Thursday 31 December 2015

Recap: VIC 3 - KAM 2 (Wed. Dec.30.2015)




Coleman Vollrath made 36 saves and Matthew Phillips scored the winner as the visiting Victoria Royals (23-12-1-2, 49pts) beat the Kamloops Blazers 3-2 Wednesday night.

“We got an early start, a 2-0 lead, and chances throughout,” said interim head coach Enio Sacilotto,

“We got the third one that we needed, Vollrath closed the door at the end and that’s a sign of a good team – It was a good team effort all the way around.”

Phillips broke a 2-2 second period tie for the eventual winner, helping the Royals pick up points in 3 straight games (2-0-0-1).

“We had a really good start, got a lot of pucks on net…we didn’t want to pass up shots and we played a solid sixty.” Said Matthew Phillips who’s second in rookie scoring and is tied in freshman goals with 19.

Vollrath stopped all 18 he faced in the third period including several during a late Blazer (17-14-3-1, 38pts) power play to preserve the lead, and help Victoria remain 2nd in the West, one point up on Prince George.

“They put a lot of pucks on net in the third, I think that put me into a rhythm,” said Vollrath,

“Honestly I was just trying to have fun and enjoy playing the game – and that’s when I play my best.”

The Royals fired a season high 22 first period shots, and lead 2-1 after 20 minutes on goals by Vladimir Bobylev and rookie Ryan Peckford.

“We were pretty excited, we just want to get out there and score goals and get a good start and it’s a lot more fun when you’re playing with the lead.” said Phillips.

Victoria out shot Kamloops 43-38 overall as Connor Ingram earned first star honours with 40 saves in the defeat.

“They were hungry for a victory, so all credit goes to the locker room, the leadership and all the players.” Commented Sacilotto on coming off a 3-2 shoot out loss to the Cougars.

The Royals power play went 0 for 2, and stopped all 3 Blazer man advantages.

Victoria now leads the season series 4-1 and improve to (4-4-0-1) with interim head coach Enio Sacilotto behind the bench.

“A big win is right…” said Vollrath,

“Especially when you look at the standings, and how tight our division is.  Right now playing a lot of divisional games is huge that we play well and get these points while we can…so we’re not looking to get them when it comes down to the end of the season.”

Kamloops got goals from Jake Kryski and Jermaine Loewen.

It was Victoria’s final game of 2015 and the two clubs will next meet New Years Day at 2pm in Kamloops.

The 3 game BC Division road trip wraps up Saturday in Kelowna against the WHL’s top seeded Rockets.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 3 at Kamloops Blazers 2 - Status: Final
Wednesday, December 30, 2015 - Sandman Centre

Victoria 2 1 0 - 3
Kamloops 1 1 0 - 2

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Bobylev 13 (Soy, Ibragimov), 4:34.
2, Victoria, Peckford 5 (Price, Anderson), 6:46.
3, Kamloops, Loewen 4 (Miller, Bast), 13:40.

Penalties-Jarratt Vic (holding), 10:31.

2nd Period-
4, Kamloops, Kryski 7 (Sideroff, Reagan), 5:17.
5, Victoria, Phillips 19 (Hannoun), 8:45.

Penalties-Campese Kam (hooking), 9:42; Gagnon Vic (tripping), 19:48.

3rd Period-
No Scoring.

Penalties-served by Miller Kam (too many men), 3:46; Walker Vic (hooking), 15:30.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 22-13-8-43.
Kamloops 8-12-18-38.

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

Goalies-
Victoria, Vollrath 18-10-0-2 (38 shots-36 saves).
Kamloops, Ingram 15-9-3-1 (43 shots-40 saves).

A-3,797
Referees-Kevin Bennett (29), Jeff Ingram (82).
Linesmen-Jacob Hill (122), Spencer Lockert (84).

Tuesday 29 December 2015

Recap: PG 3 - VIC 2 Shoot Out (Mon.Dec.28.2015)



 The Victoria Royals fell 3-2 in shoot out to the visiting Prince George Cougars Monday night.

Jansen Harkins provided the winner for the Cougars, while the Royals got goals from Vladimir Bobylev and Alex Forsberg in regulation, and a two assist night from Tyler Soy.

Victoria led 1-0 after 20 minutes, but Prince George used a power goal and a shorthanded marker courtesy of Chase Witala to draw even at 2-2 after 40 minutes.

The Royals had a 5 on 3 power play in overtime, and had the only 3 shots on goal in the extra frame, but Nick McBride shut the door.  Victoria outshot Prince George 39-34, as Coleman Vollrath suffered his second shoot out loss this season.

The Royals got their single shoot out goal from Jack Walker as Forsberg, Hannoun and Soy were stopped.  Jesse Gabrielle scored the other for the Cougars.

Victoria went 1 for 7 on the power play, and Prince George was 1 for 6 with their man advantages.

The Royals had beaten the Cougars 6-2 one night earlier.

Victoria remains in 2nd spot in the West one point up on their BC Division rivals after completing a stretch of four straight games against the Cougars picking up 5 of a possible 8 points.

The Royals head out on a 3 game road trip beginning with a pair against the Blazers in Kamloops Wednesday and Friday, and wrap up in Kelowna Saturday.

- Marlon Martens

Prince George Cougars 3 (SO) at Victoria Royals 2 - Status: Final SO
Monday, December 28, 2015 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Prince George 0 2 0 0 - 3
Victoria 1 1 0 0 - 2

1st Period-1, Victoria, Bobylev 12 (Soy), 8:33.

Penalties-Fisher Vic (inter. on goaltender), 1:45; Anderson P.g (interference), 4:31.

2nd Period-
2, Prince George, Olson 3 (Harkins, Witala), 8:38 (PP).
3, Victoria, Forsberg 14 (Soy, Walker), 10:46 (PP).
4, Prince George, Witala 23 (Olson), 16:43 (SH).

Penalties-Westgard Vic (delay of game), 3:04; Pachal Vic (clipping), 8:27; Witala P.g (slashing), 10:16; O'Brien P.g (slashing), 15:44; Bobylev Vic (kneeing), 16:43; Jarratt Vic (kneeing), 16:51; Gabrielle P.g (roughing), 18:33; McDonald P.g (roughing), 20:00; Ruopp P.g (roughing), 20:00; Forsberg Vic (roughing), 20:00.

3rd Period-
No Scoring.

Penalties-Bobylev Vic (tripping), 15:26; Witala P.g (inter. on goaltender), 19:24; McDonald P.g (face off violation), 19:39.

OT Period-
No Scoring.

Penalties-McAuley P.g (major-fighting), 4:44; Fisher Vic (major-fighting), 4:44; Ruopp P.g (10-minute misconduct), 5:00; Witala P.g (roughing, game misconduct), 5:00; Reddekopp Vic (10-minute misconduct), 5:00.

Shootout –
Prince George 2 (Gabrielle G, Morrison NG, McDonald NG, Harkins G),
Victoria 1 (Walker G, Forsberg NG, Hannoun NG, Soy NG).

Shots on Goal-
Prince George 15-11-7-0-1-34.
Victoria 13-9-14-3-0-39.

Power Play Opportunities-
Prince George 1 / 6;
Victoria 1 / 7.

Goalies-Prince George, McBride 8-3-0-1 (39 shots-37 saves). Victoria, Vollrath 17-10-0-2 (33 shots-31 saves).

A-4,905
Referees-Sean Raphael (28), Kevin Webinger (6).
Linesmen-Riley Friesen (76), Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).

Monday 28 December 2015

Recap: PG 2 - VIC 6 (Sunday Dec.27.2015)



The Victoria Royals scored four times in the first period in a 6-2 win over the visiting Prince George Cougars Sunday night, retaking sole possession of 2nd in the West.

“Having a good start was important because we wanted a bounce back game, and that’s what we got.”  - Interim Head Coach Enio Sacilotto,

Victoria had settled for a split in Prince George before the Christmas Break, winning 2-0 then falling 8-2.   It was the Royals third of four in a row against the Cougars who will play again on the Island Monday night at 7pm.

Victoria held a 4-0 lead after 20 minutes, before the clubs exchanged goals in each of the final two frames.

Royals forward Dante Hannoun and Vladimir Bobylev led the way with 3 assists each, while defenseman Ryan Gagnon had a goal and assist. 

“After we had a couple days (off from the break) we came back and played a well 60 minute game and hopefully we bring that in for (Monday) night.” Said Hannoun, the games first star.

Victoria got goals from 6 different skaters. 

“I thought we came back (from the break), and had a good start which helped us win the game.” said Gagnon

“The rest is always good, get back and see family and get away from the rink for a little bit…I think both teams really wanted to win this game, they had a big push in the second, we got into a little bit of penalty trouble but I thought it was a pretty good game.”

Jared Dmytriw, Alex Forsberg and Tyler Soy scored on the clubs first 4 shots.  Jack Walker and Brayden Pachal also got goals, and for Pachal it was the rookie defenseman’s first in the WHL.

“That was nice, he really stepped up his game and was really good tonight.” commented Sacilotto on the Estevan product’s first.

The animosity brewed between the clubs, with a pair of fights in the middle frame.

Victoria was 0 for 6 on the power play, while Prince George went 1 for 8.

“I expect us to be a little more disciplined, I thought we took way too many penalties tonight.” said Sacilotto,

Coleman Vollrath earned the victory for the Royals between the pipes with 34 stops, while Ty Edmonds started the game, allowed 2 goals on 2 shots before giving way to Nick McBride who finished the first stopping 11 of 13.  Edmonds came in to start the second and concluded the game.

Victoria leads the 8 game season series 2 games to 1.

- Marlon Martens

Prince George Cougars 2 at Victoria Royals 6 - Status: Final
Sunday, December 27, 2015 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Prince George 0 1 1 - 2
Victoria 4 1 1 - 6

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Dmytriw 4 (Reddekopp, Fisher), 1:02.
2, Victoria, Forsberg 13   2:27.
3, Victoria, Soy 14 (Gagnon, Bobylev), 7:13.
4, Victoria, Gagnon 3 (Bobylev, Hannoun), 18:10.

Penalties-Anderson Vic (kneeing), 2:48; Ruopp P.g (roughing), 8:04; Reddekopp Vic (hooking), 14:26; Bethune P.g (hooking), 16:55; Reddekopp Vic (tripping), 18:01.

2nd Period-
5, Prince George, Witala 22 (Morrison, Gabrielle), 14:11 (PP).
6, Victoria, Pachal 1 (Hannoun), 19:15.

Penalties-McAuley P.g (cross checking, major-fighting), 6:25; Price Vic (major-fighting), 6:25; Forsberg Vic (slashing), 6:45; Witala P.g (slashing), 10:49; Bobylev Vic (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 11:59; Jarratt Vic (holding), 13:11; McDonald P.g (major-fighting), 14:48; Walker Vic (slashing, major-fighting), 14:48; Anderson P.g (slashing), 17:10.

3rd Period-
7, Victoria, Walker 14 (Hannoun, Bobylev), 7:11.
8, Prince George, McDonald 7 (Ruopp, McAuley), 9:47.

Penalties-Walker Vic (hooking), 10:31; McDonald P.g (charging), 14:40.

Shots on Goal-
Prince George 13-8-15-36.
Victoria 15-11-7-33.

Power Play Opportunities-
Prince George 1 / 8;
Victoria 0 / 6.

Goalies-
Prince George, Edmonds 11-6-1-0 (20 shots-16 saves); McBride 7-3-0-1 (13 shots-11 saves).
Victoria, Vollrath 17-10-0-1 (36 shots-34 saves).

A-5,227
Referees-Ryan Benbow (62), Adam Griffiths (36).
Linesmen-Curtis Craig (144), Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).

Saturday 26 December 2015

Royals Host Cougars Dec. 27, 28



ROYALS HOST COUGARS FOR TWO GAMES SET
Victoria takes on Prince George on Sunday and Monday night.

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals return to action after the holiday break and will battle the Prince George Cougars for second place in the BC Division on Sunday and Monday night at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Sunday’s contest is Black Press Hockey Card Night. Puck drop for both games is at 7:00 p.m.

HOLIDAY TRADITION: The Royals have played a back-to-back series against the Prince George Cougars right after the Christmas break every season since the 2012-13 campaign. The Royals have compiled a 5-1-0-0 against the Cougars in those two-game sets after the holiday break. In those six games, Victoria has outscored Prince George 29-11.

POINT PRODUCERS: Over their last nine home games, the Royals top line of Matthew Phillips, Alex Forsberg, and Dante Hannoun has combined for 38 points (16g-22a). Phillips leads the trio with 16 points (9g-7a) on home ice, while Forsberg is close behind with 14 points (4g-10a). Hannoun rounds out the line with eight points (3g-5a) in his previous nine games at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

SUNDAY – BLACK PRESS HOCKEY CARD NIGHT

Pre-Game:

-          The first 2,000 fans will receive a set of collectible Royals’ 2015-16 player cards (limit of one set per person) courtesy of Black Press.

-          Japan Camera will be on site at Gate 1 to take Christmas photos with Marty the Marmot from 6:00-6:45 p.m. Photos are by food or cash donation to the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

Tickets:

-          The Royals’ Holiday Combo Pack is still on sale. The ticket pack includes four anytime vouchers and a Royals’ toque for only $60.00. Get your tickets today by calling 250-220-7777 or visiting at www.victoriaroyals.com. 

Jersey Auctions:

-          A selection of Royals’ vintage game worn jersey’s from Turn Back the Clock Night will available via auction by donation to the Victoria Royals Education & Scholarship Fund via silent auction during the game.

Intermission Activities & Promos:

Promo
-          Wheaton GM Cart Race (Second Intermission)
o   Two junior fans (ages seven to 12) will race around the ice for a prize package courtesy of Wheaton GMC

MONDAY

Pre-Game:

-          Japan Camera will be on site at Gate 1 to take Christmas photos with Marty the Marmot from 6:00-6:45 p.m. Photos are by food or cash donation to the Mustard Seed Food Bank.

Tickets:

-          The Royals’ Holiday Combo Pack is still on sale. The ticket pack includes four anytime vouchers and a Royals’ toque for only $60.00. Get your tickets today by calling 250-220-7777 or visiting at www.victoriaroyals.com. 

Jersey Auctions:

-          A selection of Royals’ vintage game worn jersey’s from Turn Back the Clock Night will available via auction by donation to the Victoria Royals Education & Scholarship Fund via silent auction during the game.

Group together and save big. Ask about the benefits of our great packages for groups of 10 or more at 250-220-7889 and tickets@victoriaroyals.com.

Sunday 20 December 2015

Hicketts Named To World Junior Team



ROYALS’ JOE HICKETTS NAMED TO CANADA’S NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM
Victoria defender will play for Canada at the World Junior Championships for second consecutive year.

For Immediate Release
Sunday, December 20, 2015

Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals would like to congratulate defenceman Joe Hicketts on being named to the final roster for Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team for the 2016 World Junior Hockey Championships.

Hicketts will join Royals’ Head Coach Dave Lowry, who was named the bench boss for Canada’s World Junior Hockey Team in March of this year, and Head Equipment Manager Matt Auerbach. 

The 5-8, 175 lb defender was one of 11 defenders from across Canada that was invited to the National Junior Team Selection Camp in Etobicoke, Ontario from December 10th – 14th. The annual tournament begins on Saturday, December 26th with Team Canada taking on the USA in Helsinki, Finland.

Hicketts was a member of Canada’s gold medal winning squad at last year’s World Junior Hockey Championships. Through seven tournament games with the under-20 team, Hicketts recorded three assists and a +3 rating to go along with two minutes in penalties.

In 29 games for Victoria this season, Hicketts has notched 30 points (2g-28a) to go along with 20 penalty minutes. The Royals’ blueliner also sits third in the Canadian Hockey League for most assists by a defenceman. Hicketts recently took part in the annual Canada Russia Series for Team WHL where he recorded two assists and a +2 rating over two games. The native of Kamloops, BC was also named captain of Team WHL for Game 2, which took part in his hometown.

Victoria returns home after the holiday break for a two-game set against the Prince George Cougars on Sunday, December 27th and Monday, December 28th. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Select Your Tickets Box Office, over the phone by calling 250-220-7889 or by visiting www.selectyourtickets.com

Group together and save big. Ask about the benefits of our great packages for groups of 10 or more at 250-220-7889 and tickets@victoriaroyals.com.

Saturday 19 December 2015

Recap: VIC 2 - PG 8 (Sat. Dec.19.2015)

Griffen Outhouse in his net during Teddy Toss Night in PG Saturday

 The Victoria Royals settled for a split on the road against the Prince George Cougars after suffering an 8-2 loss Saturday.

“We’re not very happy about it, It’s a tough way to start a break.” said interim head coach, Enio Sacilotto,

“Unfortunately we have to wait a week (for the rematch), but the beautiful thing about sports is the sun will come up again the next day, and we’ll have a chance to redeem ourselves come the 27th.”

The Royals blanked the Cougars 2-0 one night earlier.

Saturday Chase Witala had a goal and three assists and Brad Morrison had 2 goals and 2 assists for the Cougars who pull back into a tie for 2nd in the West with the Royals with 44 points.

“I expect a more consistent effort…” said Sacilotto.

Prince George broke a 1-1 tie early in the second period with 3 goals in a span of 4:01. 

“We had a power play to start the 2nd, but we didn’t really have anything…didn’t skate and it got away from us.  They built on the momentum of the kill and scored three quick goals and we were behind the eight ball.”

Victoria cut the lead in half before the middle frame was out, but the Cougars scored four more in the third.

“Going into the final period we talked about being two shots away from tying it up and maybe taking it into overtime or a shoot out, and picking up a couple of huge points.” said netminder Coleman Vollrath who came in to relieve Griffen Outhouse in the middle frame, 

“We fell apart in the third and I think guys just simply weren’t working hard.”

Victoria rookie netminder Griffen Outhouse, who earned the shut out one night earlier, stopped 19 of 23 before being relieved in the second by Vollrath who stopped 17 of 21.

“We’ve talked a lot about our starts, and that doesn’t apply to just the beginning of the game, it applies to the start of every period.” Said the 20 year old netminder Vollrath, 

“We played a little laid back on our power play to star the second (tied 1-1), not executing the way we wanted too, and that transferred over to the next couple minutes five on five and ended up down 4-1 with half the game to go.”

Nick McBride stopped 31 of 33 for the win.

The Royals got goals from Vladimir Bobylev and Alex Forsberg, while Dante Hannoun chipped in with a pair of assists. 

Victoria was 1 for 5 on the power play, and the Cougars went 2 for 5.

Joseph Carvahlo had 3 assists for Prince George, while Tate Olson and Jansen Harkins had a pair of assists each.  Brogan O’Brien had a goal and assist, while Shane Collins had the Teddy Bear toss goal.

“It’s really sour to end on that going into Christmas break, it’s going to sting, it’s going to stay with guys over the break – and hope we can remember that when we play them on the 27th.” Said Vollrath

The 4 game consecutive set continues on the Island Dec. 27th and 28th.

“I know it’s hard after the break being off a week, but everyone can get away from it for bit, refresh and restart again.” said Sacilotto.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 2 at Prince George Cougars 8 - Status: Final
Saturday, December 19, 2015 - CN Centre - Prince George, BC

Victoria 1 1 0 - 2
Prince George 1 3 4 - 8

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Bobylev 11 (Hannoun), 4:57 (PP).
2, Prince George, Collins 2 (Carvalho, Morrison), 14:39 (PP).

Penalties-Johnson P.g (roughing), 3:07; Peckford Vic (hooking), 12:45; Gabrielle P.g (roughing), 20:00.

2nd Period-
3, Prince George, Witala 21 (Olson, Carvalho), 2:26.
4, Prince George, O'Brien 10 (Witala, Olson), 5:02 (PP).
5, Prince George, Bethune 12 (Harkins, Morrison), 6:27.
6, Victoria, Forsberg 12 (Phillips, Hannoun), 12:56.

Penalties-Wharrie Vic (elbowing), 3:44; Anderson Vic (slashing), 10:27.

3rd Period-
7, Prince George, Gabrielle 20 (Witala, O'Brien), 1:57.
8, Prince George, Morrison 11 (Witala, Carvalho), 3:10.
9, Prince George, Johnson 1 (Boyd, Ruopp), 3:31.
10, Prince George, Morrison 12 (Harkins), 17:45.

Penalties-Gagnon Vic (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 2:37; Harkins P.g (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 2:37; Walker Vic (hooking), 5:14; Johnson P.g (too many men), 6:01; Johnson P.g (tripping), 10:11; Harrison P.g (charging), 14:13; Phillips Vic (tripping), 15:27.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 10-15-8-33.
Prince George 12-21-11-44.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 1 / 5;
Prince George 2 / 5.

Goalies-
Victoria, Outhouse 5-2-1-0 (23 shots-19 saves); Vollrath 16-10-0-1 (21 shots-17 saves). Prince George, McBride 7-2-0-1 (33 shots-31 saves).

A-5,560
Referees-Reid Anderson (53), Mike Langin (67).
Linesmen-Nick Albinati (3), Nathan Van Oosten (115).

Recap: VIC 2 - PG 0 (Fri. Dec.18.2015)



Griffen Outhouse made 39 saves to help the visiting Victoria Royals (21-11-1-1, 44pts) shut out the Prince George Cougars (20-11-1-1, 42pts) 2-0 Friday night to retake 2nd in the West.

“I liked the way we bounced back after the loss in Vancouver, I was happy the way we weathered the early storm, got those early goals and did all the things we needed to do to win the game.” – Royals Interim Head Coach Enio Sacilotto

The Royals struck twice in the first period on goals by Jack Walker and Logan Fisher to snap a two game slide.

“It was a big turn around game for us,” said Walker,

“Huge points for us right before the break.”

It was Outhouse’s 2nd shutout and 5th win in 9 games as a rookie netminder for the Royals, playing in his own backyard.

“It was a lot of fun to come in and get a win, with a lot friends and family in the stands,” said Outhouse,

“It was my parents first game watching me live…I was trying to stay as focussed as I could.”

Outhouse won the Mac’s Midget Tournament with the Caribou Cougars, and hails from Likely, near Williams lake.

“Outstanding,” said Sacilotto on Outhouse’s perfect evening,

“He was confident in net, athletic, had his angles, controlled his rebounds, had a strong night – I’m really happy for him and his performance.”

Ty Edmunds took the loss, stopping 31 of 33 shots.

Victoria was 0 for 3 on the power play and 1 for 1 on the penalty kill.

Royals defenseman Chaz Reddekopp blocked a couple of open net chances, namely off of Chase Witala in the first and Brad Morrison late in the third.

“Obviously our defense is going to do whatever it takes to keep the puck out of the net, and help (Outhouse) as much as we can – it was a good game by all of us.” said Reddekopp, a 7th round pick of the Los Angeles Kings.

The two clubs came into the two game set tied in points, but the Cougars have a game in hand and received honourable mention in the CHL Top 10.  Prince George had not lost at home in regulation in 10 games coming in.

“We got zone time, we got defense, basically contributions from all four lines every time they were on the ice.” Commented Sacilotto on rolling the lines.

The two clubs will meet again Saturday night before stopping for the Christmas break.

“Hopefully we can get a bit better start (Saturday),” said Sacilotto on facing the Cougars Saturday,

“We have to play the same way, we’re on the road and in hostile territory.”

It’s also the first of 4 straight against the Cats, later two coming on Dec 27th and 28th on the Island.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 2 at Prince George Cougars 0 - Status: Final
Friday, December 18, 2015 - CN Centre - Prince George, BC

Victoria 2 0 0 - 2
Prince George 0 0 0 - 0

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Walker 13 (Soy), 7:30.
2, Victoria, Fisher 5 (Dmytriw), 16:23.

Penalties-Wharrie Vic (major-fighting), 13:12; McAuley P.g (major-fighting), 13:12; Olson P.g (roughing), 13:12.

2nd Period-
No Scoring.

Penalties-Wharrie Vic (hooking), 13:00; Harrison P.g (holding), 15:42.

3rd Period-
No Scoring.

Penalties-Harrison P.g (delay of game), 1:59; Reddekopp Vic (roughing), 14:25; Bethune P.g (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 14:25.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 14-9-10-33.
Prince George 13-14-12-39.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 0 / 3;
Prince George 0 / 1.

Goalies-
Victoria, Outhouse 5-1-1-0 (39 shots-39 saves).
Prince George, Edmonds 11-6-1-0 (33 shots-31 saves).

A-2,691
Referees-Reid Anderson (53), Mike Langin (67).
Linesmen-Tom Henetiuk (140), Nathan Van Oosten (115).

Friday 18 December 2015

Preview: Victoria at Prince George, Friday Dec.18.2015


Snowy day in Prince George

In a rematch of last years first round playoff series, the Victoria Royals (20-11-1-1, 42pts) visit the Prince George Cougars (20-10-1-1, 42pts) for a pair of games Friday and Saturday Dec. 17th and 18th.

Pregame show on The Zone @ 91.3fm at 6:45, puck drop 7 both nights.


The Royals beat the Cougars in 5 games last spring, and won the season series 5-3.

It’ll be the first of 4 straight games against each other, with the later two coming in Victoria after the Christmas Break Dec. 27th and 28th.

It’s a critical set as the two BC Division clubs come in tied for points in the West with 42, sporting almost identical win-loss records.  Prince George has a game in hand.

The Cougars are on a 2 game win streak, and have only 1 regulation loss in their last 12 games (10-1-0-1).  They’re coming off a pair of road wins against the T-birds 6-2 on Tuesday, and 3-2 against the Winterhawks.

Prince George earned Honourable Mention in the CHL Top 10 this week,  while Victoria was excluded.

At home the Cougars are 9 games over .500 (12-3-0-1), while the Royals have an impressive 10 wins on the road, but winless in their last 3.

Victoria has dropped their last 2, and 3 of 4 all against Vancouver in a 4 game consecutive set.  Most recently a 4-3 loss on the road Wednesday night, giving up a third period lead in the last 5 ½ minutes of the game.  They were without leading scorer Alex Forsberg, tied for 11th in the league with 42 points in 32 games.

It’ll be the 5th game without WJ participants Head Coach Dave Lowry, Joe Hicketts and Matt Auerbach.

Prince George features 5 NHL drafted players, 3 rated by NHL CSS, 2 that participated at the U17, and 3 that are native to the area.

The Cougars are led in scoring by Bruins 4th round pick Jesse Gabrielle’s 35 points in 32 games.  Jansen Harkins taken in the 2nd round by Winnipeg is third in scoring, while Brad Morrison a 4th round pick of the Rangers is 4th.  Canucks 7th rounder, defenseman Tate Olson is 6th in club scoring.  Their Captain, rearguard Sam Ruopp is a 5th round pick of Columbus.

Prince George has taken the most penalty minutes on average per game, led by Duncan product Josh Anderson, who’s ‘C’ rated by NHL Central Scouting.  He leads all defenseman in majors with 9 this season.

Netminder Ty Edmonds owns the leagues best save percentage (0.932) and 2nd best goals against average (2.17).

The Cougars have the 4th best penalty kill, and have scored a league high 8 short handed goals.

The Royals are the 2nd stingiest team in the league, and own the 3rd best penalty kill.

Victoria Royals vs Prince George Cougars: Stats Summary

   
Description
Result
Head to Head Record 2015-16 Regular Season Victoria 0-0-0-0Prince George 0-0-0-0
Head to Head Record 2014-15 Regular Season Victoria 5-3-0-0Prince George 3-3-1-1
Last 5 Years record between teams Victoria 24-8-0-0Prince George 8-19-1-4
Victoria vs. Prince George Last 5 Years record at Victoria Victoria 12-4-0-0Prince George 4-10-1-1
Victoria vs. Prince George Last 5 Years record at Prince George Victoria 12-4-0-0Prince George 4-9-0-3
   
How the 2 teams match up
     
 
Prince George
Victoria
Team Record 20-10-1-1 -- 42 points 20-11-1-1 -- 42 points
Division Ranking 2nd B.C. 3rd B.C.
Conference Ranking 2nd Western 3rd Western
League Ranking 6th 7th
Past 10 Games 8-1-0-1 5-4-1-0
Streak 2-0-0-0 0-2-0-0
Last Game 6-2 W @ Seattle (Dec 15 2015) Final 4-3 L @ Vancouver (Dec 16 2015) Final
Home Record 12-3-0-1 10-6-0-1
Away Record 8-7-1-0 10-5-1-0
GF 110  113 
GA 91  77 
PP (Overall) (22/123) 17.9% (30/142) 21.1%
PP (Home) (15/70) 21.4% (18/84) 21.4%
PP (Away) (7/53) 13.2% (12/58) 20.7%
PK (Overall) (23/140) 83.6% (20/123) 83.7%
PK (Home) (12/60) 80.0% (12/67) 82.1%
PK (Away) (11/80) 86.3% (8/56) 85.7%
PP vs. Opp. (0/0) 0% (0/0) 0%
PK vs. Opp. (0/0) 0% (0/0) 0%
Leading Rookie O'Brien (9-14-23) Phillips (18-17-35)
Most PIM Anderson - 75 Reddekopp - 61
Team PIM/GM 19.4/Game 13.4/Game
Leading Scorers Gabrielle (19-16-35) Forsberg (11-31-42)
  Witala (20-9-29) Phillips (18-17-35)
  Morrison (10-15-25) Hicketts (2-28-30)
  Harkins (7-18-25) Walker (12-16-28)
  O'Brien (9-14-23) Hannoun (16-10-26)
Last 5 Games 6-2 W @ Seattle (Dec 15 2015) Final 4-3 L @ Vancouver (Dec 16 2015) Final
  3-2 W @ Portland (Dec 12 2015) Final 4-2 L vs Vancouver (Dec 13 2015) Final
  5-4 L @ Portland (Dec 11 2015) Final 6-1 W vs Vancouver (Dec 12 2015) Final
  7-2 W vs Kootenay (Dec 8 2015) Final 4-1 L @ Vancouver (Dec 11 2015) Final
  6-5 W @ Vancouver (Dec 6 2015) Final 5-1 W vs Kootenay (Dec 5 2015) Final