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).