Royals Host Tigers & Ice This Week

ROYALS HOST TIGERS AND ICE THIS WEEK; JOE HICKETTS BOBBLEHEAD NIGHT ON SATURDAY

Victoria battles Medicine Hat tomorrow and Kootenay on Saturday.

For Immediate Release

Monday, November 30, 2015

Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals wrap-up their four-game homestand against the Eastern Conference’s Medicine Hat tigers tomorrow night and on Saturday evening the Kootenay ICE visit. Saturday’s contest is Joe Hicketts Bobblehead Night, presented by Double N Hardwood Floors and CHEK TV. Both contests are scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

NOVEMBER REPORT: The Victoria Royals went 8-3-1-0 in the month of November, which is the second best record for that month in Royals’ history. The best November mark was set in the 2013-14 season when Victoria collected a 9-4-0-0 record. This November the Royals outscored their opponents 48-30, and held them to one goal per game or less in six of the 12 contests during that span.

STINGY DEFENCE: The Royals tied a franchise record last Saturday night for least amount of shots allowed on home ice. In their 5-1 win, Victoria held the Kelowna Rockets, who entered the contest with the WHL’s highest scoring offence, to only 15 shots on goal. The most recent time the club allowed only 15 shots on goal on home ice dates back to October 17, 2007 when the Chilliwack Bruins defeated the Seattle Thunderbirds 6-2.

TUESDAY

Tickets:

The Royals’ Holiday Combo Pack is now 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:

-          An autographed game worn Joe Hicketts Team Canada jersey from the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships will be available by auction in the concourse during the game.  This is a sealed bid jersey auction, ending December 13^th with proceeds going to the Victoria Royals Education and Scholarship Fund.

-          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:

Second Intermission

-          Chuck-a-Puck

o   A Royals Prize Pack, featuring $50 to Moxie’s Grill & Bar and $40 to the Royals’ Team Store

o   Jiffy Lube Oil Change (approx. 20-30 winners per game).

SATURDAY – JOE HICKETTS BOBBLEHEAD NIGHT

Pre-Game:

-          The first 3,500 fans will get a Joe Hicketts bobblehead courtesy of Double N Hardwood Floors and CHEK TV.

-          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 now 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:

-           An autographed game worn Joe Hicketts Team Canada jersey from the 2015 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships will be available by auction in the concourse during the game.  This is a sealed bid jersey auction, ending December 13^th with proceeds going to the Victoria Royals Education and Scholarship Fund.

-          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:

Second Intermission

-          Chuck-a-Puck

o   A Royals Prize Pack, featuring $50 to Moxie’s Grill & Bar and $40 to the Royals’ Team Store

o   Jiffy Lube Oil Change (approx. 20-30 winners per game).

Avoid the line-ups by purchasing your tickets online. Visit www.selectyourtickets.com to take advantage of the “Pick Your Own” seat map, or give the box-office a call at 250-220-7777.

Recap: KEL 1 - VIC 5

The Victoria Royals (17-8-1-1, 36pts) scored four power play goals to defeat the visiting Kelowna Rockets 5-1 Saturday night and earned a split of the two game set after falling 3-1 one night earlier.

“We knew that was the difference last night,” said Royals Head Coach Dave Lowry about the power play, after going 0 for 6 in Friday’s loss,

“It took away an opportunity for us to win a hockey game.  We knew we had to be better, and our preparation had to be better.”

Victoria led 1-0 after 20 minutes, and 3-0 after 40, before adding a pair in the third.

The Royals moved 3 points back of the top seeded Rocket (19-6-1-0, 39pts) club who had their 5 game win streak snapped, and a stretch of points in 11 straight.  It was Kelowna’s first regulation loss since October 30^th.

Matthew Phillips led the charge with a 4 point night with a goal and 3 assists.  Phillips sits 4^th in rookie scoring with 27 points, 3 back of Noah Gregor for the league lead.

“I’m just trying to come in every day and work hard,” said the 17 year old Phillips,

“The team's playing really well, and it’s a lot of fun to be here – I just trying to keep it going.”

Phillips leads all newcomers in goals with 14, and ties Dante Hannoun for the team lead in snipes.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” said Lowry about Phillips,

“He’s a very talented player, he wants the puck on his stick…he can make guys better.”

Jack Walker had 3 helpers as well, while Alex Forsberg and Joe Hicketts had a goal and an assist each.  Victoria also got goals from Tyler Soy and Regan Nagy.

Hicketts continues to lead all defenseman in the WHL in scoring with 28 points, including the most assists with 26.

The Rockets lone goal came off the stick of Cole Linaker, while the leagues point leader Tyson Baillie picked up an assist for his 45^th point.

The Royals were 4 for 8 on the power play.

“We kept pucks moving, we hit holes, we attacked and the guys were rewarded for it.” Said Lowry about the man advantage success.

The Rockets went 0 for 3 with their power play chances.

“I thought our discipline was key tonight, we didn’t deviate from how we have to play, we were able to initiate and able to give ourselves a chance.”

Kelowna had a 5 on 3 for 1:41 in the third, which Victoria critically killed off.

“Our guys did a really good job,” said Lowry on the big kill,

“They played tight, made it hard to get pucks in and didn’t give up any second chances.  At that point, it kind of sealed the victory for us, we just had to close it out.”

Victoria out shot the opposition for a second straight night, 27-15 as Coleman Vollrath earned his 14^th win of the season.  Jackson Whistle who was the games first star Friday, backed up former Royal Michael Herringer who allowed 5 goals in the loss.  Vollrath ties Whistle for most wins by a netminder in the league at 14 a piece.

The Royals now lead the season series 2 games to 1 and will next meet on January 2^nd at Prospera Place.

- Marlon Martens

Kelowna Rockets 1 at Victoria Royals 5 - Status: Final
Saturday, November 28, 2015 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Kelowna 0 0 1 - 1
Victoria 1 2 2 - 5

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Nagy 4   1:14.

Penalties-Thurkauf Kel (tripping), 11:24; Wishnowski Kel (roughing), 16:58.

2nd Period-

2, Victoria, Phillips 14 (Hicketts, Walker), 1:37 (PP).

3, Victoria, Soy 12 (Phillips, Forsberg), 15:46 (PP).

Penalties-Thurkauf Kel (roughing), 0:46; Southam Kel (slashing), 2:23; Nagy Vic (holding), 2:23; Wishnowski Kel (elbowing), 4:58; Nagy Vic (tripping), 9:16; Stephens Kel (hooking), 15:12; Linaker Kel (tripping), 18:51.

3rd Period-

4, Victoria, Forsberg 9 (Phillips, Walker), 0:22 (PP).

5, Kelowna, Linaker 9 (Smart, Baillie), 1:05.

6, Victoria, Hicketts 2 (Phillips, Walker), 16:59 (PP).

Penalties-Walker Vic (holding), 12:14; Nagy Vic (hooking), 12:33; Kirkland Kel (interference), 15:59; Southam Kel (10-minute misconduct), 16:59; Soustal Kel (charging), 18:25.

Shots on Goal-

Kelowna 4-5-6-15.

Victoria 7-11-9-27.

Power Play Opportunities-

Kelowna 0 / 3;

Victoria 4 / 8.

Goalies-

Kelowna, Herringer 5-3-0-0 (27 shots-22 saves).

Victoria, Vollrath 14-7-0-1 (15 shots-14 saves).

A-4,781
Referees-Steve Papp (17), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Riley Friesen (76).

Recap: KEL 3 - VIC 1

Jackson Whistle made 34 saves to backstop the visiting Kelowna Rockets (19-5-1-0, 39pts) to a 3-1 victory over the Victoria Royals (16-8-1-1, 34pts) Friday night.

“I thought our guys played hard,” said Royals head coach Dave Lowry, as his club out shot the visitors 35-23,

“I think the difference in the game was special teams, they won that battle.”

The Rockets went 2 for 4 on the power play, while the Royals went 0 for 6.

Kelowna, who is ranked 4^th in the CHL Top 10, extend their winning streak to 5 games, and points in 11, while Victoria (honourable mention) had their streak of points in 3 straight snapped.

The Rockets extend their Western Conference lead to 5 points over the Royals, and will meet again Saturday night. 

“For us it’s a great opportunity to see how we can respond.” Said Lowry on the quick turnaround.

The season series is now even at a game a piece.

Kelowna led 1-0 after 20 with a Calvin Thurkauf deflection, and the up 2-0 after the 2^nd as Tyson Baillie converted on a 2 on 1.

“You make mistakes against a team that going into tonight has scored 100 goals for, you’re going to pay a price,” said Lowry.

In the third, Victoria’s leading scorer Alex Forsberg converted on a passing playing from Dante Hannoun and Matthew Phillips to cut the lead to one.

“I liked our resiliency, the way we came out, and I liked the way we battled right to the end.” Commented Lowry.

A late man advantage for Kelowna allowed the insurance maker by Justin Kirkland with 19 seconds left.

“I didn’t like the fact that we had to kill a penalty, where I thought it was a very marginal call late in the game...” Said Lowry,

“That’s the difference, it takes away an opportunity, where we were on our toes, we had them hemmed in, and for that to take us out and lose all momentum – it’s disappointing.”

The Rockets got a goal and assist performance from WHL Player of the Week Tyson Baillie and Nashville draft pick Justin Kirkland.

Coleman Vollrath took the loss for the home team making 20 stops. 

20 year old forward Logan Fisher played in his 200^th consecutive game including playoffs.

The Royals look for the split Saturday night, with puck drop at 7pm, and pregame show on The Zone @ 91.3fm at 6:40.

- Marlon Martens

Kelowna Rockets 3 at Victoria Royals 1 - Status: Final
Friday, November 27, 2015 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Kelowna 1 1 1 - 3
Victoria 0 0 1 - 1

1st Period-

1, Kelowna, Thurkauf 7 (Linaker, Merkley), 11:58 (PP).

Penalties-Thurkauf Kel (high sticking), 1:27; Anderson Vic (interference), 10:13.

2nd Period-

2, Kelowna, Baillie 17 (Soustal, Kirkland), 11:01.

Penalties-Stephens Kel (interference), 5:11; Dube Kel (roughing), 7:31; Southam Kel (charging), 7:44; Soy Vic (interference), 8:31; Anderson Vic (slashing), 11:10; Thurkauf Kel (kneeing), 12:45.

3rd Period-

3, Victoria, Forsberg 8 (Hannoun, Phillips), 6:40.

4, Kelowna, Kirkland 9 (Johansen, Baillie), 19:40 (PP).

Penalties-Foote Kel (delay of game), 7:01; Walker Vic (tripping), 18:43.

Shots on Goal-

Kelowna 9-7-7-23.

Victoria 10-14-11-35.

Power Play Opportunities-

Kelowna 2 / 4;

Victoria 0 / 6.

Goalies-

Kelowna, Whistle 14-3-1-0 (35 shots-34 saves).

Victoria, Vollrath 13-7-0-1 (23 shots-20 saves).

A-4,885

Referees-Mike Campbell (89), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Jeff MacAdams, Michael McGowan (41).

Recap: VIC 5 - TRI 6 OT

Vladislav Lukin scored his 2^nd of the game in overtime to lift the host Tri City Americans (9-13-1-0) past the Victoria Royals 6-5 Saturday night.

“We’ll take the point,” said Royals Head Coach Dave Lowry, who’s club travelled from Vancouver after the game and got into Tri City after 5 am.

“Obviously travel was tough for us this weekend, and we ran out of gas.”

The Royals (16-7-1-1, 34pts) held period leads of 5-3 and 5-4 before having their 2 game win streak snapped, but take 3 of 4 points on their two game road trip after a 5-4 victory over the Giants Friday. 

It was a wild first period with 8 goals being scored, the lead changing hands, and both clubs swapping starting goaltenders.

“We were on the right side of it…” said Lowry on the goal filled first,

“When you play three and a half minutes, you’ve taken two penalties and you’ve given up two goals, that wasn’t the way we wanted to start.  We talked about preparation and tonight we weren’t prepared to start again.”

Coleman Vollrath was lifted after allowing 3 goals on 4 shots, replaced by Griffen Outhouse who stopped 14 of 17. 

Nicholas Sanders started for the Americans but was relieved after allowing 4 goals on 7 Royals shots.  Evan Sarthou came in stop 18 of 19 for the win.

Tyler Soy scored twice, while Alex Forsberg and Ethan Price picked up a pair of assists each.  Victoria also got goals from Chaz Reddekopp shorthanded, Dante Hannoun with his team leading 14th and Logan Fisher deflecting in his 4^th. 

Soy now has 11 on the year, with one coming on the power play.

“We let that one slip away from us…” said Soy who is ‘C’ rated by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming draft.

“Both nights we had pretty slow starts, and weren’t playing our team game like we have in the past.  We did a good job battling back in both games…Vancouver we were fortunate enough to hold off, but Tri City we didn’t play a full 60 like we needed to.”

Victoria was 1 for 4 on the power play, while Tri City went 2 for 5, cutting the lead to 5-4 in the last minute of the 2^nd period on a 5 on 3 man advantage.

Juuso Valimaki tied the game at 5 with the lone goal of the third to force overtime.

Tri City’s Parker Bowles led the way with a goal and two assists, Brian Williams and Valimaki had a goal and assist each.  Jordan Topping had a pair of helpers.  Brandon Carlo added a single to open the scoring just :40 seconds into the first.

The Royals outshot the Americans 26-21.

Jack Walker could not convert on a first period penalty shot when the game was tied at 3.

The five goal first tied the franchise record for most goals in one period. It has been done on five previous occasions. The eight goals also tied the franchise record for the most by two teams in one period.

Victoria also had their 8 game road win streak snapped, one off the franchise record, but now have points in 9 consecutive road contests.

With the overtime loss the Royals now trail the Rockets by a single point for top spot in the WHL, and will entertain Kelowna for a pair of games on Friday and Saturday.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 5 at Tri-City Americans 6 (OT) - Status: End of Game
Saturday, November 21, 2015 - Toyota Center - Kennewick, WA

Victoria 5 0 0 0 - 5
Tri-City 3 1 1 1 - 6

1st Period-

1, Tri-City, Carlo 2 (Topping, Bowles), 0:40.

2, Victoria, Reddekopp 3 (Price), 1:38 (SH).

3, Tri-City, Lukin 7 (Sandhu, Valimaki), 2:11 (PP).

4, Victoria, Hannoun 14 (Forsberg), 2:30.

5, Victoria, Soy 10 (Forsberg, Hicketts), 8:17 (PP).

6, Tri-City, Bowles 11 (Williams, Topping), 8:40.

7, Victoria, Soy 11 (Anderson, Gagnon), 10:12.

8, Victoria, Fisher 4 (Nagy, Price), 15:00.

Penalties-Nagy Vic (interference), 0:55; Wharrie Vic (high sticking), 3:22; McCue T.c (hooking), 7:45.

2nd Period-

9, Tri-City, Williams 5 (Bowles, Wotherspoon), 19:34 (PP).

Penalties-Carlo T.c (interference), 0:36; Bowles T.c (interference), 8:41; Forsberg Vic (tripping), 17:47; Gagnon Vic (kneeing), 18:37.

3rd Period-

10, Tri-City, Valimaki 3 (AuCoin, Coghlan), 10:16.

Penalties-Pachal Vic (tripping), 2:52; Williams T.c (slashing), 11:29.

OT Period-

11, Tri-City, Lukin 8 (Carlo), 1:38.

Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 12-4-9-1-26.

Tri-City 7-7-6-1-21.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 1 / 4;

Tri-City 2 / 5.

Goalies-

Victoria, Vollrath 13-6-0-1 (4 shots-1 saves); Outhouse 3-1-1-0 (17 shots-14 saves).

Tri-City, Sanders 1-1-0-0 (7 shots-3 saves); Sarthou 8-12-1-0 (19 shots-18 saves).

A-4,235
Referees-Sean Raphael (28), Ryan Benbow (62).
Linesmen-Trevor Shively (11), Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).

Recap: VIC 5 - VAN 4

The visiting Victoria Royals (16-7-0-1) overcame a 3 goal first period deficit to defeat the Vancouver Giants 5-4 Friday night.

“Our preparation tonight wasn’t where it needs to be,” said head coach Dave Lowry, who’s club scored 4 goals in the middle frame to go up by a goal heading into the third.

“…but I give our guys a lot of credit for finding a way to battle back and win a big game.”

The Giants tied it  at 4, before Ryan Gagnon hammered home the eventual game winner.

Griffen Outhouse earned the victory stopping 16 of 17 after coming in to start the 2^nd period.

“Sure did,” said Lowry when asked if the goaltending change provided a spark,

“You can’t blame the goaltending,” said Lowry on Vollrath allowing 3 goals on 8 shots in the first,

“Sometimes you just try to change things up and (Outhouse) came in and made some big saves later on in the game for us.”

Ryan Kubic took the loss allowing 5 goals on 28 shots.

The line of Alex Forsberg (1g 2a), Dante Hannoun (1g 1a) and Matthew Phillips (1g 1a) contributed 7 points.  Jack Walker also scored for the Royals.

Phillips moves into 3^rd in rookie scoring with 21 points, 5 off the top, while leading all freshmen in goals with 13.

Joe Hicketts picked up an assist and promptly set the franchise record for most points by a defenseman with 137.  He leads all rearguards in the league in scoring with 25 points.

“It’s a nice accolade,” said Hicketts who passed Brandon Manning,

“It’s something that maybe gets lost in the win…my whole goal is to go out every night and put together a performance that can help this team win – and that’s what I’m focused on.”

He was instrumental in the win, blocking many shots and playing hard physically all night.

“That’s how you win, when your top players are doing little things, paying the price to win, it better carry on through your group.” Said Lowry on the Royals Captain,

“Joe didn’t do anything special tonight, he just played a well rounded game.”

Gagnon also had a fight with Odgers, to go along with his game winner.

Victoria remains tied for first in the WHL with Kelowna at 33 points each.  The Royals earned their 8^th consecutive on the road and improve to 10-3 off the Island.

Victoria has now won 2 in a row, and travel through the night to Tri City to play the Americans Saturday night at 7.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 5 at Vancouver Giants 4 - Status: Final
Friday, November 20, 2015 - Pacific Coliseum - Vancouver, BC

Victoria 0 4 1 - 5
Vancouver 3 0 1 - 4

1st Period-

1, Vancouver, Brumm 1 (Menell, Osipov), 7:48.

2, Vancouver, Benson 3 (Cox, Bondra), 13:25 (PP).

3, Vancouver, Popoff 6 (Cox), 14:26.

Penalties-Osipov Van (major-check/behind, game misconduct), 1:46; Wharrie Vic (slashing), 11:27; Dmytriw Vic (delay of game), 11:57.

2nd Period-

4, Victoria, Phillips 13 (Hannoun, Forsberg), 0:31.

5, Victoria, Hannoun 13 (Hicketts, Reddekopp), 7:20.

6, Victoria, Forsberg 7 (Hannoun, Phillips), 11:55.

7, Victoria, Walker 7 (Soy, Price), 13:55.

Penalties-Gagnon Vic (major-fighting), 10:20; Odgers Van (major-fighting), 10:20.

3rd Period-

8, Vancouver, Lang 3 (Thomas, Baer), 10:20.

9, Victoria, Gagnon 2 (Forsberg), 13:31.

Penalties-Dmytriw Vic (hooking), 8:10.

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 8-13-7-28.

Vancouver 8-7-10-25.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 0 / 1;

Vancouver 1 / 3.

Goalies-

Victoria, Vollrath 13-6-0-1 (8 shots-5 saves); Outhouse 3-1-0-0 (17 shots-16 saves). Vancouver, Kubic 0-4-1-0 (28 shots-23 saves).

A-5,551
Referees-Brett Iverson (24), Nick Swaine (35).
Linesmen-Ron Dietterle (121), Michael McGowan (41).

Recap: EDM 3 - VIC 6

The Victoria Royals (15-7-0-1, 31pts) scored 4 times in the third period to come from behind and beat the visiting Edmonton Oil Kings 6-3 Wednesday night.

“We had a set back last weekend, and needed to bounce back,” said Enio Sacilotto, now interim Head Coach of the Royals with Dave Lowry away at the Canada-Russia Series, scouting for Team Canada’s World Junior squad,

“I thought we found another gear in the third, and that was quite evident with the speed and scoring chances we had.  I’m really proud of the guys for what they did in the third period.”

Rookie Matthew Phillips led the way with a hat trick, and Alex Forsberg collected 3 assists to help the Royals snap a 2 game skid and wrap up the 3 game home stand on a high note.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Phillips on his first hatty,

“I got a few lucky bounces, Forsberg made some great plays, and Hannoun was playing great as well – they made it easy for me.”

Victoria led 2-1 after 20, but trailed 3-2 going into the final frame before exploding for 4 straight on 13 shots.

With the victory, the Royals move back into a 3 way tie for first in the WHL standings with the Rockets and Raiders.  The club received honourable mention in the CHL Top 10 earlier in the day.

Coleman Vollrath earned his league leading 13^th victory stopping 23 of 26, while Patrick Dea allowed 6 goals on 28 Royal shots.

Victoria was 1 for 6 on the power play while Edmonton struck twice with the man advantage both in the middle frame to retake the lead, going 2 for 6.

Royals sophomore forward Regan Nagy had a goal and an assist, Captain Joe Hicketts a pair of helpers, while the Royals also got goals from Dante Hannoun and Logan Fisher.

Phillips now has the most goals among rookies with 12, and is tied for 4^th among newcomers in scoring (19 points).  He is also tied with Hannoun for the team lead in goals.

Joe Hicketts had a pair of assists to tie former Chilliwack Bruins Brandon Manning for most points by a defenceman in franchise history with 136 (25g-111a) in 11 fewer games, and now leads all rearguards in league scoring with 24 points, including a league high 23 assists.
 

Edmonton got goals from Lane Bauer, Victoria native Dysin Mayo, and Kobe Mohr.

Victoria heads out on a 2 game road trip, with stops in Vancouver Friday, and Tri City Saturday.

- Marlon Martens

Edmonton Oil Kings 3 at Victoria Royals 6 - Status: Final
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Edmonton 1 2 0 - 3
Victoria 2 0 4 - 6

1st Period-

1, Edmonton, Bauer 12 (Gorda, Pollock), 6:49.

2, Victoria, Phillips 10 (Forsberg, Hicketts), 7:37.

3, Victoria, Nagy 3   12:58.

Penalties-served by Phillips Vic (too many men), 2:26; Pollock Edm (slashing, roughing), 14:39; Gagnon Vic (roughing), 14:39; Baddock Edm (roughing, unsportsmanlike cnd.), 16:57; Reddekopp Vic (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 16:57.

2nd Period-

4, Edmonton, Mayo 1 (Kehler), 1:59 (PP).

5, Edmonton, Mohr 2 (Irving, Carroll), 3:58 (PP).

Penalties-Gagnon Vic (high sticking), 0:30; Reddekopp Vic (interference), 2:23; Fisher Vic (tripping), 6:20; Gable Edm (slashing), 9:46; Mayo Edm (tripping), 10:19.

3rd Period-

6, Victoria, Hannoun 12 (Bobylev, Gagnon), 5:45.

7, Victoria, Phillips 11 (Forsberg, Soy), 9:12 (PP).

8, Victoria, Phillips 12 (Forsberg, Hicketts), 13:01.

9, Victoria, Fisher 3 (Nagy, Price), 17:29.

Penalties-Gorda Edm (holding), 1:33; Fisher Vic (roughing), 6:29; Meyer Edm (delay of game), 8:34; Baddock Edm (roughing), 18:00; Irving Edm (roughing), 18:00; Gagnon Vic (roughing), 18:00; Reddekopp Vic (roughing), 18:00; Soy Vic (slashing), 18:00.

Shots on Goal-

Edmonton 9-11-6-26.

Victoria 9-6-13-28.

Power Play Opportunities

Edmonton 2 / 6;

Victoria 1 / 6.

Goalies-Edmonton, Dea 6-9-2-0 (28 shots-22 saves).

Victoria, Vollrath 13-6-0-1 (26 shots-23 saves).

A-3,783
Referees-Mike Campbell (89), Dexter Rasmussen (25).
Linesmen-Riley Friesen (76), Jeff MacAdams.

Recap: SEA 3 - VIC 1

The Royals honoured Grant Fuhr and Tyler Stahl in a pregame ceremony

The Seattle Thunderbirds scored a pair of quick goals in the middle frame to break a 1-1 tie and go on to beat the host Victoria Royals 3-1 Saturday night.

“There’s a lot of lessons that you learn, shifts after goals…” said Royals Head Coach Dave Lowry, “That really took a lot of momentum out of our sails.”

The T-birds sweep the two game set on the Island after beating the Royals 4-2 Friday, and take a 3-0 season series lead.

“We have to keep it into perspective, we’re a young hockey team.  (Seattle) is a very good team, a good challenge for our group.  We’ll learn from this.” According to Lowry.

Seattle has won 3 in a row, while Victoria has dropped back to back games after winning 6 in a row.

“If we didn’t compete, I’d have concerns.  Our guys played hard and fought right until the end.” Said Lowry.

Saturday Matthew Barzal and Keegan Kolesar  had a goal and an assist each while outshooting Victoria 33-23.

Matthew Phillips opened the scoring for the Royals on a 5 on 3 power play, but Keegan Kolesar also on a two man advantage tied the game up at 1-1 after 20 minutes.

Barzal and Holowko struck :14 seconds apart in the middle frame and it was all the Thunderbirds needed.

“I don’t think we were hard enough on their guys…we chased them a lot, we didn’t finish, didn’t take away time and space and allowed them to attack with speed…”  according to Lowry,

“We have to take a page out of their book.”

Logan Flodell made 22 saves for the win, while Griffen Outhouse suffered his first WHL loss kicking out 30 of 33.

It was a penalty filled affair, Victoria going 1 for 9 on the power play, while Seattle was 1 for 6.

Ryan Gagnon fought Turner Ottenbreit in the middle frame.

The Royals wrap up a 3 game homestand against the Oil Kings Wendesday.

- Marlon Martens

Seattle Thunderbirds 3 at Victoria Royals 1 - Status: Final
Saturday, November 14, 2015 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Seattle 1 2 0 - 3
Victoria 1 0 0 - 1

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Phillips 9 (Hicketts, Walker), 6:10 (PP).

2, Seattle, Kolesar 14 (Barzal, Bear), 9:15 (PP).

Penalties-Forsberg Vic (checking from behind), 2:19; Osterman Sea (hooking), 4:30; Ottenbreit Sea (holding), 4:39; Peckford Vic (tripping), 7:38; Reddekopp Vic (delay of game), 7:44; Watson Sea (high sticking), 14:15; Hannoun Vic (interference), 14:33; Ottenbreit Sea (kneeing), 15:16; Kolesar Sea (boarding), 19:37.

2nd Period-

3, Seattle, Barzal 5 (Ottenbreit, Kolesar), 15:00.

4, Seattle, Holowko 3 (True), 15:14.

Penalties-Ottenbreit Sea (closing hand on puck), 8:39; Barzal Sea (inter. on goaltender), 12:34; Walker Vic (hooking), 12:55; Neuls Sea (interference), 15:58; Wharrie Vic (hooking), 15:58.

3rd Period-

No Scoring.

Penalties-Ottenbreit Sea (major-fighting, 10-minute misconduct), 1:31; Gagnon Vic (major-fighting), 1:31; Gropp Sea (hooking), 8:16; Peckford Vic (cross checking), 12:26; Reddekopp Vic (slashing), 13:02; Kolesar Sea (roughing), 15:09; Watson Sea (high sticking, roughing), 15:09; Hicketts Vic (roughing), 15:09; Reddekopp Vic (roughing), 15:09; Barzal Sea (slashing), 18:06; Hicketts Vic (slashing), 18:06.

Shots on Goal-

Seattle 6-12-15-33.

Victoria 10-7-6-23.

Power Play Opportunities-

Seattle 1 / 6;

Victoria 1 / 9.

Goalies-

Seattle, Flodell 8-3-1-0 (23 shots-22 saves).

Victoria, Outhouse 2-1-0-0 (33 shots-30 saves).

A-7,006

Referees-Ryan Benbow (62), Adam Byblow (23).
Linesmen-Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).

Recap: SEA 4 - VIC 2

The visiting Seattle Thunderbirds scored 4 goals in the third period to come from behind and beat the Victoria Royals 4-2 Friday night.

“At the end of the day, their best players were better than our best players,” said Royals Head Coach Dave Lowry,

“We have 2 shots in the third, you’re not going to win any hockey games playing in your own end.”

The Royals had their 6 game winning streak snapped, while the T-birds won their 2^nd in a row.

Seattle takes a 2-0 season series lead and will meet each other again Saturday night on Victoria’s turn back the clock night. The game will feature Victoria WHL alumni goaltender Grant Fuhr and former Royals’ captain Tyler Stahl.

The Royals held period leads of 1-0 and 2-0 on goals by Jack Walker and Ryan Gagnon, but goals by Keegan Kolesar, Ryan Gropp, Nolan Volcan and Alexander True turned the tables on the hosts.

Gropp and Volcan’s eventual game winner came just :52 seconds apart in the middle of the final frame. 

Matthew Barzal, the games first star earned two assists, along with Jerrett Smith and Ethan Bear.

Coleman Vollrath suffered his 6^th loss making 31 saves as Victoria was outshot 12-2 in the third period and 35-19 overall. 

“We were on our heels, we have to do a better job – that’s all.” Said Lowry,

“They turned it up, and we didn’t have an answer.”

Logan Flodell made 17 saves for his 7^th victory of the season.

Seattle’s 4^th ranked power play went 1 for 5, while Victoria went 0 for 2 with the man advantage.

It was the Royals first game back after a 6 game Eastern Division road trip.

“We’re not going to make excuses,” said Lowry,

“We lost the game in the third period, that’s uncharacteristic of our hockey team.  The best thing is we get an opportunity to get back at it again (Saturday).”

The Royals, ranked 6^th in the CHL Top 10, had their streak of points in 8 games snapped but remain first in the WHL standings with 29 points.  The Thunderbirds sit on top of the US Division with 23 points.

Puck drop Saturday at 7:05pm

- Marlon Martens

Seattle Thunderbirds 4 at Victoria Royals 2 - Status: Final
Friday, November 13, 2015 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Seattle 0 0 4 - 4
Victoria 1 1 0 - 2

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Walker 6 (Forsberg, Soy), 5:09.

Penalties-Osterman Sea (major-fighting), 9:54; Thompson Vic (major-fighting), 9:54; Kolesar Sea (interference), 10:28; Forsberg Vic (tripping), 12:41.

2nd Period-

2, Victoria, Gagnon 1 (Hannoun), 11:00.

Penalties-Dmytriw Vic (boarding), 8:40; Reddekopp Vic (delay of game), 9:38; Kolesar Sea (roughing), 10:49; True Sea (roughing, roughing), 10:49; Fisher Vic (roughing), 10:49; Hicketts Vic (roughing), 10:49.

3rd Period-

3, Seattle, Kolesar 13 (Smith, Hauf), 3:31.

4, Seattle, Gropp 9 (Barzal, Bear), 11:56.

5, Seattle, Volcan 6 (Smith, Wedman), 12:48.

6, Seattle, True 9 (Bear, Barzal), 16:44 (PP).

Penalties-Pachal Vic (high sticking), 5:06; Phillips Vic (tripping), 16:26.

Shots on Goal-

Seattle 12-11-12-35.

Victoria 5-12-2-19.

Power Play Opportunities-

Seattle 1 / 5;

Victoria 0 / 2.

Goalies-

Seattle, Flodell 7-3-1-0 (19 shots-17 saves).

Victoria, Vollrath 12-6-0-1 (35 shots-31 saves).

A-5,138
Referees-Adam Griffiths (36), Sean Raphael (28).
Linesmen-Riley Friesen (76), Jeff MacAdams.

Recap: VIC 6 - REG 1

The Victoria Royals (14-5-0-1, 29pts) swept their Eastern Division road trip, winning all 6 games after a 6-1 victory over the Regina Pats Saturday night.

“We played a great team game every night…” said Head Coach Dave Lowry.

The Royals now have points in 8 straight games (7-0-0-1), and sit atop of the WHL standings.  The road win streak is now at 7 games.

“There were moments when we weren’t as good as we wanted or needed to be and different guys bailed each other out.  When you have different guys blocking shots and doing whatever it takes to win, you’re going to find ways to win hockey games.”  Said Lowry.

Victoria only allowed 8 goals against over the 6 games, that were played in 9 nights over the course of 12 travel days.

“Your goalies your star, and overall team play.  When you limit the quality chances and second chances, you find ways to have success.”

It started with a 3-2 overtime win in Prince Albert, 5-1 in Saskatoon, 3-1 at Swift Current, 5-2 in Moose Jaw, and 4-1 in Brandon.

Saturday night rookie Tyler Thompson scored twice and added an assist while Jack Walker also added a pair in the 6-1 victory over the Pats.

“It was a really fun road trip,” said Walker,

“We were fortunate enough to get six wins and I think that was a big statement for our club – putting us up there with the top teams in the league.”

The Royals led 2-1 after 20 and 4-1 after 40 before adding another pair in the third.

“Team wins, everyone was contributing on this trip and that’s what makes it fun for everyone.” According to Walker.

Victoria outshot Regina 38-23 overall and 15-7 in the third at the end of a 4 in 5 game stretch.

“I liked the fact that we were still able to control the pace of the play and didn’t tire as the games went on.” said Lowry on finishing strong.

Griffen Outhouse earned his 2^nd victory in in 2^nd WHL start stopping 22 of 23, while the Royals chased starter Tyler Brown in the second after scoring 3 goals on 9 shots.  16 year old Jordan Hollet stopped 26 of 29 in relief.

The Royals power play went 2 for 3, while shutting down all 4 Pats man advantages.

Victoria also got a goal and assist from Jared Dmytriw and two helpers from Logan Fisher, who’s line with Tyler Thompson combined for 7 points.

It was the first 3 points in the WHL for Thompson, the 18 year old rookie playing in his 5^th game.

“I’m all smiles right now and the boys are all high fiving me – it’s pretty good.” Said Thompson who had his Dad in attendance up from Minnesota.

“I think it was his first WHL game that he’s ever watched and I’m happy I was in it playing.”

Matthew Phillips added a single for his 8^th of the year on a great individual effort and sits tied for 4^th in rookie scoring.

Joe Hicketts and Head Coach Dave Lowry now head off to the Canada Russia Challenge with Team WHL on Monday in Kelowna and Tuesday in Kamloops where Hicketts will wear the ‘C’ in his hometown.

“It’s going to be exciting,” said Hicketts, who is 2^nd in the league in defenseman scoring,

“It’s a huge honour to be a leader on a team that has so much talent and leadership qualities…it’s going to be nice for my family and friends to see that, but at the end of the day you have to go out there and play your game.”

The Royals will return home for a pair of games against the #9 ranked team in the CHL, the Seattle Thunderbirds on Friday and Turn Back the Clock Night Saturday, which will feature Victoria WHL alumni goaltender Grant Fuhr and former Royals’ captain Tyler Stahl. Both contests are slated for 7:05 p.m.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 6 at Regina Pats 1 - Status: Final
Saturday, November 7, 2015 - Brandt Centre - Regina, SK

Victoria 2 2 2 - 6
Regina 1 0 0 - 1

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Dmytriw 3 (Thompson, Fisher), 8:41.

2, Regina, Freadrich 1   14:13.

3, Victoria, Walker 4 (Bobylev, Soy), 16:40 (PP).

Penalties-Hilsendager Reg (slashing), 16:32.

2nd Period-

4, Victoria, Thompson 1 (Fisher), 4:15.

5, Victoria, Walker 5   19:14.

Penalties-Bobylev Vic (tripping), 6:21; Ibragimov Vic (tripping), 13:54; Fisher Vic (hooking), 19:35.

3rd Period-

6, Victoria, Phillips 8   13:44.

7, Victoria, Thompson 2 (Gagnon, Dmytriw), 15:59 (PP).

Penalties-Forsberg Vic (tripping), 9:59; Ibragimov Vic (kneeing, roughing), 15:41; Smith Reg (roughing, major-cross checking, game misconduct), 15:41; Wagner Reg (checking from behind), 17:11.

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 6-17-15-38.

Regina 5-11-7-23.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 2 / 3;

Regina 0 / 4.

Goalies-

Victoria, Outhouse 2-0-0-0 (23 shots-22 saves).

Regina, Brown 2-5-0-0 (9 shots-6 saves); Hollett 0-0-0-0 (29 shots-26 saves).

A-4,180
Referees-Troy Murray (34), Kyle Scrivens (77).
Linesmen-Cam Kuffner (31), Ryan Lundquist (106).

Recap: VIC 4 - BRN 1

Coleman Vollrath made 39 saves to help the visiting Victoria Royals to their 5^th straight victory by beating the Brandon Wheat Kings 4-1 on Friday night.

“Our goaltender gave us a chance in the first period…” said Head Coach Dave Lowry, who’s club was outshot 17-6 in the first 20 minutes, but came out with a 1-1 tie on goals by Tyler Soy (9^th) on a breakaway, and Flyers first round pick Ivan Provorov.

“We had to get skating, our strength is our speed…I give credit to Vollrath he was sharp early, and I give the rest of the guys credit they came out and played a solid forty.”

The Royals responded with 13 shots in the second, and were rewarded with a pair of goals by Alex Forsberg (6^th) and Dante Hannoun’s team leading 11^th on a 2 on 1, to take a 3-1 lead to the third.

“Timely goal scoring tonight was probably the key…” said Lowry, as Phillips on a breakaway put the game out of reach in the third.

“Also Hannoun’s goal…he comes out of the box and scores on that shift.”

Phillips ended with a goal and an assist, while Joe Hicketts added a pair of helpers.

“We circled this game as big statement game,” said the 17 year old rookie Phillips who is now 5^th in rookie scoring with 14 points in 19 games,

“I thought we had a slow start but got our legs in the second…we did a good job weathering the storm, and got to our game and took over from there.”

The Royals have now won all 5 on their Eastern Division road trip, which wraps up in Regina Saturday night.  They now have points in 7 straight (6-0-0-1) moving into first place in the league with a record of (13-5-0-1, 27 points).  They’ve also won 6 straight road games, improving their away record to 8-3.

“It’s been a real good confidence booster,” said Joe Hicketts who’ll be wearing the ‘C’ for Team WHL at the Canada Russia Challenge next Tuesday in Kamloops,

“Knowing that we can play with, and against some of the top teams, in some of the hardest buildings in the league – it’s something that shows the character we have in the room.”

The Wheat Kings are ranked #5 in the CHL, and fall to record of 11-4-0-2.

Vollrath earned his league leading 12^th win and was named first star, while Jordan Papirny suffered his 4^th defeat, and third in a row, allowing 4 goals on 35 Royals shots.

Victoria was 0 for 1 on the power play, and shut down both Brandon man advantages.

“Discipline is the key to winning on the road,” said Lowry,

“You have to respect their offense, they’re the highest scoring team in the league, and you have to make them work for their chances.  If you take needless penalties it makes them easy for them – and we wanted to make it hard for them.”

The Royals improve to 10-0 when leading after 40 minutes.

Hannoun extends his point streak to 7 games with 9 points in that span (7g 2a).  Phillips pushed his point streak to 4 games and 6 points (3g 3a).  Soy has goals in 3 straight games.  Forsberg has 7 points in his last 3 outings (2g 5a).  Hicketts leads all defenseman in assists with 20, and is 2^nd in points by a rearguard with 21.

The Pats fell on the road against the Broncos 3-1 Friday, and will take on a Royals squad playing their 4^th game in 5 nights, and 6^th of 9 on the road.

“Just make sure we’re ready to play…” said Lowry on facing Regina,

“We’ve done a really good job of managing the days off, managing the rest, and making sure they’re fresh to play games.”

Puck drops at 5pm PST

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 4 at Brandon Wheat Kings 1 - Status: Final
Friday, November 6, 2015 - Westman Place - Brandon, MB

Victoria 1 2 1 - 4
Brandon 1 0 0 - 1

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Soy 9 (Walker, Reddekopp), 2:10.

2, Brandon, Provorov 3 (Clague, Waltz), 13:25.

Penalties-Gagnon Vic (checking from behind), 11:20; Waltz Bdn (boarding), 14:46.

2nd Period-

3, Victoria, Forsberg 6 (Hicketts, Gagnon), 5:57.

4, Victoria, Hannoun 11 (Phillips, Hicketts), 18:02.

Penalties-Gagnon Vic (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 6:51; Erkamps Bdn (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 6:51; Bobylev Vic (major-fighting), 14:00; Kaspick Bdn (major-fighting), 14:00; Hannoun Vic (tripping), 15:30.

3rd Period-

5, Victoria, Phillips 7 (Jarratt), 16:32.

Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 6-13-16-35.

Brandon 17-10-13-40.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 0 / 1;

Brandon 0 / 2.

Goalies-

Victoria, Vollrath 12-5-0-1 (40 shots-39 saves).

Brandon, Papirny 6-4-0-2 (35 shots-31 saves).

A-4,578
Referees-Kyle Kowalski (15), Trevor Peluk (79).
Linesmen-Kelsey Mahoney (138), Darrell Surminski (37).