“It’s almost surreal, a little overwhelming, kind of feels like draft day all over again.” said Hodges as I spoke with him by phone from Tsawwassen.
“I’m beyond excited and so is my family…”
The now 20 year old Hodges was drafted by Florida in the third round (84th overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft.
“It’s a big weight off my shoulders, just couldn't be happier to be signed with an organization like Florida. They’ve always been first class with me and talked to me the whole way through this since I’ve been drafted…just very happy that we reached terms that we’re both happy with.”
Hodges played in 52 regular season games this past season, collecting 47 points (21-26-47) and a +20 rating. He had 10 points (4-6-10) in nine playoff games, tied for the team lead.
“It was a very big learning experience for me and that’s another reason why I was able to find a contract with (Florida). They all want winners, and although we didn’t win that second round series (against Portland) we sure put up a pretty good fight.”
The Yellowknife, NWT native has recorded 157 points (75-82-157) in 247 games with Chilliwack (2009-2011) and Victoria (2011-2014).
Hodges is entering his overage season with Victoria, and intends on returning for Royals training camp before heading to Florida in attempts to make the NHL Panthers or AHL affiliate San Antonio.
“I’m still one of (Victoria’s) players, and I get to try out for their team and do my best to make them.”
-Marlon Martens
[OFFICIAL MEDIA RELEASE BELOW]
According to @MacBethReport F Brandon Magee has signed a tryout contract with Kometa Brno (Czech Republic, Extraliga). Last season, Magee led the Royals in scoring with 67 points, including 25 goals, in 65 games.
The deadline for NHL teams to sign players selected in the 2012 draft was June 1st. It appears Royals defenseman Travis Brown (5th rd Chicago Blackhawks) and forward Logan Nelson (5th rd Buffalo) went unsigned.
Brown will go back into the draft, while Nelson, who’s completed his 20 year old season becomes an unrestricted free agent.
ROYALS’ HODGES SIGNS
WITH FLORIDA PANTHERS
Victoria forward inks
three-year entry level NHL contract.
For Immediate Release
Monday, June 2, 2014
Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals would like to congratulate forward
Steven Hodges who has agreed to a three-year entry level contract with the
National Hockey League’s (NHL) Florida Panthers.
Hodges
was selected by Florida with the club’s third round, 84th overall,
pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. Last season, Hodges picked up 47 points (21g-26a)
in 25 regular season games for the Royals before going on to lead the team with
10 points (4g-6a) in the post-season.
“It’s
a huge honour to sign with such a great organization,” Hodges said. “Florida
has been first class since the day I was drafted and I’m excited to have an
opportunity to take the next step in my career with the Panthers.”
The
Yellowknife, NWT product has spent his entire WHL career with the franchise.
Spanning four seasons, Hodges ranks as the seventh-leading scorer in franchise
history with 157 points (75g-82) in 247 games.
The 6-0, 187 lb centre was selected ninth overall in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft and is the all-time leader in franchise playoff production with 20 points (6g-14a) in 22 games. Hodges also holds the distinction of scoring the first goal in Victoria Royals team history on September 23rd, 2011.
The 6-0, 187 lb centre was selected ninth overall in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft and is the all-time leader in franchise playoff production with 20 points (6g-14a) in 22 games. Hodges also holds the distinction of scoring the first goal in Victoria Royals team history on September 23rd, 2011.
Season ticket packages for the 2014-15 season are on
sale now! Call 250-220-7889, visit www.selectyourtickets.com,
or head down to the Victoria Royals ticketing office at Save-On-Foods Memorial
Centre for more information.
