Thursday 30 October 2014

Preview: Tri City at Victoria, Saturday, Nov. 1st

The Victoria Royals (8-7-1-0, 16pts) entertain the Tri City Americans (8-7, 15pts) in their first two meetings of the season Saturday and Sunday.

Pregame show at 6:40 Friday and 12:40 on Sunday on The Zone @ 91.3 www.thezone.fm/whl

Last season the Royals won 3 of 4 games against the Americans, outscoring them by a margin of 10-8.

Tri City has dropped their last 3 games, being shutout in two of them.  Most recently they fell 2-0 to the visiting Kamloops Blazers last Saturday.  The Americans have only scored 1 goal in their 3 game losing streak, however they are the 5th stingiest team in the WHL.

Netminder Eric Comrie, who’s signed by the Winnipeg Jets, holds the 5th best save %, and 9th best goals against average.  He held the leagues best save % last year (0.925).  Comrie will represent Team WHL at the upcoming Subway Super Series.

Parker Bowles leads the team in scoring with 16 points, including 10 assists.

Tri City has not played since last Saturday, giving them 6 days between games.  They are the only team to beat Kelowna this season, 5-2 on October 18th.

Victoria had their 4 game win streak snapped with a 3-2 loss to the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings on Tuesday.  Axel Blomqvist had a goal and an assist, and Coleman Vollrath was the 2nd star, making 29 saves against the highest scoring team in the league.

The Royals are 2-1 on their five game homestand, and have only given up 8 goals over their last five games.  Victoria has won 7 of their past 10, and hold a one point lead on the Americans in the Western Conference.

Austin Carroll leads the team in scoring with 20 points, and is on a 4 game point streak (2g 4a).  He’s tied for league lead in goals with 10.  Axel Blomqvist has 8 points (4g 4a) over his 5 game streak, while Brandon Magee is on a 4 game streak since returning from suspension with 6 points (1g 5a).  Defenseman Joe Hicketts is tied for 3rd among defenseman in scoring with 16 points in 14 games.

Tri City has 3 defenseman rated by NHL’s Central Scouting for the upcoming draft, Brandon Carlo ‘A’, Parker Wotherspoon ‘B’, and Brendan O’Reilly ‘C’. Victoria’s Tyler Soy and Chaz Redekopp are ‘C’ rated.

The visitors feature two from the region in forward Jordan Topping from Salt Spring Island and defenseman Dylan Coghlan who hails from Nanaimo.

The Royals are 4-2-1-0 at home, while the Americans are 4-5 on the road.

After the two game set, Victoria travels to face the #1 team in the CHL, the Kelowna Rockets Wednesday, and then off to Prince George for a pair next weekend.

- Marlon Martens
Victoria Royals vs Tri-City Americans: Head To Head Stats Summary
  
Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2014-15 Regular SeasonVictoria 0-0-0-0Tri-City 0-0-0-0
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular SeasonVictoria 3-1-0-0Tri-City 1-2-1-0
Last 5 Years record between teamsVictoria 8-7-1-0Tri-City 8-6-1-1
Victoria vs. Tri-City Last 5 Years record at VictoriaVictoria 4-3-1-0Tri-City 4-3-1-0
Victoria vs. Tri-City Last 5 Years record at Tri-CityVictoria 4-4-0-0Tri-City 4-3-0-1
  

How the 2 teams match up
   
 
Tri-City
Victoria
Team Record8-7-0-0 -- 16 points8-7-1-0 -- 17 points
Division Ranking3rd U.S.3rd B.C.
Conference Ranking6th Western5th Western
League Ranking10th9th
Past 10 Games5-5-0-07-3-0-0
Streak0-3-0-00-1-0-0
Last Game2-0 L vs Kamloops (Oct 25 2014) Final3-2 L vs Brandon (Oct 28 2014) Final
Home Record4-2-0-04-2-1-0
Away Record4-5-0-04-5-0-0
GF41 48 
GA38 55 
PP (Overall)(12/59) 20.3(18/82) 22.0
PP (Home)(8/28) 28.6(8/31) 25.8
PP (Away)(4/31) 12.9(10/51) 19.6
PK (Overall)(10/66) 84.8(16/76) 78.9
PK (Home)(2/27) 92.6(6/27) 77.8
PK (Away)(8/39) 79.5(10/49) 79.6
Leading RookieLukin (3-2-5)Hannoun (1-2-3)
Most PIMHillis - 32Crunk - 47
Team PIM/GM16.9/Game17.8/Game
Leading ScorersBowles (6-10-16)Carroll (10-10-20)
 Williams (5-7-12)Hicketts (4-12-16)
 Nickles (6-4-10)Walker (5-7-12)
 McCue (5-5-10)Brown (5-7-12)
 Wotherspoon (3-4-7)Soy (4-8-12)
Last 5 Games2-0 L vs Kamloops (Oct 25 2014) Final3-2 L vs Brandon (Oct 28 2014) Final
 3-1 L @ Everett (Oct 24 2014) Final3-2 W vs Vancouver (Oct 25 2014) Final
 4-0 L @ Kelowna (Oct 22 2014) Final2-1 W vs Vancouver (Oct 24 2014) Final
 5-2 W vs Kelowna (Oct 18 2014) Final4-0 W @ Kootenay (Oct 18 2014) Final
 5-4 W vs Everett (Oct 17 2014) Final SO4-2 W @ Lethbridge (Oct 17 2014) Final
Leading After 1st5-0-0-04-1-0-0
Leading After 2nd6-0-0-04-1-0-0
Tied After 1st1-2-0-02-1-0-0
Tied After 2nd2-1-0-02-1-0-0
Trailing After 1st2-5-0-02-5-1-0
Trailing After 2nd0-6-0-02-5-1-0
Out Shooting Opponents3-2-0-04-1-1-0
Out Shot by Opponents4-5-0-03-6-0-0
1-Goal Games2-1-0-05-2-1-0
2-Goal Games3-4-0-01-2-0-0
3-Goal Games2-0-0-00-1-0-0

Royals Host Americans; Weekend Events

ROYALS HOST AMERICANS THIS WEEKEND; MARTY’S BIRTHDAY ON SUNDAY
Victoria hosts the Tri-City Americans on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

For Immediate Release
Thursday, October 30, 2014

Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals face-off against the Tri-City Americans on Saturday, November 1st and Sunday November 2nd.  Saturday’s game is Turn Back the Clock Night, while Sunday afternoon is Marty the Marmot’s ninth birthday presented by Island Savings. Sunday’s game also marks the first Kirby’s Source for Sports’ Skate with the players after the game.

SUPER SWEDE: Axel Blomqvist is in the midst of a five game point streak. During his streak the native of Osby, Sweden has recorded eight points (4g - 4a), including two goals against his former team, the Lethbridge Hurricanes on October 17th. Blomqvist's current streak ties his second longest WHL point streak which was from January 11th - January 24th, 2014, where he scored 5 points (1g - 4a). 
THE AMERICANS: Tonight marks the first of four games the Royals will play vs. the Tri-City Americans this season. Last year vs. the Americans, the Royals posted a 3-1-0-0 record, including a 2-0-0-0 mark at home.  Tri-City is currently in sixth place in the Western Conference standings, which is one spot back from the Royals. 
SATURDAY – TURN BACK THE CLOCK NIGHT PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA, DIGITAL DIRECT PRINTERS AND ROYAL BC MUSEUM

PRE-GAME

6:00 p.m.
-          The first 1,500 fans will receive a vintage style, Royals’ team poster presented by Coca-Cola and Digital Direct Printers.
 
SUNDAY – MARTY’S BIRTHDAY PRESENTED BY ISLAND SAVINGS

PRE-GAME

12:00 p.m.
-          Come celebrate Marty the Marmot’s ninth Birthday!  Marty’s birthday card will be available for anyone to sign at Gate 1 from 12:00 – 1:00PM.  Marty will be joined for the event by his mascot friends including: Turbo (Harbour Air), Daisy the Cow (Island Farms), Sidney the Kidney (Kidney Foundation of Canada), Ace (Saanich PD), Santa Bear (CFAX Santas Anonymous), Cooper (Co-op Gas), Terry the Trader (Sports Traders), Harvey (Harbour Cats), Striker (Victoria Highlanders FC) and Rocky (Victoria Shamrocks).

POST-GAME

Kirby’s Source for Sports’ Skate with the players:

-          Join the Royals post-game for Kirby’s Source for Sports Skate with the players.  Fans are encouraged to bring their own skates and helmets, but can rent by donation from the SOFMC Skate Shop.  Fans are also encouraged to sign up and secure your wristband from the skate shop pre-game or during the intermissions.

The Royals’ Pink in the Rink jerseys will be on display in the concourse and available to bid on in ongoing jersey auctions.  All proceeds for the pink jerseys benefit the BC Cancer Foundation.  Full jersey auction schedule can be found at www.victoriaroyals.com/jerseyauctions.


Get your tickets for this week’s games by calling 250-220-7777 or visiting at www.victoriaroyals.com. Pro-rated Royals season ticket packages are still available and offer a host of fantastic benefits. Get more details by calling 250-220-7889 or visiting at www.victoriaroyals.com. Join the Royal family today.

Tuesday 28 October 2014

Recap: BRN 3 - VIC 2

Ryan Pilon scored the go ahead goal mid-way through the third period to lead the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings past the Victoria Royals 3-2 Tuesday night, snapping the Royals 4 game win streak.

“Overall you don’t like losing games, but I thought our guys played a real hard, real smart game.” Said Head Coach Dave Lowry, “You’re disappointed that you lost, but we did a lot of things right tonight.”

The Wheat Kings (11-3-1-0, 23pts) who are ranked 6th in the CHL Top 10, moved into a tie for first in the Eastern Conference with Medicine Hat.  Victoria (8-7-1-0, 17pts) remains 4th in the West, 2 points back of Kamloops and Everett.

“Our guys played hard…we made a couple mistakes, made them at critical times and when you’re playing a team with the amount of skill they have usually you end up pulling pucks out of our net.” said Lowry about facing the highest scoring team in the league.

“I thought we had chances, they had chances, both goalies were good and it’s a game that could’ve gone either way.”

Axel Blomqvist had a goal and assist for the home team, while Coleman Vollrath was 2nd star with 29 saves.  His counter part Jordan Papirny made 23 stops.

“Against a good team like that you can’t turn pucks over like that,” said Blomqvist, “Overall we battled well, I’m proud of the guys…”

Brandon defenseman Pilon was named first star with a goal and assist, while Ivan Provorov added a pair of helpers.

The game was tied at 1 after 1, and 2-2 after 40 minutes.

Travis Brown opened the scoring on the power play in the first.

“We kind of shot ourselves in the foot a bit there in the third…we’re going to learn from it and be a stronger team in the games to come.” Said Brown

Responding in the opening frame was forward Richard Nejezchleb in his first game since being returned from the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, also with the man advantage.

The Wheat Kings took their first lead of the game in the middle frame on a shot by Duncan Campbell, before Blomqvist tied the game with his 5th of the season.

The Royals pulled their goaltender late, but to ultimately fell short.

“We’re still going to have to get better through the neutral zone, we turned the puck over a couple times and it’s in our net.  That’s the difference in this league when you’re playing good teams between winning and losing.” Said Lowry

The shots after 20 minutes were 19-15 for the visitors, but things calmed down in the final two frames.

Victoria was 1 for 3 on the power play, while Brandon went 1 for 5.

Blomqvist extended his point streak to 5 games with 8 points (4g 4a), while Austin Carroll pushed his to 4 games and 6 points (2g 4a).  Brandon Magee had points in all 4 games since returning from suspension with 6 (1g 5a).

Brandon’s leading scorer Rihards Bukarts (23pts) was scratched with Nejezchlebs’ addition.

The Royals are 2-1 on their 5 game home stand which concludes this Saturday and Sunday with a visit from the Tri City Americans.

- Marlon Martens

Brandon Wheat Kings 3 at Victoria Royals 2 - Status: Final
Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Brandon 1 1 1 - 3
Victoria 1 1 0 - 2

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Brown 5 (Hicketts, Blomqvist), 12:29 (PP).
2, Brandon, Nejezchleb 1 (Provorov, Pilon), 14:50 (PP).

Penalties-Carroll Vic (slashing), 1:35; Crunk Vic (inter. on goaltender), 1:48; Quenneville Bdn (high sticking), 7:07; Roy Bdn (roughing), 7:43; Blomqvist Vic (roughing), 7:43; Duke Bdn (inter. on goaltender), 12:01; Brown Vic (hooking), 13:06; Waltz Bdn (roughing), 18:32.

2nd Period-
3, Brandon, Campbell 4 (Coulter, Erkamps), 14:03.
4, Victoria, Blomqvist 5 (Magee, Carroll), 16:55.

Penalties-No Penalties

3rd Period-
5, Brandon, Pilon 3 (Provorov), 11:34.

Penalties-Carroll Vic (tripping), 3:28; Crunk Vic (delay of game), 13:41.

Shots on Goal-
Brandon 19-5-8-32.
Victoria 15-4-6-25.

Power Play Opportunities-
Brandon 1 / 5;
Victoria 1 / 3.

Goalies-
Brandon, Papirny 9-3-1-0 (25 shots-23 saves).
Victoria, Vollrath 7-6-1-0 (32 shots-29 saves); Sittler 0-0-0-0 (0 shots-0 saves).

A-3,221
Referees-Brett Iverson (24), Sean Raphael (28).
Linesmen-Riley Friesen (76), Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).

Monday 27 October 2014

Preview: Brandon at Victoria, Tuesday October 28th

The Victoria Royals (8-6-1-0, 17pts) entertain the Brandon Wheat Kings (10-3-1-0, 21pts) in their only meeting of the season Tuesday night.

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

Last season the Royals beat the Wheaties 5-3 in Brandon as Steven Hodges had a 3 point night, and Patrik Polivka made 23 saves.

Brandon is ranked 6th in the CHL while sitting 2nd in the Eastern Conference with 10 wins in 14 games (10-3-1-0).  The Wheat Kings lead the league in offense, averaging 5.36 goals per game.

Brandon had their 4 game win streak snapped with a 6-1 loss in Kelowna Saturday, dropping them to a 2-1 record on their 7 game road trip.  The Wheat Kings had scored 33 goals over their previous four wins averaging 8.25 goals a game. [(8-5 @ Kam) (7-4 @ PG), (10-3 vs Port) (8-3 vs SC)].

Victoria is on a 4 game win streak after a sweep of Vancouver on the Island over the weekend by 2-1 and 3-2 scores.  It’s the longest current win streak in the WHL.  The Royals have only allowed 5 goals against in their last 4, all backstopped by Coleman Vollrath.  They’ve won 5 of their last 6 and are two games over .500, moving up to 3rd in the BC Division and 4th in the West.

Austin Carroll leads the team in scoring with 19 points, and is on a 3 game point streak (2g 3a).  He’s tied for league lead in goals with 10.  Axel Blomqvist has 6 points (3g 3a) over his 4 game streak, while Brandon Magee is on a 3 game streak since returning from suspension with 5 points (1g 4a).  Defenseman Joe Hicketts is 3rd among defenseman in scoring with 15 points in 13 games.

Leading the way offensively for Brandon is Latvian Rihards Bukarts who is 3rd in league scoring with 23 points, including 15 assists.  Jayce Hawryluk is 9th in scoring with 19 points which includes 10 goals – 5 of which are game winners.

Rookie Russian defenseman Ivan Provorov is 2nd among newcomers in scoring with 14 points while 16 year old forward Nolan Patrick is 3rd among freshmen in points with 12.

Defenseman Ryan Pilon is 2nd in reargaurd scoring with 16 points, and is a ‘B’ rated skater by NHL Central scouting for the upcoming draft.  Provorov is also ‘B’ rated, along with forward Jesse Gabrielle.  Netminder Joran Papirny is ‘C’ rated.  Victoria’s Tyler Soy and Chaz Redekopp are ‘C’ rated.

Brandon’s NHL Camp attendees:

Jayce Hawryluk, Florida Panthers, 2014,
Richard Nejezchleb, New York Rangers, 2014, (returned from AHL Hartford Wolf Pack)
Jordan Papirny, Montreal Canadiens, F/A,
John Quenneville, New Jersey Devils, 2014,
Peter Quenneville, Columbus Blue Jackets, 2013,
Eric Roy, Calgary Flames, 2013,
Reid Duke, Minnesota Wild, 2014

Kelowna Rockets’ Head Coach Dan Lambert will coach the Canada-Red team, at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge whose roster includes Wheat Kings’ F Nolan Patrick.  Also attending the U-17 is defenseman Kale Clague and forward Tanner Kaspick.

Royals Athletic Therapist Khore Elliot will also be participating at the U-17.

Victoria is in the middle of a 5 game homestand which concludes Saturday and Sunday with a pair against the Tri City Americans.

- Marlon Martens

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

How the 2 teams match up
Brandon
Victoria
Team Record10-3-1-0 -- 21 points8-6-1-0 -- 17 points
Division Ranking1st East3rd B.C.
Conference Ranking2nd Eastern4th Western
League Ranking3rd8th
Past 10 Games6-3-1-07-2-1-0
Streak0-1-0-04-0-0-0
Last Game6-1 L @ Kelowna (Oct 25 2014) Final3-2 W vs Vancouver (Oct 25 2014) Final
Home Record5-0-1-04-1-1-0
Away Record5-3-0-04-5-0-0
GF75 46 
GA49 52 
PP (Overall)(21/73) 28.8(17/79) 21.5
PP (Home)(7/33) 21.2(7/28) 25.0
PP (Away)(14/40) 35.0(10/51) 19.6
PK (Overall)(14/54) 74.1(15/71) 78.9
PK (Home)(4/19) 78.9(5/22) 77.3
PK (Away)(10/35) 71.4(10/49) 79.6
Leading RookieProvorov (7-7-14)Hannoun (1-2-3)
Most PIMGabrielle - 31Crunk - 43
Team PIM/GM15.3/Game18.2/Game
Leading ScorersBukarts (8-15-23)Carroll (10-9-19)
Hawryluk (10-9-19)Hicketts (4-11-15)
Pilon (2-14-16)Walker (5-7-12)
McGauley (5-10-15)Soy (4-8-12)
Quenneville (3-12-15)Brown (4-7-11)
Last 5 Games6-1 L @ Kelowna (Oct 25 2014) Final3-2 W vs Vancouver (Oct 25 2014) Final
8-5 W @ Kamloops (Oct 24 2014) Final2-1 W vs Vancouver (Oct 24 2014) Final
7-4 W @ Prince George (Oct 22 2014) Final4-0 W @ Kootenay (Oct 18 2014) Final
10-3 W vs Portland (Oct 18 2014) Final4-2 W @ Lethbridge (Oct 17 2014) Final
8-3 W vs Swift Current (Oct 17 2014) Final3-2 L @ Edmonton (Oct 15 2014) Final
Leading After 1st5-0-0-04-1-0-0
Leading After 2nd9-0-0-04-1-0-0
Tied After 1st2-3-0-02-0-0-0
Tied After 2nd1-0-1-02-0-0-0
Trailing After 1st3-0-1-02-5-1-0
Trailing After 2nd0-3-0-02-5-1-0
Out Shooting Opponents9-2-1-04-1-1-0
Out Shot by Opponents1-1-0-03-5-0-0
1-Goal Games0-0-1-05-1-1-0
2-Goal Games2-0-0-01-2-0-0
3-Goal Games4-1-0-00-1-0-0

Royals Host 3 Games This Week

ROYALS HOST THREE GAMES THIS WEEK; MARTY’S BIRTHDAY ON SUNDAY
Victoria hosts the Brandon Wheat Kings tomorrow and the Tri-City Americans on the weekend.

For Immediate Release
Monday, October 27, 2014

Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals will host the East Division leading Brandon Wheat Kings tomorrow night and the Tri-City Americans on Saturday, November 1st and Sunday November 2nd.  Tomorrow’s game is sponsored by Save-On-Foods while Saturday evening is Turn Back the Clock Night  and Sunday afternoon is Marty the Marmot’s birthday presented by Island Savings. Sunday’s game also marks the first Kirby’s Source for Sports’ Skate with the players after the game.

FILLING THE NET: With two goals in Saturday night’s 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Giants, Royals’ forward Austin Carroll is currently tied for first in WHL goal scoring with 10 goals in 13 games. The Calgary Flames’ draft pick has 19 points (10g-9a) in 13 games to lead Victoria in scoring.

SO FAR SO GOOD- Since moving to Vancouver Island the Victoria Royals are 3-0-0-0 when facing the Brandon Wheat Kings, with two of the games needing extra time. Last season the Royals defeated the Wheat Kings 5-3 in Brandon, with goals from current players Tyler Soy, Austin Carroll, and Keegan Kanzig. In Brandon’s only visit to the Island, on October 23, 2012, Victoria edged the Wheat Kings 4-3 in overtime.

TUESDAY – SAVE-ON-FOODS NIGHT

TICKETS

-          All UVIC and Camosun students will save $4.00 off any corner or end seats when they show their student ID at the Select Your Tickets Box Office window prior to puck drop.


SATURDAY – TURN BACK THE CLOCK NIGHT PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA, DIGITAL DIRECT PRINTERS AND ROYAL BC MUSEUM

PRE-GAME

6:00 p.m.
-          The first 1,500 fans will receive a vintage style, Royals’ team poster presented by Coca-Cola and Digital Direct Printers.
 
SUNDAY – MARTY’S BIRTHDAY PRESENTED BY ISLAND SAVINGS

PRE-GAME

12:00 p.m.
-          Come celebrate Marty the Marmot’s 9th Birthday!  Marty’s birthday card will be available for anyone to sign at Gate 1 from 12:00 – 1:00PM.  Marty will be joined for the event by his mascot friends including: Turbo (Harbour Air), Daisy the Cow (Island Farms), Sidney the Kidney (Kidney Foundation of Canada), Ace (Saanich PD), Santa Bear (CFAX Santas Anonymous), Cooper (Co-op Gas), Terry the Trader (Sports Traders), Harvey (Harbour Cats), Striker (Victoria Highlanders FC) and Rocky (Victoria Shamrocks).

POST-GAME

Kirby’s Source for Sports’ Skate with the players:

-          Join the Royals post-game for Kirby’s Source for Sports Skate with the players.  Fans are encouraged to bring their own skates and helmets, but can rent by donation from the SOFMC Skate Shop.  Fans are also encouraged to sign up and secure your wristband from the skate shop pre-game or during the intermissions.

The Royals’ Pink in the Rink jerseys will be on display in the concourse and available to bid on in ongoing jersey auctions.  All proceeds for the pink jerseys benefit the BC Cancer Foundation.  Full jersey auction schedule can be found at www.victoriaroyals.com/jerseyauctions.


Get your tickets for this week’s games by calling 250-220-7777 or visiting at www.victoriaroyals.com. Pro-rated Royals season ticket packages are still available and offer a host of fantastic benefits. Get more details by calling 250-220-7889 or visiting at www.victoriaroyals.com. Join the Royal family today.

Saturday 25 October 2014

Recap: VAN 2 - VIC 3

Austin Carroll scored a pair of goals including the winner as the Victoria Royals (8-6-1-0, 17pts) edged the visiting Vancouver Giants 3-2 Saturday on Pink in the Rink night.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we got it done – we can be happy about that.” – Royals Assistant Coach Enio Sacilotto

The Royals sweep the two game set after a 2-1 victory over the Giants Friday night.

Victoria extends their win streak to 4 games, while handing Vancouver their 3 consecutive defeat.  The Giants have yet to win on the road this season in 6 tries (0-6).

“I think we’re just playing as a team…” said Carroll about what the team is doing right during the 4 game win streak.

“Even when we get down a bit, someone finds a way to go out there and light a fire under us.  It’s a team effort, and as much as we’ve been winning, I think we have a lot more to bring to the table as well.” 

The Royals even the season series at 2 games a piece and will meet next on road on November 15th.

Coleman Vollrath earned his 4th straight win making 29 saves and has only allowed 5 goals against during the 4 game win streak.

“At times I thought we had some moments we could be better, that was the same last night…but we found a way to win ugly, and luckily were coming out of the weekend with two wins.” Said Vollrath

Payton Lee suffered his 5th defeat allowing 3 goals on 26 shots.

Vancouver opened the scoring on a Matt Bellerieve (1g 1a) power play goal, before Taylor Crunk replied with his first goal and followed with a fight with Arvin Atwal.

In the second, Carroll notched his 9th of the year on the power play to give Victoria their first lead 2-1.

In the third, Mason Geertsen who’s hit on Tyler Soy left him unable to return back in the first, scored the Giants 2nd power play goal of the game to draw even at 2.  Carroll’s 10th of the year set up by Brandon Magee gave the Royals the lead one final time.

The newly created line of Carroll, Magee (2a) and Axel Blomqvist (2a) in the absence of Soy, collected 6 points on the night.

“It felt good playing with Magee and Blomqvist…it’s exciting to play with them.” Said Carroll

Vancouver was 2 for 3 with the man advantage, while the home team was 1 for 4.

Victoria’s 5 game homestand continues with a visit from the most offensive club in the WHL, the Brandon Wheat Kings on Tuesday, and wraps up with a pair against Tri City Saturday and Sunday.

- Marlon Martens

Vancouver Giants 2 at Victoria Royals 3 - Status: Final
Saturday, October 25, 2014 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Vancouver 1 0 1 - 2
Victoria 1 1 1 - 3

1st Period-
1, Vancouver, Bellerive 4 (Atwal, Geertsen), 5:39 (PP).
2, Victoria, Crunk 1 (Fisher, Gagnon), 11:06.

Penalties-Gagnon Vic (interference), 3:56; Roach Van (interference), 8:19; Atwal Van (major-fighting), 12:11; Crunk Vic (major-fighting), 12:11; Popoff Van (interference), 13:01.

2nd Period-
3, Victoria, Carroll 9 (Blomqvist, Magee), 9:08 (PP).

Penalties-Morrison Van (tripping), 3:48; Hamilton Van (hooking), 7:51; Kanzig Vic (cross checking), 10:29.

3rd Period-
4, Vancouver, Geertsen 1 (Benson, Bellerive), 5:38.
5, Victoria, Carroll 10 (Magee, Blomqvist), 13:27.

Penalties-Hicketts Vic (kneeing), 3:37; Popoff Van (roughing), 8:51; Gagnon Vic (roughing), 8:51.

Shots on Goal-
Vancouver 17-6-8-31.
Victoria 7-13-6-26.

Power Play Opportunities-
Vancouver 1 / 3;
Victoria 1 / 4.

Goalies-
Vancouver, Lee 6-5-0-0 (26 shots-23 saves).
Victoria, Vollrath 7-5-1-0 (31 shots-29 saves).

A-5,089
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Adam Griffiths (36).
Linesmen-Jacob Hill (122), Jeff MacAdams.

Preview: Vancouver at Victoria, Saturday Oct 25th

The Victoria Royals  (7-6-1-0, 15pts) entertain the Vancouver Giants (6-6, 12pts) in the back half of a two game set on Pink in the Rink night Saturday.

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

Friday, the Royals used a pair of power play goals to get past the visiting Giants 2-1, pushing their win streak to 3 games, and moving to one game over .500.

Netminder Coleman Vollrath made 28 saves, 13 of which came in the 3rd period earning him first star honours.  CHL Goaltender of the Week nominee, Payton Lee turned aside 27 in the loss.

Victoria went 2 for 4 with the man advantage while shutting down the 5th best power play in the league on all 3 Vancouver chances.

Royals Brandon Magee in his first home game of the season scored the eventual winner in the 2nd period giving him 3 points in 2 games (1g 2a) since returning from suspension.  Defenseman Travis Brown notched his 4th of the year in the first.

Giants Carter Popoff scored his team leading 8th of the season to draw his side to within one in the final frame.  His club has not won on the road this season in 5 tries. (0-5)

Victoria earned their first victory in 3 tries against Vancouver this season, while they pull 3 points up on the Giants in the BC Division, taking sole possession of 3rd place with 15 points.

The Royals have locked down their defensive game as of late, only allowing 6 goals in their last 4 outings, and just 3 against over their 3 game win streak.  They’ve scored the opening goal in those 3 wins.

After Saturday, Victoria entertains the East leading Brandon Wheat Kings Tuesday who are averaging 8.5 goals a game during their 4 game win streak.  Brandon is in Kelowna Saturday.

-Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals vs Vancouver Giants: Head To Head Stats Summary
  
Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2014-15 Regular SeasonVictoria 1-2-0-0Vancouver 2-1-0-0
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular SeasonVictoria 5-4-0-1Vancouver 5-4-1-0
Last 5 Years record between teamsVictoria 21-20-1-1Vancouver 22-20-1-0
Victoria vs. Vancouver Last 5 Years record at VictoriaVictoria 13-7-0-1Vancouver 8-12-1-0
Victoria vs. Vancouver Last 5 Years record at VancouverVictoria 8-13-1-0Vancouver 14-8-0-0
Previous Meetings This SeasonVancouver 1 @ Victoria 2 (Oct 24 2014) Final
Victoria 3 @ Vancouver 5 (Sep 28 2014) Final
Victoria 1 @ Vancouver 3 (Sep 20 2014) Final

How the 2 teams match up
   
 
Vancouver
Victoria
Team Record6-6-0-0 -- 12 points7-6-1-0 -- 15 points
Division Ranking5th B.C.3rd B.C.
Conference Ranking8th Western5th Western
League Ranking14th10th
Past 10 Games4-6-0-06-3-1-0
Streak0-2-0-03-0-0-0
Last Game2-1 L @ Victoria (Oct 24 2014) Final2-1 W vs Vancouver (Oct 24 2014) Final
Home Record6-1-0-03-1-1-0
Away Record0-5-0-04-5-0-0
GF45 43 
GA34 50 
PP (Overall)(13/57) 22.8(16/75) 21.3
PP (Home)(9/28) 32.1(6/24) 25.0
PP (Away)(4/29) 13.8(10/51) 19.6
PK (Overall)(15/59) 74.6(14/68) 79.4
PK (Home)(6/33) 81.8(4/19) 78.9
PK (Away)(9/26) 65.4(10/49) 79.6
Leading RookieBenson (3-7-10)Hannoun (1-2-3)
Most PIMAtwal - 26Crunk - 38
Team PIM/GM17.5/Game18.6/Game
Leading ScorersPopoff (8-6-14)Carroll (8-9-17)
 Hamilton (4-10-14)Hicketts (4-11-15)
 Foster (6-7-13)Walker (5-7-12)
 Houck (5-8-13)Soy (4-8-12)
 Benson (3-7-10)Brown (4-7-11)
Last 5 Games2-1 L @ Victoria (Oct 24 2014) Final2-1 W vs Vancouver (Oct 24 2014) Final
 7-2 L @ Kamloops (Oct 22 2014) Final4-0 W @ Kootenay (Oct 18 2014) Final
 9-1 W vs Prince George (Oct 18 2014) Final4-2 W @ Lethbridge (Oct 17 2014) Final
 3-0 W vs Kamloops (Oct 17 2014) Final3-2 L @ Edmonton (Oct 15 2014) Final
 2-1 L @ Prince George (Oct 11 2014) Final6-5 W @ Red Deer (Oct 14 2014) Final OT
Leading After 1st2-2-0-04-1-0-0
Leading After 2nd4-1-0-03-1-0-0
Tied After 1st3-2-0-01-0-0-0
Tied After 2nd1-1-0-02-0-0-0
Trailing After 1st1-2-0-02-5-1-0
Trailing After 2nd1-4-0-02-5-1-0
Out Shooting Opponents6-1-0-04-1-1-0
Out Shot by Opponents0-2-0-02-5-0-0
1-Goal Games0-4-0-04-1-1-0
2-Goal Games3-1-0-01-2-0-0
3-Goal Games1-0-0-00-1-0-0

Pink In The Rink - by Lisa Lynam

Royals Put on the Pink for BC Cancer Foundation
-- Lisa Lynam, Zone 91.3 Interim Hockey reporter

On Saturday night the Victoria Royals look to continue their tradition of Pink in the Rink at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre when they host the Vancouver Giants for their second of two home games. The event is an important part of the Royals calendar that makes a difference in the community and supports the BC Cancer Foundation. Last year the Royals raised $39,000 for cancer research on Vancouver Island.

Royals players will be wearing a limited edition Pink in the Rink jersey. The game worn jerseys of Brandon Magee, Tyler Soy, Travis Brown and Marty the Marmot will be part of a post-game live auction on the ice with all proceeds to the BC Cancer Foundation.

There will also be a silent auction of other players’ jerseys (Logan Fisher, Ryan Gagnon, Jayden Sittler) on Saturday night – with auctions of other players’ jerseys continuing throughout the year. See www.victoriaroyals.com/jerseyauctions for the full list and schedule.

This year players have also targeted raising $10,000 themselves online at the BC Cancer Foundation donation website (http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/TR?fr_id=2590&pg=entry) and competing for the Top Player Fundraising Award.

Royals General Manager Cam Hope emphasized the importance of the event now in its fourth year which was switched to the month of October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness month, 

“Everyone in the organization in some way or another is touched by cancer and cancer treatment. It’s extremely important to all of us. We fundraise during the game in all different ways including a portion of the sale of tickets.”

Fans have plenty of ways in addition to jersey auctions to chip in their support - pink banner clappers will be available to fans upon entrance by donation and all Chuck-A-Puck and 50-50 draw proceeds will go to the BC Cancer Foundation.

Beyond the fundraising cause, it also gives players an opportunity show their community support by playing for those who have been touched by cancer.

Joe Hicketts, #2, Defenseman
Pink in the Rink is a special night for everyone... My grandpa who survived cancer is definitely in my head, and a good friend Murray Monroe, he passed away a couple years ago of cancer so I’ll be playing for him on Saturday.

Coleman Vollrath, #35, Goalie
I’ll be playing for my grandma Judy Smiley, my dad’s mom – she had part of her lung removed because of some cancer in there, so I’ll be playing for her for sure.

Tyler Soy, #17, Centre
Luckily no one in my immediate family has been lost from cancer, but my grandpa had cancer and he battled through and we have a lot of family friends who have gone through fighting cancer so it’s pretty close to home and I’m very excited to play a game to be able to support such a good cause for the BC Cancer Foundation.

Brandon Magee, #18, Forward
My aunt had breast cancer, and she’s a survivor... I’m playing for her and that game is going to be dedicated for her, but I’ve got a lot of buddies who have been touched by cancer so I think the night is really a special night for everybody in the room.

Austin Carroll, #21, Forward
My dad passed away from cancer so he’s in the back of my mind every game but for Pink in the Rink maybe a little bit more.

Bringing in the pink also has proven beneficial for Victoria’s record too - going 2-1-0-0 on the night including last year’s overtime victory against Vancouver.
Listen to the games on The Zone @91.3 fm, with the pregame show starting at 6:40, or online at www.thezone.fm/whl.

Friday 24 October 2014

Recap: VAN 1 - VIC 2

Coleman Vollrath sports the Royals
new 3rd Jersey in a 2-1 win over Giants
The Victoria Royals used a pair of power play goals to get past the visiting Vancouver Giants 2-1 Friday night.

“Specialty teams tonight were key…we scored two on the power play and killed off 3 really big penalties, especially in the third…” – Royals Assistant Coach Enio Sacilotto

Netminder Coleman Vollrath made 28 saves, with 13 coming in the 3rd period to earn first star honours.  CHL Goaltender of the Week nominee, Payton Lee turned aside 27 in the loss.

“Coleman Vollrath had a great night, played a great game.” Said Sacilotto

Brandon Magee in his first home game of the season scored the eventual winner in the 2nd period giving him 3 points in 2 games (1g 2a), while Travis Brown notched his 4th of the year in the first.

Giants Carter Popoff scored his team leading 8th of the season to draw his side to within one in the final frame.

The Royals won their 3rd straight game for the first time this season as they pull one game over .500 (7-6-1-0) and 3 points up on the Giants in the BC Division.

Victoria went 2 for 4 with the man advantage while shutting down the 5th best power play in the league on all 3 Vancouver chances.

The Royals have locked down their defensive game as of late, only allowing 6 goals in their last 4 outings, and just 3 against over their 3 game win streak.

“Our team defense is getting a lot better, our goaltending has been a lot better – those are key areas to get your goals against down…” according to Sacilotto

The two clubs meet again on the Island Saturday in the annual Pink in the Rink night, with a chance for Victoria to even the season series at 2 (1-2).

- Marlon Martens

Vancouver Giants 1 at Victoria Royals 2 - Status: Final
Friday, October 24, 2014 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

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

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Brown 4 (Soy, Carroll), 12:52 (PP).

Penalties-Geertsen Van (major-fighting), 0:38; Kanzig Vic (major-fighting), 0:38; Atwal Van (charging, roughing), 11:40; Kanzig Vic (roughing), 11:40; Palmer Vic (holding), 18:28.

2nd Period-
2, Victoria, Magee 1 (Fushimi, Blomqvist), 4:32 (PP).

Penalties-Geertsen Van (interference), 2:58; Houck Van (inter. on goaltender), 15:22.

3rd Period-
3, Vancouver, Popoff 8 (Geertsen), 3:02.

Penalties-Hicketts Vic (slashing), 5:56; Crunk Vic (checking from behind), 9:52; Geertsen Van (hooking), 12:57.

Shots on Goal-
Vancouver 7-8-14-29.
Victoria 9-13-7-29.

Power Play Opportunities-
Vancouver 0 / 3;
Victoria 2 / 4.

Goalies-
Vancouver, Lee 6-4-0-0 (29 shots-27 saves).
Victoria, Vollrath 6-5-1-0 (29 shots-28 saves).

A-5,161
Referees-Ryan Benbow (62), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Blake Copeland (95), Riley Friesen (76).

Thursday 23 October 2014

Preview: Vancouver at Victoria, Friday Oct. 24th

The Victoria Royals (6-6-1-0, 13pts) open a five game homestand with a pair of games against the Vancouver Giants (6-5, 12pts) Friday and Saturday.

Friday night Victoria will unveil their first ever 3rd Jersey, while Saturday is the annual Pink in the Rink fundraiser night.

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

It’s the third meeting of the season, with the Giants winning both encounters so far in Vancouver by 3-1 and 5-3 scores.

The Royals have a 1 point lead over the Giants in the standings (13 to 12), and are 4th and 5th in the BC Division respectively.

Victoria is on a two game win streak after a 6 game in 9 night Central division road swing, winning 4 of 6 games.  They only allowed 5 goals against in their last 3 outings.

Royals top point getters on the road:
- Carroll – 9 pts (4g, 5a)
- Hicketts – 8 pts (1g, 7a)
- Soy – 6 pts (3g, 3a)
- Walker – 6 pts (3g, 3a)
- Blomqvist – 5 pts (4g, 1a)
- Brown – 4 pts (1g, 3a)

They wrapped the trek up with a 4-0 shut out victory over Kootenay last Saturday as Brandon Magee made his return from suspension had 2 assists, as did Royals leading scorer, Austin Carroll.  Coleman Vollrath made 27 saves for his 2nd career shut out.

Getting the goals were Travis Brown, Logan Fisher, Axel Blomqvist, and Brandon Fushimi.

Vancouver had their two game win streak snapped in Kamloops Wednesday, falling 7-2.  Payton Lee took the loss allowing 3 goals on 18 shots.  Lee was nominated for CHL goaltender of the week.

The Giants come into Friday’s game with the 5th best power play percentage, and have scored the 5th most goals per game on average (4.00), while taking the 4th most shots on average.

Vancouver looks for their first road win of the season (0-4), while Victoria is 2-1-1-0 on home ice this year.

The Royals power play has improved to 9th best in the league and have now scored the 8th most goals for on average per game, up from 20th spot before the 6th game road trip.

Wednesday, the Royals acquired goaltender Jayden Sittler (1996) from the Kootenay Ice in exchange for a sixth round draft pick in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.  His father’s cousin is the famed Darryl Sittler.

The 6-0, 184 lb netminder Sittler was brought in as a result of netminder Evan Smith being injured at practice.

According to GM Cam Hope, “A good positional goalie, he battles…”

Sittler joins the Royals after starting the 2014-15 season with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the AJHL.  In four games for the Oil Barons, he posted a 2-2-0 record with a goals against average (GAA) of 3.04 and a 0.903 save percentage (SV%).

“He’s a know entity on what kind of guy he is.  A little unknown, in terms of what kind of goaltender he is except for his statistics – but we like what we’ve seen.” Continued Hope

The native of Red Deer, AB played in one game for the Ice last season, making 17 saves in a victory.

Sittler was part of the Chiefs team that captured the Telus Cup along with current Royal Logan Fisher.

The WHL announced Tuesday that Victoria defenceman Joe Hicketts has been named the Denny’s WHL Player of the week.  Last Thursday he was named to the roster for Team WHL in the upcoming Subway Super Series.

Hicketts who wears the ‘C’, recorded seven points (1g-6a) over the Royals’ four games last week to go along with four penalty minutes and a plus-5 rating on his way to the Player of the Week honour. He becomes the second player in Victoria team history to receive the award (Alex Gogolev, 2012-2013).

Hicketts was tied for first in league scoring among defencemen after last weekend, with 4 goals and 11 assists in 11 games played.

Saturday’s contest vs. the Giants marks the Royals’ fourth annual Pink in the Rink Night at SOFMC. Victoria holds a record of 2-1-0-0 on PITR Night including last year’s overtime victory against Vancouver.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals vs Vancouver Giants: Head To Head Stats Summary
Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2014-15 Regular SeasonVictoria 0-2-0-0Vancouver 2-0-0-0
Head to Head Record 2013-14 Regular SeasonVictoria 5-4-0-1Vancouver 5-4-1-0
Last 5 Years record between teamsVictoria 20-20-1-1Vancouver 22-19-1-0
Victoria vs. Vancouver Last 5 Years record at VictoriaVictoria 12-7-0-1Vancouver 8-11-1-0
Victoria vs. Vancouver Last 5 Years record at VancouverVictoria 8-13-1-0Vancouver 14-8-0-0
Previous Meetings This SeasonVictoria 3 @ Vancouver 5 (Sep 28 2014) Final
Victoria 1 @ Vancouver 3 (Sep 20 2014) Final

How the 2 teams match up
Vancouver
Victoria
Team Record6-5-0-0 -- 12 points6-6-1-0 -- 13 points
Division Ranking5th B.C.4th B.C.
Conference Ranking8th Western7th Western
League Ranking14th13th
Past 10 Games5-5-0-06-3-1-0
Streak0-1-0-02-0-0-0
Last Game7-2 L @ Kamloops (Oct 22 2014) Final4-0 W @ Kootenay (Oct 18 2014) Final
Home Record6-1-0-02-1-1-0
Away Record0-4-0-04-5-0-0
GF44 41 
GA32 49 
PP (Overall)(13/54) 24.1(14/71) 19.7
PP (Home)(9/28) 32.1(4/20) 20.0
PP (Away)(4/26) 15.4(10/51) 19.6
PK (Overall)(13/55) 76.4(14/65) 78.5
PK (Home)(6/33) 81.8(4/16) 75.0
PK (Away)(7/22) 68.2(10/49) 79.6
Leading RookieBenson (3-7-10)Hannoun (1-2-3)
Most PIMAtwal - 22Crunk - 36
Team PIM/GM17.7/Game19.0/Game
Leading ScorersHamilton (4-10-14)Carroll (8-8-16)
Popoff (7-6-13)Hicketts (4-11-15)
Foster (6-7-13)Walker (5-7-12)
Houck (5-8-13)Soy (4-7-11)
Benson (3-7-10)Brown (3-7-10)
Last 5 Games7-2 L @ Kamloops (Oct 22 2014) Final4-0 W @ Kootenay (Oct 18 2014) Final
9-1 W vs Prince George (Oct 18 2014) Final4-2 W @ Lethbridge (Oct 17 2014) Final
3-0 W vs Kamloops (Oct 17 2014) Final3-2 L @ Edmonton (Oct 15 2014) Final
2-1 L @ Prince George (Oct 11 2014) Final6-5 W @ Red Deer (Oct 14 2014) Final OT
2-1 L @ Prince George (Oct 10 2014) Final8-2 L @ Medicine Hat (Oct 11 2014) Final
Leading After 1st2-2-0-03-1-0-0
Leading After 2nd4-1-0-02-1-0-0
Tied After 1st3-2-0-01-0-0-0
Tied After 2nd1-1-0-02-0-0-0
Trailing After 1st1-1-0-02-5-1-0
Trailing After 2nd1-3-0-02-5-1-0
Out Shooting Opponents6-1-0-04-1-1-0
Out Shot by Opponents0-2-0-02-5-0-0
1-Goal Games0-3-0-03-1-1-0
2-Goal Games3-1-0-01-2-0-0
3-Goal Games1-0-0-00-1-0-0

Wednesday 22 October 2014

Royals Acquire G Jayden Sittler

ROYALS TRADE FOR JAYDEN SITTLER
Victoria acquires 1996-born goaltender from Kootenay.

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals are pleased to announce that the club has acquired goaltender Jayden Sittler (1996) from the Kootenay Ice in exchange for a sixth round draft pick in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.

Sittler joins the Royals after starting the 2014-15 season with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). The 6-0, 184 lb netminder has played in four games for the Oil Barons, posting a 2-2-0 record with a goals against average (GAA) of 3.04 and a 0.903 save percentage (SV%).

The native of Red Deer, AB played in one game for the Ice last season, making 17 saves for the victory.

Sittler spent the past two seasons with Red Deer Optimist Chiefs of the Alberta AAA Midget Hockey League (AMHL). During the 2013-14 season, Sittler registered a mark of 12-4-2 with a 2.03 GAA and a SV% of 0.913. In 2013 he was part of the Chiefs team that captured the Telus Cup.

Victoria is now home for a pair of games vs. the Vancouver Giants on Friday October 24th and Saturday October 25th. Friday’s contest marks the unveiling of the Royals third jersey, while Saturday’s game is the annual Pink in the Rink Night at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Get your tickets today by calling 250-220-7777 or visiting at www.victoriaroyals.com 


Pro-rated Royals season ticket packages are still available and offer a host of fantastic benefits. Get more details by calling 250-220-7889 or visiting at www.victoriaroyals.com. Join the Royal family today.


Monday 20 October 2014

Hicketts Named WHL Player Of The Week

ROYALS’ JOE HICKETTS NAMED DENNY’S WHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Victoria defender records seven points in four games.

For Immediate Release
Monday, October 20, 2014

Victoria, BC- The Western Hockey League today announced that Victoria Royals’ defenceman Joe Hicketts has been named Denny’s WHL Player of the week.

Hicketts, an 18-year-old from Kamloops, BC recorded seven points (1g-6a) over the Royals’ four games last week to go along with four penalty minutes and a plus-5 rating on his way to the honour. The 5-8, 186 lb blueliner becomes the second player (Alex Gogolev, 2012-2013) in Victoria Royals team history to receive the Denny’s WHL Player of the Week award.

In eight games played so far in the month of October, Hicketts has notched 11 points (2g-9a) to go along with six minutes in penalties. Hicketts is tied for first in league scoring for defencemen with four goals and 11 assists in 11 games played.


Drafted by the Royals in the first round, 12th overall, in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft as the club’s first ever draft pick, Hicketts has registered 63 points (16g-47a) over 115 games with Victoria.


Victoria now returns home for a pair of games vs. the Vancouver Giants on Friday October 24th and Saturday October 25th. Friday’s contest marks the unveiling of the Royals third jersey, while Saturday’s game is the annual Pink in the Rink Night at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Get your tickets today by calling 250-220-7777 or visiting at www.victoriaroyals.com.  

ROYALS’ JOE HICKETTS Named 
Denny's WHL Player Of The Week

Calgary, AB - The Western Hockey League announced today that Victoria Royals’ defenceman Joe Hicketts is the Denny’s WHL Player of the Week for the week ending October 19, 2014. 

Hicketts amassed a goal and six assists for seven points along with a plus-5 rating in four road games over the past week, helping the Royals post a 3-1-0-0 record in that span.

On Tuesday, October 14th, Hicketts recorded three assists in a 6-5 overtime victory over the Red Deer Rebels.  On Wednesday, October 15th, Hicketts scored his fourth goal of the season in a 3-2 defeat to the Edmonton Oil Kings.  On Friday, October 17th, he notched two assists, including setting up the game-winning goal, and was named the game’s 1st Star in a 4-2 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.  On Saturday, October 18th, Hicketts extended his point streak to four games with an assist in a 4-0 shutout win over the Kootenay Ice.

Hicketts, an 18-year-old from Kamloops, B.C., is in his third season in the WHL with the Victoria Royals.  The 5’8”, 186-lb rearguard has amassed 16 goals and 62 points in 115 career regular-season contests, including four goals and 14 points in 11 games to start the 2014-15 season. The Royals’ first round pick, 12th overall, in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft, Hicketts recently signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the Detroit Red Wings after attending their training camp in September 2014.

The WHL has also nominated Payton Lee of the Vancouver Giants for the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week award. An 18-year-old product of Cranbrook, B.C., Lee posted a 2-0-0-0 record with a shutout in two starts over the past week, allowing just one goal on 50 shots for a 0.50 goals-against average and a .980 save percentage in that span.  On Friday, October 17th, Lee stopped all 23 shots he faced for his first shutout of the season while being named the game’s 1st Star in a 3-0 win over the visiting Kamloops Blazers.  On Saturday, October 18th, Lee made 26 saves on 27 shots to earn his sixth win of the season in a 9-1 victory over the visiting Prince George Cougars.  Lee is in his third season in the WHL with the Giants, posting a 41-43-4-3 record with three shutouts in 94 career appearances.  He selected by the Giants in the second round, 28th overall, in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft.  Lee is eligible for the 2015 NHL Draft.

Denny’s WHL Player of the Week
Oct. 13 – Oct. 19: Joe Hicketts, Victoria Royals
Oct. 6 – Oct. 12: Ivan Nikolishin, Everett Silvertips
Sept. 29 – Oct. 5: Madison Bowey, Kelowna Rockets
Sept. 22 – Sept. 28: Carson Stadnyk, Everett Silvertips
Sept. 19 – Sept. 21: Jay Merkley, Swift Current Broncos