers 7 at Victoria Royals 5 - Status: Final
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Kamloops 0 6 1 - 7
Victoria 2 2 1 - 5

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Jones 1 (Walker, Nelson), 8:02.
2, Victoria, Crooks 2 (Nelson, Hodges), 15:16.

Penalties-Hanes Kam (tripping), 9:58; Conroy Vic (tripping), 12:46; Nelson Vic (high sticking), 15:55; Herrod Kam (inter. on goaltender), 19:07.

2nd Period-
3, Kamloops, Willick 3 (Bell), 0:54 (SH).
4, Kamloops, Bozon 4 (Smith), 2:55.
5, Kamloops, Cross 1 (Lipon, Smith), 4:36 (PP).
6, Victoria, Crooks 3 (Fransoo, Hodges), 5:51.
7, Victoria, Crooks 4 (Zgraggen), 8:26.
8, Kamloops, DePape 3 (Ranford, Herrod), 14:55 (PP).
9, Kamloops, Needham 1   17:26 (SH).
10, Kamloops, Lipon 1 (Smith, Hrbas), 18:48 (PP).

Penalties-Hodges Vic (hooking), 4:29; Lipon Kam (roughing), 9:14; Forsyth Vic (roughing), 9:14; Bozon Kam (major-fighting), 10:26; Stahl Vic (major-fighting), 10:26; Walker Vic (holding), 13:25; Hrbas Kam (cross checking), 16:30; Stahl Vic (elbowing), 18:01.

3rd Period-
11, Victoria, Carroll 2 (Conroy, Stahl), 1:20.
12, Kamloops, Smith 1 (Lipon, Sterzer), 6:38.

Penalties-Sterzer Kam (hooking), 4:12; Kanzig Vic (interference), 9:54.

Shots on Goal-
Kamloops 7-15-11-33.
Victoria 9-7-7-23.

Power Play Opportunities-
Kamloops 3 / 6;
Victoria 0 / 4.

Goalies-
Kamloops, Cheveldave 3-0-0-0 (23 shots-18 saves).
Victoria, Rathjen 0-1-0-0 (21 shots-16 saves);
Hamilton 0-2-0-0 (12 shots-10 saves).

A-5,255
Referees-Ryan Benbow (62), Pat Smith (12).
Linesmen-Chris Sweeting (137), Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).

Royals Recap, Radio Edition: The Zone Hockey Show

It's the weekly Royals Recap show!

Listen to 'The Zone's Hockey Show', Monday nights at 7pm on The Zone @ 91.3 FM or online at www.thezone.fm

Preview: Game 3 Kamloops at Victoria (Tues Mar 27)

The Victoria Royals entertain the Kamloops Blazers for Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinal Tuesday and Wednesday night.  Pregame show on The Zone at 6:45 both nights or online at www.thezone.fm

The Blazers lead the series 2-0 after a 7-4 victory Saturday, and 4-1 win Friday night in the interior.  Kamloops has won both games by a 3 goal margin.

It’s the City of Victoria’s first WHL playoffs sine the 1989 Cougars.  Royals’ fans are asked to ‘BRING THE BLUE’ in support of the team

LAST GAME:  After Victoria cut the lead to 2-1 in the second, Kamloops scored 4 straight taking a commanding 6-1 lead to the third.  They out shot Victoria 53-28 on the night, while scoring twice on seven power play opportunities. 

The Royals who out scored the Blazers 3-1 in the third saw rookie Taylor Crunk score his first WHL goal, while adding an assist for a two point effort.  Jamie Crooks also had a goal and assist, while Steven Hodges had 2 assists.  Robin Soudek and Austin Carroll added singles.

Kamloops captain Chase Schaber and Dylan Willick had a goal and assist each.  Joran Depape had 2 goals, and JC Lipon added a pair of helpers.  Swiss born Tim Bozon upped his series total to 3 goals with a single on his 18th birthday.

Keith Hamilton and Jared Rathjen split the goaltending duties, while Cole Cheveldave earned his second career playoff win.

HOME & AWAY:  Victoria is (14-19-1-2) at home, while Kamloops boasts a (22-9-2-3) road record during the regular season.  In the season series, the Royals are (1-2-1-0) at home vs the Blazers.

SUSPENDED: D Austin Madaisky has been suspended for two games for a check to the head of Zane Jones in game number two.

INSIDE THE SERIES:

GOALS:
Kamloops: 2-8-1 (11)    Victoria: 1-1-3 (5)

SHOTS:
Kamloops: 29-34-24 (87)    Victoria: 16-22-17 (55)

POWER PLAY:
Kamloops: 2 / 11 (18.18%)    Victoria: 1 / 9 (11.1%)

SCORING LEADERS:

Schaber (2-2-4)
Lipon (0-4-4)
Bozon (3-0-3)
Willick (2-1-3)
Madaisky (0-3-3)

Soudek (2-0-2)
Crooks (1-1-2)
Crunk (1-1-2)
Hodges (0-2-2)
Rintoul (0-2-2)

GOALTENDING:

Keith Hamilton 2 (0-1) 5.39 0.873
Jared Rathjen 1 (0-1) 5.82 0.875

Cole Cheveldave 2 (2-0) 2.50 0.909

INJURIES:
For Kamloops:
Suspension: Austin Madaisky, 2 games under supplemental discipline versus Victoria on March 24

For Victoria:
#3, Zach Habscheid, Lower body
#18 Brandon Magee, Undisclosed

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)

SERIES SCHEDULE:

Game 1 – Fri Mar 23 Victoria 1 at Kamloops 4
Game 2 - Sat Mar 24 Victoria 4 at Kamloops 7
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)

FRANCHISE HISTORY: 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.

TICKETS: “Uptown Playoff Combo” For $50, fans are able to purchase four playoff tickets to either Game 3 or Game 4 of the Royals’ first round playoff series against the Kamloops Blazers on Tuesday, March 27th or Wednesday, March 28th. The combo also includes a Royals’ rally towel and a gift voucher redeemable for a $10 gift card at Uptown until April 30th.

Tickets are limited to corner and end sections, and only 100 ticket packages will be made available for each of the Royals’ first two home playoff games. The total value of this package is $75, so fans looking for a great deal are encouraged to contact the Royals’ ticket office quickly.

Playoff combos can be purchased online at victoriaroyals.com, over the phone at 250-220-7889, or in person at the Select Your Tickets box-office.

Recap: VIC 4 - KAM 7 (Game 2)

The Kamloops Blazers scored 4 straight in the second period for a 7-4 win over the visiting Victoria Royals to take a 2-0 series lead in game number 2.

Steven Hodges with 2 assists, tries a shot on Cole Cheveldave.

“I thought our compete level was much better tonight than it was last night despite the score.”  According to assistant coach Enio Sacilotto, “…they got a series of goals…they came in bundles…they got the momentum and we couldn’t counter that.”

The series now shifts back to Victoria for games 3 and 4 Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Hayden Rintoul unleashes a shot from the point.

Cole Cheveldave earned his second career playoff win with 24 saves while Keith Hamilton made 25 saves on 29 shots until being relieved by Jared Rathjen midway through the second.  Rathjen stopped 21 of 24 as the Royals were out shot by the Blazers 53-28.

Kamloops power play went 2 for 7, while Victoria went 0 for 5 man advantages.

Jordan Depape opened the scoring on a penalty shot late in the first after a close opening frame. 

Depape scores on a Penalty Shot on Keith Hamilton in the first period.

Tim Traber has words with Brady Gaudet.

Just 38 seconds into the second period, Tim Bozon scored his 3rd of the playoffs on his 18th birthday.  Jamie Crooks cut the lead in half, but the Blazers would strike four more times before the period was out.  Brady Gaudet on the power play, followed up by Chase Schaber 48 seconds later gave Kamloops a 4-1 lead.  Dylan Willick would strike at 11:27 to cap off 3 goals in 3:12.  Cole Ully on an individual effort added one more to take a 6-1 lead to the final frame.

In the third Victoria would out score Kamloops by a 3-1 margin.  Austin Carroll and Robin Soudek with his second of the post season cut the lead in half to 6-3 before Depape was credited for his second of the game on the power play.  Rookie Taylor Crunk scored his first WHL goal converting a centering feed from Ben Walker for a 7-4 final.  The Royals beat Cheveldave 3 times on 6 shots in the final frame.

“Our goal was going into the third, was let’s win this period and try to establish some momentum and bring it back to Victoria, were I know we’re going to have a full house and we’re going to be ready to go.”  Said Sacilotto.

Chase Schaber was named number one star with a goal and assist, Dylan Willick also had a goal and assist for 2nd star honours and D Marek Hrbas was named 3rd star.  Depape had 2 goals, and JC Lipon added a pair of helpers.

Jamie Crooks and Taylor Crunk had a goal and assist each, while Steven Hodges had 2 assists. 

Enio Sacilotto, Royals assistant coach, post game thoughts:
 
Victoria Royals 4 at Kamloops Blazers 7 - Status: Final
Saturday, March 24, 2012 - Interior Savings Centre - Kamloops, BC

Victoria 0 1 3 - 4
Kamloops 1 5 1 - 7

1st Period-
1, Kamloops, DePape 1   19:24 (TXT_PS).

Penalties-Madaisky Kam (checking to the head), 1:27; Stahl Vic (hooking), 12:14; Smith Kam (inter. on goaltender), 13:58; Rintoul Vic (roughing), 17:28; Willick Kam (roughing), 17:28.

2nd Period-
2, Kamloops, Bozon 3 (Lipon), 0:38.
3, Victoria, Crooks 1 (Hodges, Rintoul), 2:54.
4, Kamloops, Gaudet 1 (Smith, Lipon), 8:15 (PP).
5, Kamloops, Schaber 2 (Needham, Willick), 9:03.
6, Kamloops, Willick 2 (Bell, Schaber), 11:27.
7, Kamloops, Ully 1 (Sterzer), 14:57.

Penalties-Conroy Vic (inter. on goaltender), 7:48; Stahl Vic (roughing), 9:16; Smith Kam (slashing), 11:57; Harrison Vic (kneeing), 15:26; Kanzig Vic (10-minute misconduct), 15:26; Hanes Kam (10-minute misconduct), 15:26; Smith Kam (slashing), 16:28.

3rd Period-
8, Victoria, Carroll 1 (Fransoo, Crunk), 3:07.
9, Victoria, Soudek 2 (Crooks, Hodges), 14:15.
10, Kamloops, DePape 2 (Madaisky, Herrod), 16:37 (PP).
11, Victoria, Crunk 1 (Walker), 18:14.

Penalties-Crunk Vic (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 5:20; Lipon Kam (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 5:20; Carroll Vic (roughing), 5:36; Harrison Vic (roughing), 5:36; Ully Kam (roughing), 5:36; Crunk Vic (high sticking), 7:38; Smith Kam (inter. on goaltender), 8:57; Fransoo Vic (10-minute misconduct), 15:54; Jones Vic (elbowing, interference), 15:54; Needham Kam (slashing), 15:54; Schaber Kam (10-minute misconduct), 15:54.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 9-13-6-28.
Kamloops 19-20-14-53.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 0 / 5;
Kamloops 2 / 7.

Goalies-
Victoria,
Hamilton 0-1-0-0 (29 shots-25 saves);
Rathjen 0-1-0-0 (24 shots-21 saves).
Kamloops, Cheveldave 2-0-0-0 (28 shots-24 saves).

A-4,527

Referees-Colby Smith (57), Jon Stephenson (38).
Linesmen-Ryan Dawson (134), Michael Boisvert (111).

Preview: GAME 2 Victoria at Kamloops (Sat Mar 24th)

Victoria will look for the teams first playoff win as the Royals, as they visit the Kamloops Blazers in game number two Saturday night.

F Logan Nelson looks for a rebound against G Cole Cheveldave Friday night.

Victoria is looking to take home a split in the series after falling 4-1 last night in Kamloops. 

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.

Tempers flare between the Royals and the Blazers Friday night.

Victoria looks for their first win of the season in Kamloops.  The Blazers are 14 over .500 at home during the regular season (25-11-0-0).

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)

Recap: VIC 1 at KAM 4 (Game 1)

Royals fall 4-1 to the Blazers in Game #1

Tim Bozon scored twice in the second period to lead the Kamloops Blazers to a 4-1 victory over the visiting Victory Royals Friday night, and take game 1 of the best of seven series.

Tied at 1 after 20 minutes, Kamloops scored 3 unanswered in the middle frame enroute to their first playoff win in 7 years in front of 4,948 fans.

According to assistant coach Enio Sacilotto, “We didn’t respond well when they scored all those goals in the second period, and that was the difference.”

Enio Sacilotto's post game thoughts

Robin Soudek fired home the lone Royals tally

Cole Cheveldave made 26 saves for his first career playoff win, while Keith Hamilton turned aside 30 pucks in also his first career playoff start.

Victoria went 1 for 4 on the power play, while shutting down all 4 Kamloops chances.

Robin Soudek returned to line up after missing the previous 3 with an upper body injury and threw a big open ice hit on Aspen Sterzer in the first.  At 11:36, Soudek tied the game at 1 with a one timer on the power play set up by Hayden Rintoul.

Dylan Willick had opened the scoring 2 minutes earlier.

Dakota Conroy hits Tyler Bell

Tim Bozon would retake the lead in the middle frame just 4:13 in, the eventual game winner.  Bozon added a second just 47 seconds after their captain Chase Schaber scored at 17:03.  Schaber was back in the line up after missing the previous six to injury.  Royals defenseman Tyler Stahl clanged a shot off the post in the dying seconds, but Victoria found themselves down 4-1 after 2. 

There would be no scoring in final frame, as the Royals outshot the Blazers 11-10 in the third period.


“We played a pretty decent game, but I think we have a little more in the tank.” said Sacilotto following the loss, "We didn't get the quality scoring chances that we wanted to get."




Bozon was named number 1 star with his 2 goal performance, Schaber had a goal and assist, Austin Madaisky and JC Lipon added 2 assists each.  Logan Nelson had the second assist on Soudek’s goal.

Mike Forsyth battles for a rebound against G Cole Cheveldave

Game 2 goes Saturday night in Kamloops with a 6:45 pregame show on The Zone @ 91.3 FM. www.thezone.fm

Victoria fans in Kamloops showing their support!

The first WHL playoff games in Victoria since 1989 will be played next Tuesday, March 27th and Wednesday, March 28th, which are games three and four of the series. Single game tickets for the 2012 WHL Playoffs are now on sale at the Select Your Tickets box office located at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

“Uptown Playoff Combo”
For $50, fans are able to purchase four playoff tickets to either Game 3 or Game 4 of the Royals’ first round playoff series against the Kamloops Blazers on Tuesday, March 27th or Wednesday, March 28th. The combo also includes a Royals’ rally towel and a gift voucher redeemable for a $10 gift card at Uptown until April 30th.

Tickets are limited to corner and end sections, and only 100 ticket packages will be made available for each of the Royals’ first two home playoff games. The total value of this package is $75, so fans looking for a great deal are encouraged to contact the Royals’ ticket office quickly.

Playoff combos can be purchased online at victoriaroyals.com, over the phone at 250-220-7889, or in person at the Select Your Tickets box-office.

Victoria Royals 1 at Kamloops Blazers 4 - Status: Final
Friday, March 23, 2012 - Interior Savings Centre - Kamloops, BC

Victoria 1 0 0 - 1
Kamloops 1 3 0 - 4

1st Period-
1, Kamloops, Willick 1 (Needham, Schaber), 9:29.
2, Victoria, Soudek 1 (Rintoul, Nelson), 11:36 (PP).

Penalties-Hrbas Kam (high sticking), 6:13; Bozon Kam (delay of game), 11:07; Kanzig Vic (checking from behind), 16:11.

2nd Period-
3, Kamloops, Bozon 1 (Smith, Lipon), 4:13.
4, Kamloops, Schaber 1 (Madaisky, Ranford), 17:03.
5, Kamloops, Bozon 2 (Madaisky, Lipon), 17:50.

Penalties-Kanzig Vic (roughing), 6:57; Kanzig Vic (checking from behind), 14:59.

3rd Period-
No Scoring.

Penalties-Nelson Vic (roughing), 0:20; Madaisky Kam (roughing), 0:20; Carroll Vic (kneeing), 8:28; Maschmeyer Kam (inter. on goaltender), 8:58; Kanzig Vic (10-minute misconduct), 19:30; Bell Kam (cross checking), 19:30; Hanes Kam (10-minute misconduct), 19:30.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 7-9-11-27.
Kamloops 10-14-10-34.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 1 / 4;
Kamloops 0 / 4.

Goalies-
Victoria, Hamilton 0-1-0-0 (34 shots-30 saves).
Kamloops, Cheveldave 1-0-0-0 (27 shots-26 saves).

A-4,948

Referees-Steve Papp (17), Brett Montsion (54).
Linesmen-Jason Cramer (122), Bevan Mills (98).

Bantam Draft Order

The following is taken from http://gdrinnan.blogspot.ca/

The Seattle Thunderbirds came out of the WHL’s draft lottery with the first pick on Wednesday.
The lottery involved the six non-playoff teams and when it was over, the WHL released this first-round order:

1. Seattle Thunderbirds
2. Prince Albert Raiders
3. Prince George Cougars
4. Lethbridge Hurricanes
5. Swift Current Broncos
6. Red Deer Rebels
7. Everett Silvertips
8. Victoria Royals
9. Kelowna Rockets
10. Kootenay Ice
11. Regina Pats
12. Brandon Wheat Kings
13. Saskatoon Blades
14. Spokane Chiefs
15. Vancouver Giants
16. Medicine Hat Tigers
17. Calgary Hitmen
18. Moose Jaw Warriors
19. Kamloops Blazers
20. Portland Winterhawks
21. Tri-City Americans
22. Edmonton Oil Kings
———
The first-round order as released by the WHL doesn't include the four picks that have been traded. Here, courtesy of Alan Caldwell of Small Thoughts At Large, is the first round including trades:

1. Seattle
2. Prince Albert
3. Prince George
4. Lethbridge
5. Swift Current
6. Red Deer
7. Everett
8. Victoria
9. Kelowna
10. Kootenay
11. Prince George (from Regina in Marincin/Blidstrand deal, Jan. 10/12)
12. Brandon
13. Victoria (from Brandon in Kevin Sundher deal, Jan. 9/12; Brandon had acquired the selection from Saskatoon in Brayden Schenn deal, Jan. 10/11)
14. Spokane
15. Vancouver
16. Medicine Hat
17. Calgary
18. Lethbridge (from Moose Jaw in Cam Braes deal, Jan. 9/12)
19. Kamloops
20. Seattle (from Portland in Marcel Noebels deal, Jan. 10/12)
21. Tri-City
22. Edmonton
———
The bantam draft is scheduled to be held on May 3.
Keep in mind that the order for the other rounds reverts to the reverse order of the final regular-season standings.

Preview: GAME 1 - Victoria at Kamloops (Fri Mar 23)

The 7th seed Victoria Royals (24-41-3-4, 55 pts) will meet the 2nd seed Kamloops Blazers (47-20-2-3, 99 pts) in the first round of the WHL Playoffs in a best-of-seven series beginning on Friday, March 23rd in the interior.  Pregame show starts at 6:45 on The Zone @ 91.3 FM in Victoria.  Or online at www.thezone.fm

PAST 10: Kamloops (4-5-1-0), Victoria (4-5-1-0)

LAST GAMES:  The Royals are riding a two game win streak into the post season after gutsy wins at home verus the Winterhawks.  Victoria won 3-1 on Friday March 16th and 4-3 two nights earlier.  The Royals have taken 5 of a possible 6 points in their last 3 games (2-0-1-0) and are 1 over .500 for the month of March (4-3-1-0).

The Blazers are coming off a split against the Cougars, losing 4-2 in Prince George Saturday March 17th, and winning 10-4 at home the night before.  Kamloops has only one win in their last 4, but are still ranked 9th in the CHL.

Both teams have won 4 of their last 10.

INSIDE THE SEASON SERIES: 
Victoria has a record of (1-6-1-0) versus Kamloops. 

The Blazers have outscored the Royals 39-21.  Kamloops has out shot Victoria 273-208.  Royals power play 7 for 37 (18.91%), Blazers power play 9 for 36 (25%).

Victoria 3 @ Kamloops 6 (Feb 22 2012)
Kamloops 5 @ Victoria 1 (Jan 28 2012)
Kamloops 2 @ Victoria 4 (Jan 27 2012)
Victoria 2 @ Kamloops 4 (Dec 3 2011)
Kamloops 6 @ Victoria 5 (Nov 30 2011) OT
Kamloops 4 @ Victoria 3 (Nov 29 2011)
Victoria 1 @ Kamloops 4 (Nov 25 2011)
Victoria 2 @ Kamloops 8 (Oct 2 2011)

Overall the Blazers have scored 290 goals over the course of the season to the Royals 233.

HEAD TO HEAD TOP SCORERS:

JC Lipon           8gp-5g-8a-13pts
Tim Bozon        8gp-7g-4a-11pts

Logan Nelson    8gp-4g-7a-11pts
Jamie Crooks    8gp-3g-3a-6pts

STATS SAY:  Kamloops has scored the 3rd most goals on average (4.03) per game overall, while allowing the 5th fewest (2.93).  They’ve fired the 5th most shots for on average (33.96) per game, while allowing the 4th fewest (28.96).  Goal differential per period for Kamloops (+27, +10, +43).

SPECIAL TEAMS:  Victoria’s penalty killing has only allowed 2 goals against over their last 12 outings (40 for 42).  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)

PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE:  The Royals have a combined 103 games of playoff experience, led by D Hayden Rintoul’s 29 appearances (2g 8a, +10).  12 players on their roster have played in the WHL playoffs, while 12 have not.  G Keith Hamilton has played in 2 post season games, and is looking for his first start.

THREATS: F Brendan Ranford led the Blazers in goals (40), assists (52) and points (92).  Colin Smith is 2nd in team scoring with 85 points, Tim Bozon led all rookies in goals (36) and was 2nd in freshmen points with 71.

D Austin Madaisky and D Bronson Maschmeyer combined for 28 goals and 93 points from the blue line, with a combined +46 rating.

G Cole Cheveldave in his rookie season in the Blazers’ net, posted 34 wins and a .909 save percentage in 55 games. 

For Victoria, F Jamie Crooks won the MVP and Top Scorer for the club with 37 goals and 67 points.  He has goals in back to back games.

F Logan Nelson was named the teams Rookie of the Year, as he led the team in assists with 39 and was second in scoring.

D Hayden Rintoul brings playoff experience after playing for the WHL Champions Kootenay Ice last season.  Rintoul is 4th in team scoring (51), and leads all WHL rearguards in power play goals with 13. 

After missing the majority of the season due to injury, D Tyler Stahl is back in the line up offering his hard hitting brand of hockey, and the Royals have a winning record with Stahl in the line up (10-9-1-0).

G Keith Hamilton has won his last 2 starts, stopping 69 of 73 against the number one offense in the league, the Portland Winterhawks.

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:
#10, Chase Schaber, Lower body, day to day

For Victoria:
#3, Zach Habscheid, Lower body,
#25 Robin Soudek, Upper body, day to day
#18 Brandon Magee, undisclosed

SERIES SCHEDULE:

Game 1 - Fri Mar 23 7:00 PM Victoria at Kamloops
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)

NOTES OF INTEREST:
The last time the Kamloops Blazers won a playoff series, Marc Habscheid was their head coach.   1998-99 Habscheid guided the Blazers to the WHL’s championship final where they won the first game and then lost four in a row to the Calgary Hitmen.

In the 12 seasons since then, the Blazers have made 10 first-round exits; they didn’t make the playoffs in the other two seasons, including last spring.

In those 10 playoff appearances, they have bowed out in four games seven times, left in five games once and exited in six games on two occasions. In those 10 appearances, they are 5-40. Throw in the end of the 1998-99 final, and the franchise is 5-44 in its last 49 playoff games.

Royals Awards Ceremony 2012

Jamie Crooks was chosen as the team’s MVP...

Crooks also earned the Top Scorer award finishing the season with 67 points (37g-30a).

Jamie Crooks with Coach & GM Marc Habscheid

Hayden Rintoul shares a laugh.

Hayden Rintoul, was presented the Top Defenseman award.

Logan Nelson accepts Rookie of the Year

Logan Nelson was named the Rookie of the Year.

Austin Carroll was presented with the Scholastic player of the year award. 

Tyler Stahl with Enio Sacilotto

The Community Service award was given to Tyler Stahl.

Tim Traber was awarded the Hardest Worker award.

Mike Forsyth was named the Unsung Hero. 

Taylor Crunk.

Rookie Taylor Crunk earned the Most Dedicated trophy.

Robin Soudek

The Fans’ Choice award, was presented to Robin Soudek.

Marty the Marmot presents an award

Robin Soudek (left) and Hayden Rintoul (right) where acknowledged in their final year of Major Junior.