“Outside of the Regina game (5-0), and one game against Kelowna (4-3OTW), it’s probably our best game of the year.” said Head Coach Dave Lowry
Carroll’s second of the night and 28th of the season came just :14 seconds after Calgary (23-17-1-4, 51pts) cut the lead to 2-1, helping restore the two goal lead in the third.
“It felt great in front of family and friends, being in my home town that was a plus…and also being drafted here, prove to them that I deserve to be with that team – it was a great night all around.” Said Carroll who was drafted by the Calgary Flames, and also hails from Calgary.
Victoria extends their win streak to 4 games, and earn consecutive road wins on back to back nights after a 2-1 shoot out victory in Red Deer Friday. They play Sunday afternoon in Edmonton at 3pm PST to close out a 3 in 3 Central Division road trip.
Magee’s three points puts him into a tie with Kevin Sundher for the franchise point lead at 241 (104g-137a).
The Royals went 2 for 2 on the power play, and shut down Calgary’s only man advantage.
“I think our power play was a lot better than it was last night, I thought our goaltending once again was outstanding, and I thought we did a really good job of playing a team game.” Said Lowry after earning the win against his former club.
Justin Paulic earned the victory stopping 20 of 21, while Brendan Burke allowed 3 goals on 29 Royals shots.
After being outshot 10-4 in the first, Victoria turned the tables in the second with a 14-2 shot differential and 13-9 in the final frame.
“We wanted to get back to playing our game, hunting pucks, putting pressure on them – trying to force turnovers and get out of playing in our end.” Said Lowry about the turnaround in the 2nd and 3rd.
“…second period I thought we played outstanding, third period I don’t think they had too many chances.”
Joe Hicketts power play marker in the first held up as the only goal in the game until the third period where Carroll added his 27th also with the man advantage just :30 seconds in to take a 2-0 lead.
Ben Thomas got the lone goal for the Hitmen to temporarily cut the lead in half.
Hicketts had a goal and assist, while Travis Brown added two helpers. Brown and Hicketts are now 1-2 in defenseman scoring in the WHL with 43 and 42 points respectively.
Jack Walker added the insurance goal into an empty net.
The Royals have now won 7 of their last 8 games, and have 51 points this season, firmly placing them 2nd in the BC Division, 9 up on the Cougars.
They take both games against the Hitmen in season series after a 3-2 win in Calgary back in October.
Carroll now has 28 goals on the season, 3rd most in the WHL, he also is the league leader in power play goals with 13. His 55 points leads his club, and is tied for 9th overall.
Tyler Soy’s 10 game point streak came to a halt.
The Royals begin a two game home series against the Kamloops Blazers on Friday, January 23rd at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 24th at 7:05 p.m. Get your tickets in advance by calling 250-220-7777 or visiting at www.victoriaroyals.com.
- Marlon Martens
Victoria Royals 4 at Calgary Hitmen 1 - Status: In Progress (2:07 remaining in 3rd)
Saturday, January 17, 2015 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB
Victoria 1 0 3 - 4
Calgary 0 0 1 - 1
1st Period-
1, Victoria, Hicketts 9 (Magee, Brown), 14:42 (PP).
Penalties-Chase Vic (holding), 13:37; Kanzig Cal (high sticking), 13:37; Thomas Cal (tripping), 13:56.
2nd Period- No Scoring.
Penalties-Brown Vic (hooking), 8:01; Lang Cal (checking from behind), 19:47.
3rd Period-
2, Victoria, Carroll 27 (Hicketts, Brown), 0:30 (PP).
3, Calgary, Thomas 5 (Rankin, Tambellini), 11:30.
4, Victoria, Carroll 28 (Magee), 11:44.
5, Victoria, Walker 9 (Magee), 18:43 (EN).
Penalties-No Penalties
Shots on Goal-
Victoria 4-14-13-31.
Calgary 10-2-9-21.
Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 2 / 2;
Calgary 0 / 1.
Goalies-
Victoria, Paulic 7-8-1-1 (21 shots-20 saves).
Calgary, Burke 8-8-0-4 (30 shots-27 saves).
A-8,741
Referees-Jonathan Spurgeon (7), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Kris Hartley (81), Scott Sharun (103).
