Recap: VIC 6 - EDM 1

Jack Walker scored twice and Tyler Soy had 3 points as the visiting Victoria Royals (43-16-3-3, 92pts) upended the Edmonton Oil Kings 6-1 Monday afternoon.

Hicketts had a goal and assist

“I liked the fact that we got the lead early, and were able to play our game,” said Head Coach Dave Lowry,

The Royals win their 6^th in a row, and with points in 7 straight, move into top spot in the WHL, one ahead of the Rockets.

“These guys have worked hard all year, and are deserving of it.” Said Lowry

Victoria struck early on Hockey Hooky day, and built up period leads of 3-1 and 6-1.

“We did a good job of being ready early, and giving ourselves a opportunity to play with the lead most of the night.”

The Royals went 2 for 5 on the power play, and struck once short handed.  The Oil Kings were shut down on both their man advantages.

Victoria out shot Edmonton 31-25 with Coleman Vollrath earning the win, and Patrick Dea taking the loss.

It was an early start 11:30am local time, but the Royals were ready to go with Joe Hicketts scoring just :26 seconds in.

Walker added to the lead burying a rebound before 5 minutes were up.

Victoria native, Dysin Mayo cut the lead to 2-1 for Edmonton, but Jared Dmytriw scored short handed after a great set up by Soy to retake the 2 goal lead, 3-1.

The Royals added back to back power play goals in the second by Soy and Bobylev to jump to a 5-1 lead.  Walker split the defense to score top corner for his second of the night and 29^th of the year, to round out the scoring.

“Alberta’s been really good to us,” said Walker after winning 3 games in 4 days.  The Royals had beaten Calgary and Red Deer by identical 6-2 scores.

The Oil Kings wore Alternates

“We had everyone tonight, played a full 60 minutes and just didn’t stop – didn’t give up.”

The club wins the season series 3-0. 

Soy had a goal and two assists, Hicketts had a goal and an assist, while Ryan Gagnon chipped in with a pair of helpers.

Soy tied the Royals goal record held by Austin Carroll at 38.

Alex Forsberg tied the Royals scoring record held by Carroll at 77pts, and with his helper sets the clubs assist record at 53, previously held by Hicketts – who scored the goal on the play.

“It’s pretty cool how it works out like that,” said Forsberg,

“It’s special for me as I’ve moved around quite a bit in my career, and it’s nice to plant some roots here – I’ve been really happy in Victoria.”

Victoria has the best record in the league in 2016 at 20-4-3 since Jan. 1, and 43-16-3-3 overall.  The Royals wrap up the month of February with a 12-1-1-0 record.

Victoria concludes the 4 game trip Friday night in Vancouver at 7:30.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 6 at Edmonton Oil Kings 1 - Status: Final
Monday, February 29, 2016 - Rexall Place - Edmonton, AB

Victoria 3 3 0 - 6
Edmonton 1 0 0 - 1

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Hicketts 8 (Forsberg, Price), 0:26.

2, Victoria, Walker 28 (Walford, Gagnon), 4:54.

3, Edmonton, Mayo 6 (Bauer), 11:01.

4, Victoria, Dmytriw 11 (Soy, Gagnon), 13:29 (SH).

Penalties-Pachal Vic (delay of game), 12:29.

2nd Period-

5, Victoria, Soy 38 (Phillips, Hicketts), 6:34 (PP).

6, Victoria, Bobylev 23   9:05 (PP).

7, Victoria, Walker 29 (Soy), 17:39.

Penalties-served by Roach Edm (too many men), 5:17; Gorda Edm (tripping), 7:54.

3rd Period- No Scoring.

Penalties-Gagnon Vic (delay of game), 0:34; Klatt Edm (boarding), 7:54; Bauer Edm (high sticking), 8:31; Pollock Edm (tripping), 16:30.

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 15-10-6-31.

Edmonton 9-8-8-25.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 2 / 5; Edmonton 0 / 2.

Goalies-

Victoria, Vollrath 29-13-0-2 (25 shots-24 saves).

Edmonton, Dea 17-19-3-1 (31 shots-25 saves).

A-12,220
Referees-Fraser Lawrence (10), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Deion Foster (128), Jory Lutzmann (143).

Recap: VIC 6 - RD 2 (Sat. Feb.27.2016)

Joe Hicketts struck twice, as the visiting Victoria Royals (42-16-3-3, 90pts) scored 4 unanswered in the third to defeat the Red Deer Rebels 6-2 Saturday night.

“It was nice,” said Hicketts the game’s first star who notched his first of the night with the man advantage to make it 4-2,

The Royals celebrate the win.

“A back and forth battle, and we used our power play to take over in the third, and ride the momentum through.”

Hicketts also scored short handed into an empty net to seal the win.

The Rebels twice had come back to tie the score, but the Royals pulled away in the third period beginning with Tyler Soy breaking the 2-2 draw for the eventual game winner.

“I thought we had great resiliency tonight,” said Head Coach Dave Lowry, who’s club led by 1-0 and 2-1 scores, but were tied up after 40 minutes,

“It was one of those games that could go either way.  We talked about what we could control, and going into the third period, if we could push the pace and get our speed going again – we could give ourselves a chance to win.”

Victoria wins their 5^th in a row, and now have points in 6 straight, sitting 2^nd in the overall standings, 1 point back of Kelowna.

The Rebels are the host team for the 2016 Memorial Cup.

“You always talk about where you want to be…We wanted to make sure that we came in here and put our best effort forward.” Said Lowry,

“We’re not really into making statements, we just wanted to make sure that our preparation every night gives us a chance to win.”

Victoria out shot Red Deer 31-17, with Coleman Vollrath earning the win and Trevor Martin taking the loss for Red Deer, snapping their 2 game win streak.

The Royals power play went 1 for 7, while stopping both Rebels man advantages.  Both clubs scored once short handed.

“I thought the power play did a good job of generating that momentum…” said Lowry.

Victoria got a goal and 2 assists from Jack Walker, Vladimir Bobylev had a goal and assist, and Dante Hannoun chipped in with a pair of helpers.  Matthew Phillips added his franchise rookie leading 34^th.

The Royals kicked off their 4 game road trip with a 6-2 win against the Hitmen one night earlier.

Victoria plays their 3^rd game in 4 days Monday morning at 10:30 PST in Edmonton.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 6 at Red Deer Rebels 2 - Status: End of Game
Saturday, February 27, 2016 - Enmax Centrium - Red Deer, AB

Victoria 1 1 4 - 6
Red Deer 1 1 0 - 2

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Bobylev 22 (Reddekopp, Walker), 4:52.

2, Red Deer, Spacek 16 (Helewka, Polei), 18:50.

Penalties-Rattie R.d (checking to the head), 10:40; Forsberg Vic (inter. on goaltender), 16:41; Fleury R.d (high sticking), 19:22.

2nd Period-

3, Victoria, Walker 27 (Pachal, Bobylev), 5:36.

4, Red Deer, Philp 18 (DeBrusk), 9:33 (SH).

Penalties-served by R.d (too many men), 8:35; Nogier R.d (hooking), 15:39.

3rd Period-

5, Victoria, Soy 37   3:35.

6, Victoria, Hicketts 6 (Hannoun, Walker), 8:48 (PP).

7, Victoria, Phillips 34 (Hannoun, Forsberg), 11:56.

8, Victoria, Hicketts 7   17:26 (SH EN).

Penalties-Helewka R.d (interference), 6:46; Doetzel R.d (boarding), 8:16; Dmytriw Vic (major-fighting), 12:30; Bobyk R.d (cross checking, major-fighting), 12:30; Gagnon Vic (slashing), 15:31.

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 12-8-11-31.

Red Deer 8-5-4-17.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 1 / 7;

Red Deer 0 / 2.

Goalies-

Victoria, Vollrath 28-13-0-2 (17 shots-15 saves).

Red Deer, Martin 11-6-1-1 (30 shots-25 saves).

A-5,632
Referees-Chris Crich (20), Colin Watt (72).
Linesmen-Sean Donnelly (109), Chad Huseby (59).

Recap: VIC 6 - CGY 2 (Fri. Feb.26.2016)

Gagnon was the #1 star

Tyler Soy and Ryan Gagnon each struck twice as the visiting Victoria Royals (41-16-3-3, 88pts) defeated the Calgary Hitmen 6-2 Friday night.

“I liked the way that we played, start to finish.” Said Head Coach Dave Lowry squaring off against his former squad.

The Royals led 3-0 after 20 minutes and 5-1 after 40, before exchanging goals in the third for the clubs 41^st win of the season, clinching a playoff berth.

“We were prepared to play, we knew that we were going to face a very good Calgary team.” continued Lowry,

“We were able to score first, were able to dictate the pace of play and able to play our style.”

Victoria won their 4^th in a row, and now have points in 5 straight (4-0-1-0), remaining 2^nd in the WHL standings 1 point back of Kelowna who won in Vancouver.

Royals bench in Calgary

Soy scored just :33 seconds into the first, and ended with his 35^th and 36^th of the year to lead the club.

“We’re a very good team when we have an opportunity to play with the lead,” said Lowry,

17 year old freshman, Matthew Phillips struck on the power play set the franchise record for goals by a rookie with his 33^rd, passing Chilliwack Bruin Oscar Moller. 

“It feels good, especially to get it in my first hometown game…” said Phillips, who converted on a cross ice feed from Alex Forsberg who had 2 assists.

“It’s pretty cool, and I can’t thank the rest of the team and my line mates enough.”

Gagnon took a hard hit behind the Royals net, before striking top corner before the period was out.

“Yeah, it might of got me going a little bit,” said Gagnon on the hit inspiring his first two goal game,

“I thought I just got lucky on the one, and it was a nice pass by Forsberg on the other.” according to Gagnon who was the games first star.

“Not only does he play physically, but he also has the ability to chip in offensively.  You can’t say enough about the things that he does for your hockey team.” said Lowry.

Gagnon was a +3, giving him a +41 on the season, 3^rd overall and 2^nd among defenseman.

The Hitmen started Nik Amundrud, but was replaced by Cody Porter to begin the second period after Amundrud allowed 3 goals on 9 Royals shots. 

Victoria put the pedal to the metal in the middle frame, out shooting Calgary 13-5 and outscoring the home team 2-1 in the 2^nd period with goals by Logan Fisher and Gagnon’s 2^nd of the night.

Porter went 13 for 16 over 40 minutes, while Calgary native Coleman Vollrath earned the win with 22 saves in his hometown.

“Unbelievable,” said Vollrath who earned his 27^th win of the year,

“…and so special to play my last regular season game in the Saddledome, and get a big win in front of friends and family.”

Logan Fisher had a goal and an assist, while Regan Nagy had a pair of helpers.

“Contributions from everybody, that is the key for us to be successful.” said Lowry,

“Fisher’s line (Nagy, Jared Dmytriw) had some key shifts for us, and were able to have an answer whenever we got put on our heels, they would got out and change momentum for us.”

The Royals were 1 for 5 on the power play, while shutting down all 4 Hitmen man advantages.

Calgary’s goals were registered by Bryce Platt and Jordy Stallard.

Victoria wins the season series 2-0.

Victoria left Wednesday to kick off a 10 day, 4 game road trip, and now play face the 2016 Memorial Cup host team the Red Deer Rebels Saturday at 6pm PST.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 6 at Calgary Hitmen 2 - Status: Final
Friday, February 26, 2016 - Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary, AB

Victoria 3 2 1 - 6
Calgary 0 1 1 - 2

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Soy 35   0:33.

2, Victoria, Phillips 33 (Forsberg, Walker), 15:24 (PP).

3, Victoria, Gagnon 4 (Forsberg), 17:26.

Penalties-Platt Cal (interference), 6:29; Hicketts Vic (roughing), 7:33; Ta. Sanheim Cal (roughing), 14:52.

2nd Period-

4, Calgary, Platt 3 (Kastelic), 5:37.

5, Victoria, Fisher 11 (Nagy), 7:02.

6, Victoria, Gagnon 5 (Fisher, Nagy), 11:40.

Penalties-Stallard Cal (high sticking), 8:58; Ta. Sanheim Cal (slashing), 14:45.

3rd Period-

7, Calgary, Stallard 18 (Houck, Twarynski), 17:02.

8, Victoria, Soy 36   17:56.

Penalties-Phillips Vic (interference), 1:56; Ibragimov Vic (roughing), 6:39; Stukel Cal (tripping), 11:34; Walker Vic (interference), 11:49.

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 9-13-3-25.

Calgary 7-5-11-23.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 1 / 5;

Calgary 0 / 4.

Goalies-

Victoria, Vollrath 27-13-0-2 (23 shots-21 saves).

 Calgary, Amundrud 11-11-1-0 (9 shots-6 saves); Porter 20-9-1-1 (16 shots-13 saves).

A-7,491
Referees-Reid Anderson (53), Steve Papp (17).
Linesmen-Kris Hartley (81), Aidan Henderson (78).

Royals Sign F Dino Kambeitz

ROYALS INK DINO KAMBEITZ

Victoria signs 2015 Bantam Draft pick.

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, February 24, 2015

Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals are pleased to announce that they have signed 2000-born forward Dino Kambeitz (cam-BITES) to a Western Hockey League (WHL) Standard Player Agreement.

Kambeitz was selected by the Royals in the fifth round (90^th overall) of the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.

“Dino is a talented and dynamic young player,” General Manager Cameron Hope said. “We are very pleased with his development so far, and happy to have him join our organization.” 

The Parker, CO native currently plays for the Calgary, AB based Edge School for Athletics Elite 15 team in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL). Through 45 games, Kambeitz has amassed 55 points (17g-38a) along with 98 minutes in penalties and sits second in team scoring.

During the 2014-15 campaign, Kambeitz played for the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders of the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA). The 5-11, 172 lb winger played in 15 games and collected seven points (5g-2a) and 14 penalty minutes.

Dino is the son of Jim Kambeitz, who played in 93 games for the Victoria Cougars from 1985-87.

The Royals will now embark on a three-game Alberta road-trip starting in Calgary to face the Hitmen on Friday and Red Deer to take on the Rebels on Saturday. Puck drop for both contests are set for 6:00 p.m. PST. Victoria will then travel to Edmonton to battle the Oil Kings on Monday, February 29^th with puck drop scheduled for 10:30 a.m. PST.

Victoria will return home on Saturday, March 5^th to take on the Vancouver Giants with puck drop set for 7:05 p.m.  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. 

The Royals 2016-17 Season Tickets are on-sale now. New to the season ticket family?  We’ll let you test out your seats for the rest of this season for FREE. Call the Royals’ ticket office at 250-220-7889 to learn about all the great benefits. 

  

-30-

For further information contact:

Adam McKinnon

Manager of Communications and Hockey Operations Coordinator

Victoria Royals Hockey Club

250-220-2613

adam.mckinnon@victoriaroyals.com

Recap: KAM 3 - VIC 6 (Sat, Feb.20.2016)

Tyler Soy had a 4pt night

Tyler Soy had a 4 points, while Vladimir Bobylev scored twice for a 3 point night as the Victoria Royals (40-16-3-3, 86pts) doubled the visiting Kamloops Blazers 6-3 Saturday night in front of a sold out Pink in the Rink crowd.

Victoria moves into sole possession of first place in the WHL, leapfrogging Kelowna (85pts) who lost in Vancouver.  The Rockets however, have two games in hand.

“I think it feels great…what we have to do, is keep things in perspective,” Said Head Coach Dave Lowry.

“Credit to the guys that go out and play each night – they’ve played the same way from Day 1.  They believe in what we’re doing here.  It’s evident in the way that they play, the way they look after each other.  This is an unbelievable team, but the one thing is – they really care and respect each other.”

The Royals swept the Blazers in the two game set after winning 4-1 Friday night, and now have points in 4 straight (3-0-1-0), riding a 3 game win streak.

“It’s a great feeling…” Said Soy on taking top spot in the league. 

“When people are counting you out at the start of the year and you come up and win games you’re not supposed to win, and proving people wrong – it’s a good feeling…”

Soy had a goal (34^th) and three assists, leading the club in goals.

Victoria earned their 40^th win of the season, and a franchise high 9^th consecutive home win.  The Royals tie the clubs record for most home wins in a season with 22.

“In order for us to be successful we’re going to have to play a good team game, we’re going to have to get scoring throughout our line up, our special teams were going to have to be good, and our goaltending was going to have to be exceptional.” Said Lowry on the message from Day 1 to be successful.

Victoria never trailed, leading 2-1 after 20 minutes and 3-2 after 40.  The Royals outscored the Blazers 3-1 in the third, while playing 6 games in 8 nights.

“We know that we have a week off, so what we had to do is push ourselves and mentally challenge ourselves to get over this hump – this is what happens when you have a strong group, and really good leadership.” mentioned Lowry,

Coleman Vollrath

“They challenge each other, to push each other - and get rewarded.”

Coleman Vollrath earned the win, making 30 saves, while Lantzville product Dylan Ferguson allowed 6 goals on 41 Royal shots.

Victoria was 2 for 5 on the power play, while stopping 5 of 6 visitor man advantages.

Bobylev scored both of his goals in the first period, the first just :27 seconds in.  Kamloops captain Matt Needham sandwiched his goal in between.

Tyler Soy deked out Dylan Ferguson on a short handed breakaway in the second period to give the club a two goal lead, however with just 4.9 seconds left in the middle frame, Spencer Bast struck to bring the visitors within one.

Jack Walker got the home team up by a pair 4-2 on the power play early in the third, but just 1:17 later, former Royal forward Matthew Campese tapped in a rebound to bring the Blazers again to within one 4-3.

Dante Hannoun responded just :21 seconds later, converting a great feed from Alex Forsberg to restore the 2 goal lead. 

“I really liked our resiliency…even after we scored a goal, we gave up one right back and then we went out, and took over.” Said Lowry

Matthew Phillips scored on the power play with less than a minute in regulation to make it 6-3, recording his 32^nd, tying the franchise record for goals by a rookie with Oscar Moller.

The line of Bobylev (2g 1a), Soy (1g 3a), and Walker (1g 1a) combined for 9 points.  They also earned all 3 stars of the game, in respective order. 

Captain Joe Hicketts chipped in with a pair of assists, playing against his hometown team.

“We’ve put a lot of hard work in over the last couple weeks…” said Hicketts,

“And to see it pay off in that sense…it’s going to be important that we keep playing the way are.”

Victoria kicks off a 4 game road trip Friday night in Calgary.

- Marlon Martens

Kamloops Blazers 3 at Victoria Royals 6 - Status: Final
Saturday, February 20, 2016 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Kamloops 1 1 1 - 3
Victoria 2 1 3 - 6

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Bobylev 20 (Ibragimov, Soy), 0:27.

2, Kamloops, Needham 17 (Sideroff, Davidson), 8:32 (PP).

3, Victoria, Bobylev 21 (Soy, Walford), 14:58.

Penalties-Benjafield Kam (tripping), 1:10; Soy Vic (slashing), 7:49; Ibragimov Vic (interference), 7:57.

2nd Period-

4, Victoria, Soy 34   6:42 (SH).

5, Kamloops, Bast 3 (Smejkal), 19:55.

Penalties-Pachal Vic (tripping), 2:23; Walker Vic (cross checking), 4:49; Campese Kam (hooking), 8:02; Smejkal Kam (cross checking), 17:26.

3rd Period-

6, Victoria, Walker 26 (Hicketts, Bobylev), 2:40 (PP).

7, Kamloops, Campese 8 (Bast, Davidson), 3:57.

8, Victoria, Hannoun 23 (Forsberg, Hicketts), 4:18.

9, Victoria, Phillips 32 (Walker, Soy), 19:24 (PP).

Penalties-Vala Kam (slashing), 2:09; Bobylev Vic (tripping, unsportsmanlike cnd.), 9:56; Vala Kam (tripping), 19:03.

Shots on Goal-

Kamloops 11-12-10-33.

Victoria 14-16-11-41.

Power Play Opportunities-

Kamloops 1 / 6;

Victoria 2 / 5.

Goalies-

Kamloops, Ferguson 3-10-0-0 (41 shots-35 saves).

Victoria, Vollrath 26-13-0-2 (33 shots-30 saves).

A-7,006
Referees-Reid Anderson (53), Ryan Benbow (62).
Linesmen-Riley Friesen (76), Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).

Recap: KAM 1 - VIC 4 (Fri. Feb.19.2016)

Alex Forsberg and Matthew Phillips had two points each to help lead the Victoria Royals (39-16-3-3, 84pts) past the visiting Kamloops Blazers 4-1 Friday night, in the first of back to back games.

“I think when we play our game, we’re pretty hard to deal with…” said Forsberg.

The Royals held period leads of 1-0 and 3-0, and up 4-0 before Matt Needham broke the shutout bid late in the third.

“We were generating chances, had really good zone time…” said Head Coach Dave Lowry,

“We knew there was going to be a push in the 2^nd, and I liked the way we got our game going, we got skating again and continued to push the pace and we played our way.”

Coleman Vollrath made 25 saves for the clubs 39^th win of the season, tying last season’s output with 11 games remaining.

Connor Ingram, the WHL nominee for CHL goaltender of the week, stopped 35 of 39 as he saw the Blazers 4 game win streak come to an end.  Kamloops (27-23-5-3, 62pts) is now tied for the first Wild Card spot in the West with Spokane.

Victoria remains 2^nd in the overall standings, 1 back of Kelowna who beat Vancouver Friday.  The Royals won their 2^nd in a row and now have points in their last 3, ranked 9^th in the CHL Top 10.

Victoria’s Joe Hicketts was the games first star with a goal, while also laying a big hit in the third on Blazer captain Matt Needham. 

“We had a lot of back pressure, we created 3 of 4 goals off of our tracking and back checking.  We turned those turnovers into offense and we created well off the rush, even when we didn’t score.” Said Hicketts.

Alex Forsberg had a goal and assist for the Royals, while Jack Walker and Dante Hannoun scored the others. 

Matthew Phillips had a pair of assists, and continues to lead all rookies in goals (31) and points (65).

Victoria was 0 for 3 on the power play, while Kamloops was 1 for 2.  The Royals have not allowed more than 2 opposition man advantages over their last 4 games.

The Royals won their franchise best 8^th straight on home ice.

The club just came off playing 4 in 5, and were playing their 5^th game in 7 days.

“I’m a firm believer that these guys need rest…rest is a weapon come this time of year.” Said Lowry.

Victoria takes a 5-2 season series lead, and face Kamloops for a final time in the regular season Saturday, on the sold-out Pink in Rink night.

- Marlon Martens

Kamloops Blazers 1 at Victoria Royals 4 - Status: Final
Friday, February 19, 2016 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Kamloops 0 0 1 - 1
Victoria 1 2 1 - 4

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Hicketts 5   5:49.

Penalties-Quinney Kam (holding), 14:14; Chyzowski Kam (high sticking), 16:28.

2nd Period-

2, Victoria, Walker 25 (Soy, Bobylev), 7:34.

3, Victoria, Forsberg 24 (Phillips, Ibragimov), 13:01.

Penalties-No Penalties

3rd Period-

4, Victoria, Hannoun 22 (Forsberg, Phillips), 9:05.

5, Kamloops, Needham 16 (Davidson, Smejkal), 16:22 (PP).

Penalties-Rehill Kam (cross checking), 10:25; Fisher Vic (roughing), 10:25; Ibragimov Vic (roughing), 10:25; Needham Kam (roughing), 11:39; Walford Vic (holding), 15:28.

Shots on Goal-

Kamloops 4-10-12-26.

Victoria 18-11-10-39.

Power Play Opportunities-

Kamloops 1 / 2;

Victoria 0 / 3.

Goalies-

Kamloops, Ingram 24-14-5-3 (39 shots-35 saves).

Victoria, Vollrath 25-13-0-2 (26 shots-25 saves).

A-6,023
Referees-Kevin Bennett (29), Brett Iverson (24).
Linesmen-Jeff MacAdams, Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).

Recap: VIC 5 - VAN 2 (Wed, Feb.17.2016)

Logan Fisher had the hat trick to help lift the visiting Victoria Royals (38-16-3-3, 82pts) past the Vancouver Giants 5-2 Wednesday afternoon.

Trailing 2-1 after 20 minutes, the Royals struck twice a minute apart to retake the lead. 

“We came out got back to work and started playing to our strengths,” said Head Coach Dave Lowry.

Fisher gave them the go ahead goal, and added another to take a 4-2 lead to the third.  Fisher completed the natural trick into an empty net for the insurance marker.

“It was great, that felt really good - I couldn’t get the smile off my face…” said the 20 year old Fisher,

“It was a good thing for me personally, and It was nice to get a win to end off the trip.”

Victoria completed a stretch 4 games in 5 nights, picking up 5 of a possible 8 points all on the road (2-1-1-0).  The Royals now have points in 2 straight after suffering a 2-1 overtime loss against the Winterhawks Monday.

“I liked the fact that we were winding down, coming off the road and we found a way to get the game turned back, and back under control.” Said Lowry.

Tyler Soy (33^rd) opened the scoring for Victoria, while Vladimir Bobylev (19^th) tied it at 2.  Netminder Griffen Outhouse made 28 saves in the win.

Ryan Kubic stopped 30 of 34 in the loss, while Vancouver got goals from Radovan Bondra and Taylor Crunk a minute apart in the first to give them their only lead.

The Royals were 1 for 4 on the power play, holding off both Giants man advantages.

Victoria was ranked 9^th in the CHL Top 10 earlier in the day, down from 6^th a week earlier.  With the win, they move past Lethbridge into sole possession of 2nd place in the overall standings, 1 back of Kelowna.

Vancouver remains last in the West, 11 back of Kamloops for the final Wild Card spot.

Ryan Gagnon was a +3 on the night, and earned 3^rd star honours.  Gagnon is now 3^rd in WHL in plus/minus (+36).

The Royals lead the 10 game season series 5 – 3, winning their last 3 encounters.

Victoria returns home to face Kamloops for a pair of games Friday and Saturday, the later being the annual Pink in the Rink night.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 5 at Vancouver Giants 2 - Status: End of Game
Wednesday, February 17, 2016 - Pacific Coliseum - Vancouver, BC

Victoria 1 3 1 - 5
Vancouver 2 0 0 - 2

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Soy 33 (Hicketts, Bobylev), 6:15.

2, Vancouver, Bondra 8 (Jones, Holt), 9:34.

3, Vancouver, Crunk 5 (Osipov, Foster), 10:36.

Penalties-Osipov Van (tripping), 2:14; Reddekopp Vic (cross checking), 16:42.

2nd Period-

4, Victoria, Bobylev 19 (Walford), 5:29 (PP).

5, Victoria, Fisher 8 (Price), 6:29.

6, Victoria, Fisher 9 (Nagy, Dmytriw), 14:07.

Penalties-served by Dhaliwal Van (too many men), 3:37; Phillips Vic (high sticking), 7:55; Hicketts Vic (roughing), 8:18; Popoff Van (roughing), 8:18; Lang Van (roughing), 10:47.

3rd Period-

7, Victoria, Fisher 10 (Forsberg), 18:27 (EN).

Penalties-Dhaliwal Van (slashing), 14:05.

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 12-12-11-35.

Vancouver 16-8-6-30.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 1 / 4;

Vancouver 0 / 2.

Goalies-

Victoria, Outhouse 14-3-3-1 (30 shots-28 saves).

Vancouver, Kubic 16-19-4-0 (34 shots-30 saves).

A-6,514
Referees-Mike Langin (67), Nick Swaine (35).
Linesmen-Ron Dietterle (121), Bevan Mills (98).

Recap: VIC 1 - PORT 2 OTL (Monday, Feb. 15, 2016)

The visiting Victoria Royals picked up a single point after falling 2-1 in overtime on the road against the Portland Winterhawks 2-1 Monday night.

“They capitalized on their opportunities,” said Head Coach Dave Lowry,

“We had some good quality chances tonight, but didn’t get any breaks around their net tonight.”

Red Wings prospect Dominic Turgeon had a goal, and then assisted on defenseman Caleb Jones winner in the extra frame for the Winterhawks.

Royals rookie Ryan Peckford gave Victoria a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.

The Royals playing 3 in 3, out shot the ‘Hawks 30-26.

“Our guys battled, played hard, played a lot of hockey, and it caught up with us tonight.” Said Lowry.

‘Hawks netminder Adin Hill earned the win making his 24^th straight start, while Griffen Outhouse took the loss.

“The defense was really good for us tonight, they let me see pucks and limited chances,” said Outhouse.

Both clubs were 0 for 2 on the power play.

Matthew Phillips picked up an assist, passing Logan Nelson for most points by a Royals’ rookie with 63 (31g-32a). Nelson previously set the record when he recorded 62 points (23g-39a) during the 2011-12 season. The franchise record is currently held by former Chilliwack Bruin Mark Santorelli who tallied 82 points (29g-53a) in the 2006-07 campaign.

Victoria moves to within a single point of top spot in the WHL, held by Lethbridge and Kelowna.

The Royals win the season series with the ‘Hawks 3-0-1-0.

Victoria wraps up 4 in 5 on the road in Vancouver Wednesday at noon.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 1 at Portland Winterhawks 2 (OT) - Status: Final OT
Monday, February 15, 2016 - Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Portland, OR

Victoria 1 0 0 0 - 1
Portland 0 1 0 1 - 2

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Peckford 7 (Phillips), 6:29.

Penalties-McKenzie Por (tripping), 3:56; Texeira Por (cross checking), 19:36.

2nd Period-

2, Portland, Turgeon 28 (Weinger), 13:45.

Penalties-Hicketts Vic (tripping), 19:54.

3rd Period-

No Scoring.

Penalties-Walker Vic (hooking), 4:29.

OT Period-

3, Portland, Jones 9 (Turgeon, Weinger), 1:13.

Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 12-11-7-0-30.

Portland 7-12-6-1-26.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 0 / 2;

Portland 0 / 2.

Goalies-

Victoria, Outhouse 13-3-3-1 (26 shots-24 saves).

Portland, Hill 27-22-2-0 (30 shots-29 saves).

A-6,723
Referees-Kevin Bennett (29), Mike Campbell (89).
Linesmen-Erik Freeman (104), Joel Nyberg (145).

Recap: VIC 2 - SEA 4 (Sunday, Feb.14.2016)

Keegan Kolesar scored three goals to lead the Seattle Thunderbirds past the visiting Victoria Royals 4-2 Sunday night.

“They’re a good team.  I thought our guys played really well tonight." said Head Coach Dave Lowry,

"Obviously we’re disappointed we didn’t get the outcome that we were looking for – but we’ve been on a pretty good run.” 

The Royals (37-15-2-3 – 79pts) had their franchise best 11 game win streak snapped, and points in 14 straight games.  Their last regulation loss came Jan. 8^th, 1-0 in Prince George.

Victoria was leading 2-1 going into the third, before Seattle scored three unanswered, the final one into an empty net.

“They had timely scoring, we got put on our heels a little bit - they came after us…” said Lowry on the third period.

The Royals outshot the T’birds 35-27, paced by a 15-5 second period barrage.

Coleman Vollrath took the loss stopping 23 of 26, while Logan Flodell blocked 33 shots for Seattle’s third straight win.

Victoria got goals from Tyler Soy (33^rd), and Dante Hannoun (21st) on the power play, going 1 for 6 after 40 minutes, but did not get another look in the final frame.

Seattle was 1 for 2 with the man advantage as Ethan Bear’s point shot proved to be the winner in the third.

“They capitalized on theirs, and that was the difference in the game.” Said Lowry about the power plays.

The Royals had a 5 game road win streak also snapped.

“I give these guys a lot of credit, they played the game right to the end.” Said Lowry,

“They know they have an opportunity to win every night…We knew at some point this was going to happen (the win streak ending), and the real test now, is how they prepare and respond tomorrow.”

The Thunderbirds sweep the season series 4-0.

Victoria is 3^rd in the WHL, 2 points back of Lethbridge and Kelowna who are tied a top of the overall standings.

The Royals started their trip with a 3-0 win against the Silvertips Saturday evening.

Victoria plays their 3^rd game in 3 days Monday afternoon at 4pm in Portland.  They’ll wrap up 4 in 5 at Vancouver Wednesday at noon.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 2 at Seattle Thunderbirds 4 - Status: Final
Sunday, February 14, 2016 - ShoWare Center - Kent, WA

Victoria 1 1 0 - 2
Seattle 1 0 3 - 4

1st Period-

1, Seattle, Kolesar 28 (Holowko, Ottenbreit), 7:06.

2, Victoria, Soy 32 (Bobylev, Walker), 10:07.

Penalties-Smith Sea (hooking), 1:52; Soy Vic (inter. on goaltender), 4:25; Smith Sea (tripping), 12:34; Kolesar Sea (charging), 19:42.

2nd Period-

3, Victoria, Hannoun 21 (Reddekopp, Walford), 1:33 (PP).

Penalties-Smith Sea (high sticking, high sticking), 6:58; Uhrich Sea (checking from behind), 15:52.

3rd Period-

4, Seattle, Kolesar 29 (Gropp, Eansor), 7:36.

5, Seattle, Bear 13 (Barzal, Gropp), 14:12 (PP).

6, Seattle, Kolesar 30   18:33 (EN).

Penalties-Ibragimov Vic (holding), 13:12.

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 10-15-10-35.

Seattle 12-5-10-27.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 1 / 6;

Seattle 1 / 2.

Goalies-

Victoria, Vollrath 24-13-0-2 (26 shots-23 saves).

Seattle, Flodell 17-12-3-0 (35 shots-33 saves).

A-4,003
Referees-Dexter Rasmussen (25), Curtis Marouelli (86).
Linesmen-Zach Brooks (26), Al Creigh (146).

Recap: VIC 3 - EVT 0 (Sat. Feb.13.2016)

Tyler Soy scored twice and Griffen Outhouse made 28 saves for the shutout as the visiting Victoria Royals (37-15-2-3, 79pts) blanked the Everett Silvertips 3-0 Saturday night.

Outhouse #1 Star

“I like the way we played start to finish.” Said Head Coach Dave Lowry.

After a scoreless first, the Royals struck twice on goals by Jack Walker and Soy in the second before he added his second of the night into an empty net with 2 seconds left.

“It was a fast first period, and we took over the game in the second.  We did a good job of managing our opportunities…” added Lowry.

The Royals had good special teams game, going 1 for 5 on the power play, and stopping all 5 Silvertip man advantages.

“Special teams were the difference…the power play generated a lot of good looks, got us the momentum, got us a big goal, and the penalty kill came through when we needed it to.” Commented Lowry.

Outhouse earned his 4^th shut out in his rookie campaign for the Royals, and was named 1^st star. 

Carter Hart stopped 32 of 34 to suffer the ‘Tips 3^rd loss in a row.  Hart is ranked 1^st among North American netminders by NHL’s Central Scouting for the upcoming draft.

“They have a really good goalie, so it was huge that we got those 3 goals.”  Said Walker who got the game winner and was named 2^nd star.

“Griffen played great too.  It was a good team win for us, let’s hopefully keep that moving forward.”

Victoria extends their franchise best win streak to 11 games, and ties the franchise record for points in consecutive games with 14 (13-0-1-0).  The Royals were ranked 6^th in the CHL Top 10 earlier this week.

“Yeah, it’s great,” said Captain Joe Hicketts,

“We’re trying not to think about it too much.  We’re trying to go out and win every period, that’s the goal.  Knock on wood, hopefully we can keep this going, but it’s been a lot of fun.”

Soy now leads the team in goals with 32, one more than rookie Matthew Phillips who was held off the scoresheet.

Victoria pulls into a tie for 2^nd in the overall standings with Lethbridge, 2 points back of Kelowna who won in Prince George.  Everett remains 3^rd in the West, 11 points back of Victoria.

The Royals lead the season series 2-0 after beating the ‘Tips 6-4 on the Island Monday afternoon.  They’ll meet for a home and home at the end of the regular season.

Victoria kicked off a stretch of 4 games in 5 nights, and play in Seattle at 5pm on Sunday night, followed by a 4pm start Monday in Portland.

The Royals are 0-3 so far this season against the Thunderbirds.

“They’re (Seattle) a team that has presented challenges for us.  We have make sure we’re prepared to play, prepared to skate, and manage the puck the right way.”

Seattle won 6-5 in overtime at home to Portland Saturday night.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 3 at Everett Silvertips 0 - Status: Final
Saturday, February 13, 2016 - XFINITY Arena - Everett, WA

Victoria 0 2 1 - 3
Everett 0 0 0 - 0

1st Period-

No Scoring.

Penalties-served by Winkler Evt (too many men), 1:44.

2nd Period-

1, Victoria, Walker 24 (Forsberg, Hicketts), 11:21 (PP).

2, Victoria, Soy 31 (Bobylev), 17:03.

Penalties-King Evt (tripping), 1:24; Ibragimov Vic (tripping), 5:37; Gagnon Vic (roughing), 7:09; Gerth Evt (inter. on goaltender), 10:10; Fonteyne Evt (charging), 13:08; Fisher Vic (cross checking), 17:40.

3rd Period-

3, Victoria, Soy 32   19:58 (EN).

Penalties-Davis Evt (tripping), 1:18; Forsberg Vic (slashing), 2:47; Forsberg Vic (boarding), 15:09.

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 10-17-8-35.

Everett 7-9-12-28.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 1 / 5;

Everett 0 / 5.

Goalies-

Victoria, Outhouse 13-3-2-1 (28 shots-28 saves).

Everett, Hart 31-18-1-2 (34 shots-32 saves).

A-7,150
Referees-Reid Anderson (53), Sean Raphael (28).
Linesmen-Tim Digby (75), Justin Nicol (147).