Tyler Stahl was hit with a 6 game WHL suspension for a checking to the head major and game versus Kelowna on September 7.
He will miss the remainder of the preseason and the first 3 games of the regular season.
“He’s a physical player and a hard guy to play against, and yes, he is going to be missed.” said Head Coach Dave Lowry, “What it does now is provide an opportunity for a couple other guys, we still have a lot of bodies here and somebody’s going to have to step up and assume that leadership role for us.”
Forward Steven Hodges was absent from practice. “I think he’ll be ready to skate here with us, in the coming week.” Commented Lowry when asked about Hodges, “He’s not going to see action again this weekend. Our understanding is he’ll be ready to go game 1.”
Speaking of leadership, no Captain has yet been named, “That will sort itself out” As to the type of leader he is looking for, “…someone who’s going to come compete, and work, is well respected within his own room and has some presence.”
The Royals face the Giants in Ladner Friday night, before their final pre-season game against the very same Vancouver club Saturday at 2pm in Victoria at the SOFMC.
“I want to see our team compete from start to finish in both games.” When asked what to expect this weekend.
The first broadcast on The Zone goes Sept. 21st in Vancouver against the Giants.
Play By Play Voice of the Victoria Royals on The Zone @ 91.3 FM
