Monday 30 September 2013

Preview: Victoria at Prince George, Tuesday Oct. 1st

The Victoria Royals continue their BC Division road trip with a pair of games against the Prince George Cougars Tuesday and Wednesday.

Pregame show on The Zone @ 91.3 fm or online at: www.thezone.fm/listen 6:40 Tuesday & Wednesday.

It’s the first of 8 meetings between the clubs, as last season the Royals won 6 games, 2 of those in shoot outs.  Three of the victories came in Prince George.

Both clubs have 2-3 records and both are looking for back to back wins.  Victoria is coming off a 4-3 come from behind shoot out win in Kelowna Saturday, while Prince George got past Kamloops 3-1 on home ice on the same night.  The Cougars fell 5-2 one night earlier to the same Blazers.

In Kelowna Saturday, Victoria’s Trent Lofthouse was the games first star with a goal and an assist, while Brandon Fushimi and Landon Welykholowa (Well-uh-Call-uh-Wah) also scored, overcoming a 3-1 third period deficit. 

In the shoot out, Logan Nelson and brothers Jack and Ben Walker all scored.  Coleman Vollrath earned the win, snapping the clubs 3 game losing streak.  Keegan Kanzig, Brandon Magee and Joe Hicketts all returned to the line up. 

The Royals had 11 come from behind wins last year.  Victoria is now 2-0 on the road this year, while the Cougars are 1-1 at home.

Last season Prince George had a record of 22-43-2-6, placing ninth in the Western Conference.

Gone from last years Cougars club is 20 year old F Colin Jacobs, who signed a pro contract with Buffalo Sabres.  They are carrying two 20-year-old in F Klarc Wilson, and D Peter Kosterman (acquired in trade from Hitmen).

The imports are both from Slovakia 6’6 D Martin Bobos (Boh-bohs), and F David Soltes (Soul-Tays) both selected in 2013 CHL Import Draft.

The Cougars have a solid core of key returnees: F Troy Bourke, F Zach Pochiro, F Alex Forsberg, D Marc McNulty, and G Brett Zarowny.

Their three 16 year olds include two first round picks in 2012, F Jansen Harkins (2nd overall), F Brad Morrison (7th overall), and 2nd rounder, D Tate Olson.  9th round pick 17-year-old G Ty Edmonds is also a rookie on the team.

After the Tuesday, and Wednesday games in Prince George, Victoria plays in Kamloops Friday night before returning home for a matinee against Tri City October 6th.

-Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals vs Prince George Cougars: Head To Head Stats
Summary

Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular Season Victoria 0-0-0-0Prince George 0-0-0-0
Head to Head Record 2012-13 Regular Season Victoria 6-2-0-0Prince George 2-4-0-2
Last 5 Years record between teams Victoria 22-8-0-2Prince George 10-18-0-4
Victoria vs. Prince George Last 5 Years record at Victoria Victoria 10-5-0-1Prince George 6-8-0-2
Victoria vs. Prince George Last 5 Years record at Prince George Victoria 12-3-0-1Prince George 4-10-0-2
How the 2 teams match up
Prince George
Victoria
Team Record 2-3-0-0 -- 4 points 2-3-0-0 -- 4 points
Division Ranking 2nd B.C. 3rd B.C.
Conference Ranking 6th Western 7th Western
League Ranking 13th 14th
Past 10 Games 2-3-0-0 2-3-0-0
Streak 1-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
Last Game 3-1 W vs Kamloops (Sep 28 2013) Final 4-3 W @ Kelowna (Sep 28 2013) Final SO
Home Record 1-1-0-0 0-3-0-0
Away Record 1-2-0-0 2-0-0-0
GF 12  12 
GA 24  19 
PP (Overall) (3/29) 10.3 (3/23) 13.0
PP (Home) (1/14) 7.1 (2/14) 14.3
PP (Away) (2/15) 13.3 (1/9) 11.1
PK (Overall) (11/28) 60.7 (6/22) 72.7
PK (Home) (2/7) 71.4 (5/15) 66.7
PK (Away) (9/21) 57.1 (1/7) 85.7
Leading Rookie Morrison (2-0-2) (0-0-0)
Most PIM Erricson - 20 Crunk - 16
Team PIM/GM 26.8/Game 17.6/Game
Leading Scorers Wilson (4-1-5) Nelson (1-4-5)
McNulty (1-4-5) Carroll (3-0-3)
Bourke (2-2-4) Fushimi (2-0-2)
Forsberg (1-2-3) Hicketts (1-1-2)
Tkatch (0-3-3) Magee (1-1-2)
Last 5 Games 3-1 W vs Kamloops (Sep 28 2013) Final 4-3 W @ Kelowna (Sep 28 2013) Final SO
5-2 L vs Kamloops (Sep 27 2013) Final 6-1 L vs Spokane (Sep 25 2013) Final
2-1 W @ Tri-City (Sep 22 2013) Final 6-2 L vs Spokane (Sep 24 2013) Final
8-3 L @ Everett (Sep 21 2013) Final 2-1 L vs Vancouver (Sep 21 2013) Final
9-2 L @ Portland (Sep 20 2013) Final 4-2 W @ Vancouver (Sep 20 2013) Final
Leading After 1st 2-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
Leading After 2nd 2-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
Tied After 1st 0-2-0-0 1-1-0-0
Tied After 2nd 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
Trailing After 1st 0-1-0-0 1-2-0-0
Trailing After 2nd 0-3-0-0 1-3-0-0
Out Shooting Opponents 2-1-0-0 0-1-0-0
Out Shot by Opponents 0-2-0-0 1-2-0-0
1-Goal Games 1-0-0-0 1-1-0-0
2-Goal Games 1-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
3-Goal Games 0-1-0-0 0-0-0-0

Saturday 28 September 2013

Recap: VIC 4 - KEL 3 Shoot Out Win

To hear post game audio from Sacilotto, Vollrath and Lofthouse click here: https://soundcloud.com/voice_vicroyals

The visiting Victoria Royals (2-3) came from behind to beat the Kelowna Rockets 4-3 in a shoot out Saturday night.

Victoria snapped a 3 game slide, as they kicked off a 4 game BC division road trip.

After being tied at 1 after 20 minutes, the Royals got outshot 21-8 in the middle frame and found themselves down 3-1 after 40. 

Victoria then turned the tables on Kelowna, outshooting the hometown team 12-4 in the third and getting goals by Trent Lofthouse (1g 1a) and Brandon Fushimi to force overtime.

The shoot out went 3 deep both sides, with the Rockets shooting first. Myles Bell and Damon Severson scored for the Rockets, while Zach Franko was denied.  All three Royals scored, starting with Logan Nelson, then Jack Walker and his brother Ben with the winner.

Coleman Vollrath stopped 29 of 32 in his first start and win of the season, while his counterpart Jordon Cooke stopped 28 of 31, including a game saver in overtime off the stick of Brett Cote.

Victoria was 1 for 7 on the power play while stopping all 4 Kelowna man advantages.

The Royals welcomed the return of D Keegan Kanzig to the line up after his stint at the Calgary Flames main camp.  Also returning from injury was Brandon Magee and Joe Hicketts.  Newly acquired defensemen, 17 year old Jake Kohlhauser made his first appearance.

A pair of Victoria’s rookies scored their first WHL points, as Landon Welykholowa’s first period goal was assisted by Regan Nagy.

The Royals continue their road trip with a pair of games against the Cougars Tuesday and Wednesday and wrap up their trek next Friday against the Blazers.

-Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 4 (SO) at Kelowna Rockets 3 - Status: Final SO
Saturday, September 28, 2013 - Prospera Place - Kelowna, BC

Victoria 1 0 2 0 - 4
Kelowna 1 2 0 0 - 3

1st Period-
1, Kelowna, Franko 1 (Stadel, Bell), 8:03.
2, Victoria, Welykholowa 1 (Nagy), 18:15.

Penalties-Bell Kel (elbowing), 1:58; Kanzig Vic (slashing), 10:13; Stadel Kel (tripping), 14:53.

2nd Period-
3, Kelowna, Chartier 3 (Olsen), 3:47.
4, Kelowna, Bell 1 (Franko, Olsen), 19:14.

Penalties-Olsen Kel (boarding), 1:34; Severson Kel (high sticking), 2:50; Nelson Vic (slashing), 3:05; Kirkland Kel (delay of game), 11:11; Walker Vic (high sticking), 13:00; Magee Vic (10-minute misconduct), 19:14.

3rd Period-
5, Victoria, Lofthouse 1 (Fransoo), 4:19 (PP).
6, Victoria, Fushimi 2 (Lofthouse, Hicketts), 15:13.

Penalties-Olsen Kel (checking to the head), 3:56; Walker Vic (hooking), 6:10.

OT Period-
No Scoring.

Penalties-Bowey Kel (holding), 0:34.

Shootout –
Victoria 3 (Nelson G, Walker G, Walker G),
Kelowna 2 (Bell G, Severson G, Franko NG).

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 8-8-12-3-1-32.
Kelowna 5-21-4-2-0-32.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 1 / 7;
Kelowna 0 / 4.

Goalies-
Victoria, Vollrath 1-0-0-0 (32 shots-29 saves).
Kelowna, Cooke 2-0-0-1 (31 shots-28 saves).

A-5,021
Referees-Jeff Ingram (82), Sean Raphael (28).
Linesmen-Dustin Minty (86), Ward Pateman (124).

Friday 27 September 2013

Preview: Victoria at Kelowna, Sat Sept 28th

The Victoria Royals (1-3) kick off a 4 game BC Division road trip in Kelowna against the Rockets (2-0) Saturday night.

Pregame show on The Zone @ 91.3 fm at 6:45 pm, or online at www.thezone.fm/listen

Victoria looks to snap a 3 game slide after a pair of home losses to Spokane Tuesday and Wednesday by 6-1 and 6-2 scores. 

The Royals were without some key contributors in defenseman Joe Hicketts (Upper, day to day), 19 year old forwards Brandon Magee (Upper, 7-10 days), Steven Hodges (lower 4-5 weeks) and defenseman Keegan Kanzig (Flames Camp) who returns to the club for the weekend.

Kelowna is riding a 2 game win streak after sweeping Kamloops in a home and home set by identical 5-2 scores.  The Rockets haven’t played since last Saturday’s home victory, 6 days in between games.

It’s the first of 8 meetings, last season the Royals had a win and a shoot out loss (1-6-0-1).

The Rockets won 52 games last year, 31 at home, taking top spot in the BC Division and 2nd overall in the Conference.  They beat Seattle in 7 games, and were swept by the Blazers in 4.

The Kelowna Rockets lose only four players from last year’s roster.  Their Captain Colton Sissons has signed with the Nashville Predators, gone on to play for their AHL affiliate.  Forwards Dylan McKinlay, JT Barnett and Cody Fowlie have graduated as overage players.

The Rockets have four 20 year-old players this season in Myles Bell, MacKenzie Johnston, Jordon Cooke and Zach Franko. Twenty players from last year’s team are back this season campaign. Newcomers include 17 year-old Kris Schmidli, taken in this summer’s European Draft, 17 year-old listed player Dalton Yorke and 16 year-old’s Nick Merkley and defenceman Joe Gatenby.

TRADES:

Thursday, Victoria traded 18 year old defenseman Kolton Dixon to his hometown of Red Deer, in exchange for a conditional draft pick.  Dixon had three assists and 51 penalty minutes in 43 games over the past two seasons.

The Royals then aquired 17 year old defenceman Jake Kohlhauser (coal-how-zer) from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for a conditional draft pick.

Kohlhauser is 6’ 185lbs and was drafted by Vancouver in the 2nd round, 30th overall, in 2011.  Last season he played Midget Triple A for the St. Albert Raiders scoring 5 pts (1g-4a) in 29 games. In the post-season, Kohlhauser notched three points (1g-2a) in four games for the Raiders.

The Giants will receive a fourth-round pick in the 2015 Bantam Draft unless Kohlhauser plays more than 50 games in the 2014/2015 season in which the Giants will receive a third-round pick in the 2015 Draft.

Kohlhauser will wear #7.

RETURNING

Calgary’s 3rd round selection, defenseman Keegan Kanzig was returned to the Royals, and has joined the club on the road trip.

SUSPENSION:

Forward Taylor Crunk was suspended 2 games for a spearing incident against the Chiefs Wednesday.

After Kelowna, Victoria will play in Prince George Tuesday and Wednesday, and then stop in Kamloops Friday, before returning home for a matinee tilt against Tri City October 6th.


Victoria Royals vs Kelowna Rockets: Head To Head Stats
Summary

Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular Season Victoria 0-0-0-0Kelowna 0-0-0-0
Head to Head Record 2012-13 Regular Season Victoria 1-6-0-1Kelowna 7-1-0-0
Last 5 Years record between teams Victoria 12-17-1-2Kelowna 20-8-2-2
Victoria vs. Kelowna Last 5 Years record at Victoria Victoria 6-8-1-1Kelowna 10-4-2-0
Victoria vs. Kelowna Last 5 Years record at Kelowna Victoria 6-9-0-1Kelowna 10-4-0-2



How the 2 teams match up
Kelowna
Victoria
Team Record 2-0-0-0 -- 4 points 1-3-0-0 -- 2 points
Division Ranking 1st B.C. 4th B.C.
Conference Ranking 2nd Western 9th Western
League Ranking 3rd 16th
Past 10 Games 2-0-0-0 1-3-0-0
Streak 2-0-0-0 0-3-0-0
Last Game 5-2 W vs Kamloops (Sep 21 2013) Final 6-1 L vs Spokane (Sep 25 2013) Final
Home Record 1-0-0-0 0-3-0-0
Away Record 1-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
GF 10 
GA 16 
PP (Overall) (3/11) 27.3 (2/16) 12.5
PP (Home) (2/5) 40.0 (2/14) 14.3
PP (Away) (1/6) 16.7 (0/2) 0.0
PK (Overall) (0/9) 100.0 (6/18) 66.7
PK (Home) (0/5) 100.0 (5/15) 66.7
PK (Away) (0/4) 100.0 (1/3) 66.7
Leading Rookie Merkley (1-1-2) (0-0-0)
Most PIM Bowey - 4 Crunk - 16
Team PIM/GM 10.0/Game 20.0/Game
Leading Scorers Baillie (2-2-4) Nelson (1-4-5)
Chartier (2-1-3) Carroll (3-0-3)
Bowey (1-2-3) Magee (1-1-2)
Glover (1-1-2) Soy (0-2-2)
Merkley (1-1-2) Hicketts (1-0-1)
Last 5 Games 5-2 W vs Kamloops (Sep 21 2013) Final 6-1 L vs Spokane (Sep 25 2013) Final
5-2 W @ Kamloops (Sep 20 2013) Final 6-2 L vs Spokane (Sep 24 2013) Final
2-1 L vs Vancouver (Sep 21 2013) Final
4-2 W @ Vancouver (Sep 20 2013) Final
Leading After 1st 1-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
Leading After 2nd 2-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
Tied After 1st 1-0-0-0 0-1-0-0
Tied After 2nd 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
Trailing After 1st 0-0-0-0 1-2-0-0
Trailing After 2nd 0-0-0-0 0-3-0-0
Out Shooting Opponents 2-0-0-0 0-1-0-0
Out Shot by Opponents 0-0-0-0 1-2-0-0
1-Goal Games 0-0-0-0 0-1-0-0
2-Goal Games 0-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
3-Goal Games 2-0-0-0 0-0-0-0

Thursday 26 September 2013

Royals Make Moves

Royals Make Moves

Thursday, the Royals traded 18 year old defenseman Kolton Dixon to his hometown of Red Deer, in exchange for a conditional draft pick. Dixon logged three assists and 51 penalty minutes in 43 games over the past two seasons.

Victoria then aquired 17 year old defenceman Jake Kohlhauser (coal-how-zer) from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for a conditional draft pick. Kohlhauser is 6'0, 185lbs and was drafted by Vancouver in the 2nd round, 30th overall, in 2011.

Here's Kohlhausers Stats:

Keegan Kanzig was returned by the Calgary Flames Thursday, and will join the club on the road trip.

Forward Taylor Crunk was suspended 2 games for a spearing incident against the Chiefs Wednesday.

 Victoria (1-3) heads out on a 4 game BC Division road trip looking to snap a 3 game slide beginning in Kelowna (2-0) Saturday.

Royals Acquire D Jake Kohlhauser



ROYALS TRADE FOR JAKE KOHLHAUSER
Victoria acquires 1996-born defenceman from Vancouver.

For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 26, 2013

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals are pleased to announce that the club has acquired 1996-born defenceman Jake Kohlhauser (coal-how-zer) from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for a conditional draft pick.

Kohlhauser joins the Royals after starting the 2013-14 season with the Giants. The 6-0, 185 rearguard suited up for the St. Albert Raiders Midget AAA squad last year where he registered five points (1g-4a) in 29 games of regular season play. In the post-season, Kohlhauser notched three points (1g-2a) in four games for the Raiders.

Drafted by Vancouver in the second round, 30th overall, of the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft, Kohlhauser spent the 2011-12 season with the St. Albert Flyers Minor Midget AAA team. The St. Albert, AB native recorded 18 points (4g-14a) through 35 games with the Flyers.

Kohlhauser dressed for the St. Albert Sabres in his 2010-11 bantam hockey season where he posted 11 points (4g-7a) in 33 games played. Kohlhauser was also named the captain of the Northwest Sharks at the 2011 Alberta Cup in which the defenceman put up a goal and an assist through five games of tournament play.

The Royals will now head out on a four-game road trip that begins Saturday night in Kelowna at 7:05 p.m. Victoria will also make stops in Prince George and Kamloops before returning to Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Sunday, October 6th when they host the Tri-City Americans.

We are Royal Blue, are you? 2013-14 season ticket packages starting from $414 are on sale now! To guarantee yourself the best seats at the best prices call 250-220-7889, visit www.victoriaroyals.com, or head down to the Victoria Royals Ticketing Office located at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

Kolton Dixon to Red Deer



ROYALS ACQUIRE DRAFT PICK IN DEAL WITH REBELS
Victoria sends defenceman Kolton Dixon to Red Deer for conditional pick.

For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 26, 2013

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals today announced that the club has acquired a conditional draft pick from the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for defenceman Kolton Dixon (1995).

Victoria sends Dixon to his hometown of Red Deer after the 18-year-old joined the Royals during the 2012-13 season. Dixon logged three assists and 51 penalty minutes in 43 games of regular season play for Victoria over the past two seasons.

The Royals will now head out on a four-game road trip that begins Saturday night in Kelowna at 7:05 p.m. Victoria will also make stops in Prince George and Kamloops before returning to Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Sunday, October 6th when they host the Tri-City Americans.

We are Royal Blue, are you? 2013-14 season ticket packages starting from $414 are on sale now! To guarantee yourself the best seats at the best prices call 250-220-7889, visit www.victoriaroyals.com, or head down to the Victoria Royals Ticketing Office located at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

Wednesday 25 September 2013

Recap: SPK 6 - VIC 1

Click here for Post Game Audio: https://soundcloud.com/voice_vicroyals

Mike Aviani scored 4 times to lead the visiting Spokane Chiefs (3-0) past the Victoria Royals 6-1 Wednesday night, sweeping the two game set.

Victoria dropped their 3rd straight at home and dip to (1-3) on the season after falling to Spokane 6-2 the night before. 

Mitch Holmberg had a goal and three assists for a four point night, while Garrett Houghson stopped 28 of 29 shots for 3rd star honours.  Patrik Polivka was 26 for 32 in the loss.

The Chiefs power play was the difference, going 3 for 5 while the Royals went 1 for 4 with the man advantage.

Aviani scored twice on the power play, added a single short handed and one at even strength.  Reid Gow chipped in with 3 assists.  Spokane held period leads of 1-0 and 3-0.  Connor Chartier tallied a single, while Luke Harrison notched the lone goal for Victoria.

15 year old Dante Hannoun, Victoria’s  11th overall bantam pick in 2013 played his first regular season game for the club and generated some scoring opportunities, won face offs and played on the power play.

The Royals were without some key contributors in defenseman Joe Hicketts (Upper, day to day), 19 year old forwards Brandon Magee (Upper, 7-10 days), Steven Hodges (lower 4-5 weeks) and defenseman Keegan Kanzig (Flames Camp) who is expected to return to the club by the weekend.

The Royals will now head out on a four-game road trip that begins Saturday night in Kelowna.  Victoria will play in Prince George twice, and then visit Kamloops before returning home October 6th when they host the Tri-City Americans.

- Marlon Martens

Spokane Chiefs 6 at Victoria Royals 1 - Status: Final
Wednesday, September 25, 2013 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Spokane 1 2 3 - 6
Victoria 0 0 1 - 1

1st Period-
1, Spokane, Aviani 2 (Fram, Gow), 16:20 (PP).

Penalties-McIntosh Spo (major-fighting), 4:04; Harrison Vic (major-fighting), 4:04; Bechtold Spo (high sticking), 6:56; Proft Spo (holding), 12:04; Proft Spo (major-fighting), 14:29; Crunk Vic (major-fighting), 14:29; Gagnon Vic (clipping), 15:10; Fransoo Vic (checking from behind), 15:34.

2nd Period-
2, Spokane, Aviani 3 (Holmberg, Gow), 11:56 (PP).
3, Spokane, Holmberg 6 (Proft, Gow), 15:15 (PP).

Penalties-Bechtold Spo (cross checking), 4:48; Oneschuk Spo (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 9:55; Reddekopp Vic (roughing), 9:55; Walker Vic (holding), 11:30; Reddekopp Vic (delay of game), 14:08; Bechtold Spo (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 18:48; Cote Vic (cross checking), 18:48.

3rd Period-
4, Spokane, Chartier 2 (Bechtold, Stewart), 7:39.
5, Spokane, Aviani 4 (Holmberg), 11:59 (SH).
6, Victoria, Harrison 1 (Fisher, Schacher), 13:17 (PP).
7, Spokane, Aviani 5 (Bechtold, Holmberg), 16:42.

Penalties-Fransoo Vic (interference), 2:36; Chartier Spo (high sticking), 11:39; Playfair Spo (roughing), 20:00; Crunk Vic (roughing, roughing, major-spearing, game misconduct), 20:00.

Shots on Goal-
Spokane 5-17-10-32.
Victoria 10-11-8-29.

Power Play Opportunities-
Spokane 3 / 5; Victoria 1 / 4.

Goalies-
Spokane, Hughson 1-0-0-0 (29 shots-28 saves).
Victoria, Polivka 1-3-0-0 (32 shots-26 saves).

A-3,157
Referees-Brett Iverson (24), Dexter Rasmussen (25).
Linesmen-Tim Digby (75), Jacob Hill (122).

Preview: Spokane at Victoria, Wed Sept 25th

Tonight the Royals (1-2) look to avenge last nights 6-2 loss at the hands of the visiting Spokane Chiefs (2-0) in the back half of a two game set.

The Chiefs held period leads of 3-1 and 4-2 before adding a pair in third for their 2nd win of the season.  The Royals dropped their 2nd straight at home and will look to get back into the win column before heading out on the road for 4 straight.

Mitch Holmberg had 2 goals and an assist, Mike Aviani and Jason Fram both chipped in with a pair of helpers.  Victoria got goals from Logan Nelson and Brandon Fushimi.

Spokane outshot Victoria 17-7 in the third, and 42-36 overall.

The Chiefs power play went 2 for 4, now 4 for 9 in their first two games.  The Royals went 1 for 5 notching their first man advantage goal in three games.

Patrik Polivka got the start for Victoria going 19 for 23, and split the duties with Coleman Vollrath who kicked out 17 of 19.  20 year old Eric Williams made 34 saves for his 2nd win of the season for Spokane.

The Royals were without some key contributors in defenseman Joe Hicketts (Upper, day to day), 19 year old forwards Brandon Magee (Upper, 7-10 days) and Steven Hodges (lower 4-5 weeks) and big defenseman Keegan Kanzig (Flames Camp).

Seeing action for the first time this season were 16 year olds defenseman Chaz Reddekopp (13th overall), and forward Regan Nagy (27th overall).  Both had played as 15 year olds last season.

Victoria had 21 wins at the at the Save on Foods Memorial Centre last season, and just 11 regulation losses as they look for their first home ice win.

The Royals wrap up their 3 game home stand against the Chiefs tonight before heading out on the road for 4 games against the BC Dvision rivals, Kelowna, Prince George for a pair and Kamloops.
It’s the rematch tonight with 6:45 pregame show on The Zone @ 91.3 fm

-Marlon Martens

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Recap: SPK 6 - VIC 2

Mitch Holmberg had 2 goals and an assist to lead the visiting Spokane Chiefs past the Victoria Royals 6-2 Tuesday night.

The Chiefs held period leads of 3-1 and 4-2 before adding a pair in third for their 2nd win of the season.  The Royals dropped their 2nd straight at home and will look for revenge tonight (Wednesday) in the back half of the two game set.

Spokane outshot Victoria 17-7 in the third, and 42-36 overall as Mike Aviani and Jason Fram both chipped in with a pair of helpers.  Victoria got goals from Logan Nelson and Brandon Fushimi.

The Chiefs power play went 2 for 4, now 4 for 9 in their first two games.  The Royals went 1 for 5.

20 year old Eric Williams made 34 saves for his 2nd win of the season for Spokane.  Patrik Polivka got the start for Victoria going 19 for 23, and split the duties with Coleman Vollrath who kicked out 17 of 19. 

The Royals were without some key contributors in defenseman Joe Hicketts (day to day), 19 year old forwards Brandon Magee (day to day) and Steven Hodges (lower 4-6 weeks) and big defenseman Keegan Kanzig (Flames Camp).

The Royals wrap up their 3 game home stand against the Chiefs Wednesday night before heading out on the road for 4 games against the BC Dvision rivals, Kelowna, Prince George for a pair and Kamloops.

-Marlon Martens

Spokane Chiefs 6 at Victoria Royals 2 - Status: Final
Tuesday, September 24, 2013 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Spokane 3 1 2 - 6
Victoria 1 1 0 - 2

1st Period-
1, Spokane, Holmberg 4 (Fram, Gow), 9:22 (PP).
2, Spokane, Oneschuk 1 (Fram, Bechtold), 15:06.
3, Victoria, Nelson 1 (Cote), 19:15 (PP).
4, Spokane, McIntosh 1 (Aviani, Holmberg), 19:48.

Penalties-Gagnon Vic (hooking), 8:23; Carroll Vic (high sticking), 11:06; Bechtold Spo (roughing), 18:45; Walker Vic (roughing), 18:45; Fram Spo (holding), 18:58.

2nd Period-
5, Spokane, Proft 1   11:49.
6, Victoria, Fushimi 1 (Soy), 12:34.

Penalties-Cardiff Spo (delay of game), 1:15; Aviani Spo (interference), 17:04; McIntosh Spo (holding), 19:00.

3rd Period-
7, Spokane, Holmberg 5 (Aviani), 8:38.
8, Spokane, Helewka 1   13:02 (PP).

Penalties-Aviani Spo (roughing), 11:16; Soy Vic (roughing), 11:16; Carroll Vic (roughing, 10-minute misconduct), 12:30; Crunk Vic (slashing), 14:57; Zwerger Spo (major - checking to the head, game misconduct), 17:23; Fisher Vic (roughing), 17:23.

Shots on Goal-
Spokane 16-9-17-42.
Victoria 11-10-7-28.

Power Play Opportunities-
Spokane 2 / 4;
Victoria 1 / 5.

Goalies-Spokane,
Williams 2-0-0-0 (28 shots-26 saves).
Victoria, Polivka 1-2-0-0 (23 shots-19 saves);
Vollrath 0-0-0-0 (19 shots-17 saves).

A-3,141
Referees-Adam Griffiths (36), Pat Smith (12).
Linesmen-Riley Friesen (76), Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).


Monday 23 September 2013

Preview: Spokane at Victoria, Tues Sept 24

The Victoria Royals entertain the Spokane Chiefs for a pair of back to back games Tuesday and Wednesday.

Pregame show on The Zone @ 91.3 fm in Victoria begins at 6:45 both nights. www.thezone.fm/listen

Last season the Royals picked up a win and an overtime loss in 4 games with the Chiefs.

Victoria is coming off a 2-1 home loss to Vancouver, after doubling the Giants 4-2 one night earlier on the road.

Spokane opened the season on the road with a 6-2 victory in Tri City.  Mitch Holmberg had a 4 point night, including the hatrick, as the Chiefs outshot the Americans 37-24.

Last season Spokane took out Tri City in the first round of the playoffs in 5 games before falling 4 straight to Portland in the second round.

The Chiefs lost a large portion offense due to graduating players Brenden Kichton (85pts), Dylan Walchuk, and Blake Gal.  Also gone are Swiss sniper Alessio Bertaggia and 40 goal man Todd Fiddler (traded to Moose Jaw for a third round pick in 2014). That means the Chiefs are without 114 goals worth of combined production.

However, overagers Mitch Holmberg and Mike Aviani combined for 69 goals and 148 points last year, and 6 points alone in their season opener.

The Royals are without Steven Hodges (lower, 4-6 weeks) and Chaz Reddekopp (lower, 3-5 weeks).  Defenseman Keegan Kanzig is still away at Calgary Flames main camp, a 3rd round selection this year.

Victoria Royals vs Spokane Chiefs: Head To Head Stats
Summary

Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular Season Victoria 0-0-0-0Spokane 0-0-0-0
Head to Head Record 2012-13 Regular Season Victoria 1-2-1-0Spokane 3-1-0-0
Last 5 Years record between teams Victoria 3-10-1-2Spokane 13-3-0-0
Victoria vs. Spokane Last 5 Years record at Victoria Victoria 1-6-1-0Spokane 7-1-0-0
Victoria vs. Spokane Last 5 Years record at Spokane Victoria 2-4-0-2Spokane 6-2-0-0


How the 2 teams match up
Spokane
Victoria
Team Record 1-0-0-0 -- 2 points 1-1-0-0 -- 2 points
Division Ranking 4th U.S. 3rd B.C.
Conference Ranking 5th Western 7th Western
League Ranking 11th 13th
Past 10 Games 1-0-0-0 1-1-0-0
Streak 1-0-0-0 0-1-0-0
Last Game 6-2 W @ Tri-City (Sep 21 2013) Final 2-1 L vs Vancouver (Sep 21 2013) Final
Home Record 0-0-0-0 0-1-0-0
Away Record 1-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
GF
GA
PP (Overall) (2/5) 40.0 (0/7) 0.0
PP (Home) (0/0) (0/5) 0.0
PP (Away) (2/5) 40.0 (0/2) 0.0
PK (Overall) (1/7) 85.7 (1/9) 88.9
PK (Home) (0/0) (0/6) 100.0
PK (Away) (1/7) 85.7 (1/3) 66.7
Leading Rookie Bobyk (0-1-1) (0-0-0)
Most PIM Whittingham - 7 Carroll - 11
Team PIM/GM 26.0/Game 16.5/Game
Leading Scorers Holmberg (3-1-4) Nelson (0-4-4)
Aviani (1-2-3) Carroll (3-0-3)
Chartier (1-1-2) Magee (1-1-2)
Stewart (1-1-2) Hicketts (1-0-1)
Gow (0-2-2) Dixon (0-1-1)
Last 5 Games 6-2 W @ Tri-City (Sep 21 2013) Final 2-1 L vs Vancouver (Sep 21 2013) Final
4-2 W @ Vancouver (Sep 20 2013) Final








Leading After 1st 1-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
Leading After 2nd 1-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
Tied After 1st 0-0-0-0 0-1-0-0
Tied After 2nd 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
Trailing After 1st 0-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
Trailing After 2nd 0-0-0-0 0-1-0-0
Out Shooting Opponents 1-0-0-0 0-1-0-0
Out Shot by Opponents 0-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
1-Goal Games 0-0-0-0 0-1-0-0
2-Goal Games 0-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
3-Goal Games 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0

Hicketts Makes Central Scouting List

33 WHL skaters and two WHL goaltenders are among the players listed as NHL Central Scouting on Monday released its Preliminary North American ‘Ones to Watch’ list for the 2014 NHL Draft.

Seven WHL players were listed in the ‘A’ Skaters category, including Sam Reinhart of the Kootenay Ice, who has been mentioned in the conversation as a possible first overall pick for the 2014 NHL Draft.

Reinhart, a Vancouver, B.C., product, is in his third season with the Kootenay Ice, and led the team in scoring last year with 35 goals and 85 points while helping the Ice make the playoffs for a 15th consecutive season.  Reinhart’s older brothers, Max (Kootenay) and Griffin (Edmonton), also played in the WHL and were both drafted by NHL Clubs.

Also making the ‘A’ list are Portland Winterhawks’ forward Chase De Leo, Prince Albert Raiders forward Leon Draisaitl, Red Deer defenceman Haydn Fleury, Calgary Hitmen forward Jake Virtanen and Swift Current Broncos defencemen Brycen Martin and Julius Honka.

The WHL continues to be a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League.  20% of all players who played in the NHL during the 2012-13 season are WHL Graduates.  33 WHL Players were selected by NHL Clubs at the 2013 NHL Draft in New Jersey, including eight players chosen in the first round.

Below is the list of WHL Players named in NHL Central Scouting’s 2014 Preliminary Ones to Watch:


WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE

A SKATERS
Chase De Leo
Portland
C
5'9
177
Leon Draisaitl
Prince Albert
C
6'1.75
208
Haydn Fleury
Red Deer
D
6'2.5
198
Julius Honka
Swift Current
D
5'10
167
Brycen Martin
Swift Current
D
6'1.75
184
Sam Reinhart
Kootenay
C
6'0.75
185
Jake Virtanen
Calgary
RW
6'0.75
208

B SKATERS
Conner Bleackley
Red Deer
RW
6'0.5
192
Jayce Hawryluk
Brandon
C
5'10.25
186
Joseph Hicketts
Victoria
D
5'7.25
180
Waltteri Hopponen
Everett
LW
6'1.25
187
Ivan Nikolishin
Everett
C
5'8.25
158
Nelson Nogier
Saskatoon
D
6'2.25
191
Brayden Point
Moose Jaw
C
5'9.5
160

C SKATERS
Tomas Andrlik
Prince Albert
D
5'11.25
182
Rourke Chartier
Kelowna
C
5'10.5
173
Reid Duke
Lethbridge
C
5'11.5
189
Tanner Faith
Kootenay
D
6'3.25
211
Radel Fazleyev
Calgary
C
6'0.75
176
Justin Gutierrez
Tri-City
LW
6'3.75
184
Joshua Hanson
Portland
D
6'3.25
207
Edson Harlacher
Kamloops
D
6'2
187
Jared Hauf
Seattle
D
6'4.75
212
Keegan Iverson
Portland
C/RW
6'0.75
219
Spenser Jensen
Medicine Hat
D
6'4
191
Justin Marreck
Tri-City
LW
6'3
190
Dysin Mayo
Edmonton
D
5'11.75
181
Tyler Sandhu
Everett
C
5'10
162
Colin Shirley
Kootenay
LW
6'1.5
180
Alexei Sleptsov
Moose Jaw
D
5'11.5
160
Ty Stanton
Medicine Hat
D
6'3.75
179
Dominic Turgeon
Portland
C
6'1.75
198
Taylor Vickerman
Tri-City
LW
5'11.25
194

C GOALTENDERS
Payton Lee
Vancouver
G
6'0.25
176
Austin Lotz
Everett
G
6'0
188

Sunday 22 September 2013

Recap: VAN 2 - VIC 1

Payton Lee made 30 saves to help the visitng Vancouver Giants (1-1) edge the Victoria Royals (1-1) 2-1 Saturday night.

The Giants got their revenge after the Royals spoiled their home opener one night earlier by a 4-2 score.

Saturday night, Rob Trzonkowski broke a scoreless tie in the first minute of the second period, before Carter Popoff scored less than 6 minutes later giving the Giants a 2-0 lead into the third period. 

Royals defenseman Joe Hicketts scored the only goal of the final frame as Victoria outshot Vancouver 15-5 in the third but could not solve Lee a second time, and fell short.

Patrik Polivka made 19 stops to fall to 1-1, as the Royals outshot the Giants 31-21 overall.

Victoria’s power play went 0 for 5, while shutting down all 6 Vancouver man advantages.

The Royals continue their 3 game homestand Tuesday and Wednesday with a pair against the Spokane Chiefs.

To hear reaction from the coaching staff and players, click here: Sound Cloud Audio

-Marlon Martens

Vancouver Giants 2 at Victoria Royals 1 - Status: Final
Saturday, September 21, 2013 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Vancouver 0 2 0 - 2
Victoria 0 0 1 - 1

1st Period-
No Scoring.

Penalties-Carroll Vic (slashing), 1:18; Orban Van (major-fighting), 4:11; Traber Van (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 4:11; Carroll Vic (checking to the head, major-fighting), 4:11; Nelson Vic (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 4:11; Cote Vic (high sticking, high sticking), 17:08; Franson Van (roughing), 19:52; Houck Van (roughing), 19:52; Magee Vic (roughing), 19:52.

2nd Period-
1, Vancouver, Trzonkowski 1 (Kulak, Atwal), 0:53.
2, Vancouver, Popoff 1   6:44.

Penalties-Sward Van (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 4:41; Dixon Vic (slashing), 8:21; Sward Van (roughing), 19:30; Schacher Vic (roughing), 19:30; McEvoy Van (tripping), 19:57.

3rd Period-
3, Victoria, Hicketts 1 (Walker, Soy), 12:53.

Penalties-Dixon Vic (boarding), 7:44; Kulak Van (hooking), 9:34; Popoff Van (slashing), 13:35.

Shots on Goal-
Vancouver 5-11-5-21.
Victoria 7-9-15-31.

Power Play Opportunities-
Vancouver 0 / 6;
Victoria 0 / 5.

Goalies-
Vancouver, Lee 1-1-0-0 (31 shots-30 saves).
Victoria, Polivka 1-1-0-0 (21 shots-19 saves).

A-6,379
Referees-Ryan Benbow (62), Sean Raphael (28).
Linesmen-Kirk Van Helvoirt (107), Riley Friesen (76).

Saturday 21 September 2013

Preview: Vancouver at Victoria, Sat Sept 21

The Royals kicked off their 3rd campaign last night with a 4-2 victory against the Giants in Vancouver.  Austin Carroll had a hat trick, Logan Nelson 4 assists and Brandon Magee a goal and an assist, as the line combined for 9 points.  Netminder Patrik Polivka made 34 saves in the win. 

Tonight is their home opener against the same Giants, a team they’ll face 10 times this season.  Last year they took 7 games from Vancouver.

Pregame show on The Zone @ 91.3 fm at 6:45 or online at www.thezone.fm/listen

Fresh back from Anaheim Ducks Camp, Austin Carroll scored his first multi-goal game since he played Bantam hockey.  Logan Nelson also played his first game since returning from Buffalo Sabres main camp.

Last night the Giants out shot the Royals 36-23, Vancouver went 1 for 3 on the power play while Victoria went 0 for 2 with the man advantage.

Tim Traber makes his return to the Island tonight, in his first visit since being acquired off waivers by the Giants over the summer.  Traber took 2 penalties last night, and was stopped by Polivka on a short handed breakaway.

Victoria was without Steven Hodges (lower, 4-6 weeks) and Chaz Reddekopp (lower, 3-5 weeks).   The Royals scratched rookie Regan Nagy, while defenseman Keegan Kanzig is still away at Calgary Flames main camp.  17 year old Landon Welykholowa played in his first WHL game.

After tonight, the Royals 3 game homestand continues with a  pair against the Spokane Chiefs Tuesday and Wednesday.

Victoria Royals vs Vancouver Giants: Head To Head Stats
Summary

   
Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular Season Victoria 1-0-0-0Vancouver 0-1-0-0
Head to Head Record 2013 WHL Preseason Victoria 2-0-0-0Vancouver 0-2-0-0
Last 5 Years record between teams Victoria 18-14-1-0Vancouver 15-18-0-0
Victoria vs. Vancouver Last 5 Years record at Victoria Victoria 11-5-0-0Vancouver 5-11-0-0
Victoria vs. Vancouver Last 5 Years record at Vancouver Victoria 7-9-1-0Vancouver 10-7-0-0
Previous Meetings This Season Victoria 4 @ Vancouver 2 (Sep 20 2013) Final



How the 2 teams match up
     
 
Vancouver
Victoria
Team Record 0-1-0-0 -- 0 points 1-0-0-0 -- 2 points
Division Ranking 5th B.C. 2nd B.C.
Conference Ranking 6th Western 3rd Western
League Ranking 18th 9th
Past 10 Games 0-1-0-0 1-0-0-0
Streak 0-1-0-0 1-0-0-0
Last Game 4-2 L vs Victoria (Sep 20 2013) Final 4-2 W @ Vancouver (Sep 20 2013) Final
Home Record 0-1-0-0 0-0-0-0
Away Record 0-0-0-0 1-0-0-0
GF
GA
PP (Overall) (1/3) 33.3 (0/2) 0.0
PP (Home) (1/3) 33.3 (0/0)
PP (Away) (0/0) (0/2) 0.0
PK (Overall) (0/2) 100.0 (1/3) 66.7
PK (Home) (0/2) 100.0 (0/0)
PK (Away) (0/0) (1/3) 66.7
Leading Rookie (0-0-0) (0-0-0)
Most PIM Traber - 4 Carroll - 2
Team PIM/GM 8.0/Game 10.0/Game
Leading Scorers Ast (1-0-1) Nelson (0-4-4)
  Morrison (1-0-1) Carroll (3-0-3)
  Popoff (0-1-1) Magee (1-1-2)
  Ronning (0-1-1) Dixon (0-1-1)
  Atwal (0-0-0) Fransoo (0-1-1)
Last 5 Games 4-2 L vs Victoria (Sep 20 2013) Final 4-2 W @ Vancouver (Sep 20 2013) Final