Reddekopp To AHL Ontario Reign

ROYALS’ CHAZ REDDEKOPP JOINS THE AHL’S ONTARIO REIGN

Victoria defenceman signs an Amateur Tryout Agreement with the Reign.

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals are pleased to announce that Chaz Reddekopp has joined the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Ontario Reign on an Amateur Tryout Agreement.

Reddekopp was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the seventh round, 187^th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

The native of West Kelowna, BC completed his third season in the WHL where he appeared in 70 regular season games and recorded 30 points (4g-26a). During the 2015-16 campaign, Reddekopp set new career highs in points (30) and assists (26). The Royals’ blueliner also tallied five assists over 13 playoff games with Victoria this season.

In 183 regular season WHL games with the Royals, Reddekopp has amassed 60 points (10g-50a). He has also recorded seven assists in 25 career post-season contests with the club.

Reddekopp was selected by Victoria in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft in the first round, 13^th overall.    

The Royals’ 2016-17 Season Ticket Packages are on-sale now. Guarantee yourself the best seats, prices and benefits that includes the most flexible ticket exchange policy in the WHL. Secure your spot for next season by giving the Royals’ ticket office a call at 250-220-7889 or sending an email to tickets@victoriaroyals.com to set up an appointment to view available seating.

Hicketts To AHL Grand Rapids

ROYALS’ JOE HICKETTS ASSIGNED TO GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

Apr 24, 2016 - 12:42 PDT Victoria captain joins the Griffins of the American Hockey League.

For Immediate Release
Sunday, April 24, 2016

Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals are pleased to announce that Joe Hicketts has been reassigned to the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Grand Rapids Griffins by the Detroit Red Wings for the remainder of the 2015-16 season.

Hicketts was signed to a three-year entry level contract as a free agent by Detroit in 2014 after he attended the Red Wing’s development camp and the 2014 NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City, MI.

The native of Kamloops, BC recorded 61 points (8g-53a) and a +38 rating in 59 games with the club this campaign and finished the 2015-16 regular season tied for second in the WHL for assists (53) by a defencemen and seventh in scoring (61 points).

This season, Hicketts was recognized as the Western Conference’s Player of the Year and Top Defenceman. The Royals’ blueliner has been nominated for the league honour in both categories for the 2016 WHL Awards luncheon that will take place on May 4th in Calgary, AB. Hicketts was also named to the Western Conference’s First All-Star Team.

For the second consecutive year, Hicketts was a member of Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships in Helsinki, Finland. Named as an assistant captain, Hicketts registered three points (1g-2a) in five games during the tournament. Hicketts also took part in the annual Canada Russia Series for Team WHL where he recorded two assists and a +2 rating over two games. He was named captain of Team WHL for Game 2, which took part in his hometown.

The 5-8, 175 lb defender has posted 173 points (32g-141a) in 225 career games with Victoria. Earlier this season, Hicketts set the Royals’ all-time franchise record for most career points by a defenceman (173) and powerplay assists (70).

The Royals’ 2016-17 Season Ticket Packages are on-sale now. Guarantee yourself the best seats, prices and benefits that includes the most flexible ticket exchange policy in the WHL. Secure your spot for next season by giving the Royals’ ticket office a call at 250-220-7889 or sending an email to tickets@victoriaroyals.com to set up an appointment to view available seating.

AUDIO: Locker Room Clean Out Day

Hicketts adresses the media.

Wednesday was locker room clean out day for the Victoria Royals, a day after bowing out of the 2016 postseason.

Victoria fell at home 3-2 in overtime to Kelowna in Game 7 of round 2.

The Royals graduate overagers Logan Fisher, Alex Forsberg and netminder Coleman Vollrath.

Victoria broke several records this season including 50 wins, 106 points and winning the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as regular season champions.

Hear from Head Coach Dave Lowry, GM Cam Hope, Forsberg, Vollrath, Fisher and Captain Joe Hicketts here: https://soundcloud.com/thezone913/sets/victoria-royals-locker-room

- Marlon Martens

 

Recap: KEL 3 - VIC 2 OT (Rockets Win Series 4-3)

An emotional Joe Hicketts after the Royals season comes to an end.

The Victoria Royals season came to an end in dramatic fashion Tuesday night, as Thomas Soustal scored in overtime in Game 7, to lift the visiting Kelowna Rockets to a 3-2 victory.

Overtime goal

“The game is about momentum, I thought we played another great game.  The unfortunate thing is they got the last shot, the last bounce.” – Head Coach Dave Lowry

Kelowna advances to round 3 for a third consecutive year and will face Seattle who knocked out Everett in 5.

Rockets celebrate the tying goal

Victoria was 0.2 seconds away from advancing to a franchise first third round before Justin Kirkland scored his second of the night to force overtime.

“You’re disappointed, you feel for the guys.  They’ve played extremely hard all year.” said Lowry,

“…It was not the ending we were looking for and we felt we’ve had a great season as a group.  Nobody expected us to be in this position - We were 0.2 seconds away from winning a game 7 in our building.”

The Royals had built up a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes on goals by Tyler Soy, and Alex Forsberg on the power play.

Ceremonial Handshake

Victoria out shot Kelowna 13-6 in the first, and 10-5 in the second, dominating play.

“I really liked the way we played for 60 minutes, a couple mistakes and it cost us goals…” added Lowry.

Tying Goal Bench Reactions

The Rockets Kirkland bounced one in off of Royals Logan Fisher to cut the lead in half early in the third, before Kirkland fired home the tying goal with the goaltender pulled with less than a second to go in front of a shocked sell out crowd.

“This one will sting for a while…there’s a real bond between the players and the fans, and I know they’re extremely grateful for the support they’ve received all year.” said Lowry.

Michael Herringer made 28 saves in his second consecutive game 7 to earn the win, while Coleman Vollrath stopped 22 in the loss.

Vollrath stops Chartier on a breakaway.

Victoria graduates overagers Logan Fisher, Alex Forsberg and Coleman Vollrath. 

“I’m extremely proud of my group, you can’t say enough of the leadership.  They’ve done a tremendous job of managing the room inside, it’s evident in the way these guys come out and play every night.”  According to Lowry.

Captain Joe Hicketts is signed by the Detroit Red Wings, and has a strong chance of turning pro next season.

Victoria salutes the sell out crowd

“It’s gut wrenching,” said an emotional Hicketts,

“…what we learned from a Game 7 is invaluable...as disappointing as it is, we have to look back at the season and be proud of what we accomplished.”

The Royals were 1 for 3 on the power play, and shut down all 4 Rocket man advantages.

Victoria was eliminated last season in the second round by Kelowna in 5 games, and were seeking vengeance.

“We still want to be where Kelowna is, we were 0.2 seconds away from accomplishing that…we’ll sit back, look back, and we’ll be a better team because of it.” Commented Lowry,

Tyler Soy attempts a wrap around

“We’ll be a better team through this experience whether we like it or not – we’ll be a better team.”

With an assist, Jack Walker (8g 8a) set the franchise record for most points in a post season with 16, passing Brandon Magee’s 15.

According to Shaw TV’s Andy Neal, “It was the first WHL game 7 in Victoria since '89, a best of 9 series, a first winner-take-all game seven since '83.”

Vollrath shakes Thurkauff's hand after loss.

It was another tightly contested affair as 6 of the 7 meetings were one goal games.

“It was unfortunate how it ended, but at the same time that’s how every game 7 seems to go – there’s a winner and a loser.” said Vollrath.

“…Even though my junior career is over, it was an awesome game to play in.”

- Marlon Martens

Kelowna Rockets 3 (OT) at Victoria Royals 2 - Status: Final OT
Tuesday, April 19, 2016 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Kelowna 0 0 2 1 - 3
Victoria 2 0 0 0 - 2

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Soy 7 (Dmytriw, Walker), 1:44.

2, Victoria, Forsberg 5 (Phillips, Hicketts), 10:31 (PP).

Penalties-Pachal Vic (tripping), 7:59; Southam Kel (elbowing), 9:51; Gagnon Vic (slashing), 19:10.

2nd Period-

No Scoring.

Penalties-Kirkland Kel (slashing), 1:42; Johansen Kel (cross checking), 6:23; Walker Vic (slashing), 6:23; Dmytriw Vic (slashing), 14:00; Dube Kel (interference), 15:23.

3rd Period-

3, Kelowna, Kirkland 7   1:13.

4, Kelowna, Kirkland 8 (Foote), 19:59.

Penalties-Gagnon Vic (delay of game), 4:23.

OT Period-

5, Kelowna, Thurkauf 2   5:56.

Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-

Kelowna 6-5-8-6-25.

Victoria 13-10-4-3-30.

Power Play Opportunities-

Kelowna 0 / 4;

Victoria 1 / 3.

Goalies-

Kelowna, Herringer 8-6-0-0 (30 shots-28 saves).

Victoria, Vollrath 5-4-1-0 (25 shots-22 saves).

A-7,006
Referees-Steve Papp (17), Chris Schlenker (9).
Linesmen-Ron Dietterle (121), Bevan Mills (98).

Recap: VIC 3 - KEL 2 (Series 3-3)

Facing elimination, the visiting Victoria Royals forced a Game 7 after defeating the Kelowna Rockets 3-2 Sunday night.

“We’ve always had to work for our success, and tonight we worked start to finish.” Said Head Coach Dave Lowry.

Victoria took a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes, jumped to 3-0 before got the last two to make it close. 

“Our battle level, the way that we came in with a sense of desperation – especially when our season was on the line.” Said Lowry when asked what impressed him about the clubs performance.

The visitors out shot Kelowna 16-9 in the first, and 36-27 overall.

Jack Walker had a goal and assist, while Joe Hicketts added a pair of helpers.  Regan Nagy and Tyler Soy added singles, the later on the power play.

“It’s easy to get up and play a game when you’re desperate to win, and that’s the mindset going into game 7.” Said Walker.

Nagy gave the Royals a 3-0 in the second before the Rockets Cal Foote scored with 16.6 seconds left.

Justin Kirkland got the home team to within one early in the third, but that was all Kelowna could get past Coleman Vollrath.

 “It felt good, a lot of tired guys in there…” said Hicketts,

“We left it all out there, we brought the team game, I thought we played really well tonight…we gave ourselves a chance to play in a game 7 which everyone dreams of.”

Matthew Phillips tries to beat Herringer

“He had no choice,” said Lowry on Hicketts big game,  

“He’s the leader and as Joe goes – your team goes.  You want your best players to be your best players at this time of year.”

Victoria was 1 for 7 on the power play, after going 3 games without scoring on the man advantage.  The Royals shut down all 3 Rocket power plays.

“One of the keys was scoring on that power play, and that’s something we haven’t done for a couple games, and that’s definitely a key going into our barn.” Add Walker.

Victoria lost Alex Forsberg late in the third after a hard hit by Calvin Thurkauff.

Michael Herringer made 33 saves in the loss.

It’s the first game 7 in Royals history, and it goes Tuesday night in Victoria at 7pm.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 3 at Kelowna Rockets 2 - Status: Final
Sunday, April 17, 2016 - Prospera Place - Kelowna, BC

Victoria 2 1 0 - 3
Kelowna 0 1 1 - 2

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Walker 8 (Hicketts, Reddekopp), 9:03.

2, Victoria, Soy 6 (Hicketts, Walker), 17:08 (PP).

Penalties-Ibragimov Vic (elbowing), 4:46; Hicketts Vic (slashing), 6:50; Southam Kel (slashing), 6:50; Soustal Kel (slashing), 13:21; Dube Kel (tripping), 16:10; Soy Vic (inter. on goaltender), 19:01.

2nd Period-

3, Victoria, Nagy 2 (Forsberg), 15:40.

4, Kelowna, Foote 1 (Johansen, Dube), 19:43.

Penalties-Lind Kel (charging), 5:00; Foote Kel (elbowing), 9:07; Gatenby Kel (hooking), 18:45; Hicketts Vic (hooking), 19:17.

3rd Period-

5, Kelowna, Kirkland 6 (Stephens, Southam), 3:12.

Penalties-Jarratt Vic (interference), 1:45; Dube Kel (embellishment), 1:45; Soustal Kel (hooking), 5:28; served by Baillie Kel (too many men), 11:27.

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 16-11-9-36.

Kelowna 9-9-9-27.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 1 / 7;

Kelowna 0 / 3.

Goalies-

Victoria, Vollrath 5-4-0-0 (27 shots-25 saves).

Kelowna, Herringer 7-6-0-0 (36 shots-33 saves).

A-6,246
Referees-Chris Crich (20), Chris Schlenker (9).
Linesmen-Bevan Mills (98), Dustin Minty (86).

Recap: KEL 4 - VIC 1 (Rockets Lead Series 3-2)

Rourke Chartier scored twice to lead the visiting Kelowna Rockets past the Victoria Royals 4-1 Friday night, taking a 3-2 series lead.

“They capitalized on a couple of our turnovers, and we had opportunities to win a hockey game,” said Head Coach Dave Lowry,

Another Physical Affair

“I don’t think the score is really indicative of how the game went.”

Game 6 will be played Sunday night at 5pm in Kelowna, Game 7 if necessary is back in Victoria Tuesday night.

“Reality is, we have to win a hockey game…we don’t, our season is over.” Added Lowry.

The Rockets have won three straight after falling twice on the road to open the series.

Tied at 1-1 going into the third, Kelowna struck for three unanswered goals.

Baillie Scored The Game Winner

Tyson Baillie knocked the puck off Joe Hicketts stick to go in and score on a breakaway for the eventual game winner.

“I have to take full responsibility, I have to make a better play,” said the Royals Captain,

“I’m not sure if my lace fell off there, but either way I have to stay on my feet or make a better decision.  I have to wear that one, and now what we have to do is play to win one game.”

Justin Kirkland struck just 1:08 later on a power play to give Kelowna their first two goal lead, before Chartier added the insurance in to an empty net.

Victoria came out flying in the first, out shooting the visitors 10-2, and 29-25 overall.

“I thought we had a real good first period, we didn’t capitalized on our chances.” Said Lowry.

Michael Herringer earned the win, while Coleman Vollrath took the loss.

The Rockets Lead the Series 3-2

The Rockets were 1 for 3 on the power play and have scored with the man advantage in 4 straight games, going 5/19 in the series.

“I thought our penalty kill for the most part did a pretty good job,” said Lowry,

“We needed a timely kill and we didn’t get it. 

The Royals were blanked on their 5 power plays, and now 0/13 over their last 3 outings.

“Special teams this time of year…power play doesn’t score and it’s a tie game.  You look at moments in a game, if we could’ve generated something off of that – it would probably be a different outcome.” added Lowry.

Phillips scored the lone Royals goal.

After a scoreless first period, Chartier opened the scoring, before Matthew Phillips (5^th) converted on a wrap around attempt by Regan Nagy.

Victoria hit 3 posts, including Jack Walker on breakaway during the second while it was still 0-0.

It was the first game of the series that wasn’t won by the home team, or was decided by a single goal.

“I think the series is far from over, there’s no quit in this room…” said Phillips, the Western Conference Rookie of the Year,

“It’s one game we have to win to come right back home and give ourselves a chance.”

 - Marlon Martens

Kelowna Rockets 4 at Victoria Royals 1 - Status: Final
Friday, April 15, 2016 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Kelowna 0 1 3 - 4
Victoria 0 1 0 - 1

1st Period-

No Scoring.

Penalties-Wishnowski Kel (roughing), 3:08; Fisher Vic (cross checking), 8:33; Dube Kel (hooking), 17:33.

2nd Period-

1, Kelowna, Chartier 4 (Thurkauf, Soustal), 12:02.

2, Victoria, Phillips 5 (Nagy, Hannoun), 16:31.

Penalties-Southam Kel (high sticking), 1:20; Gagnon Vic (slashing), 7:02.

3rd Period-

3, Kelowna, Baillie 3   9:33.

4, Kelowna, Kirkland 5 (Johansen, Linaker), 10:41 (PP).

5, Kelowna, Chartier 5   19:21 (EN).

Penalties-Thurkauf Kel (slashing), 7:30; Soy Vic (slashing), 10:34; Ballhorn Kel (hooking), 11:38; Dube Kel (roughing, roughing), 17:18; Soy Vic (high sticking), 17:18; Walker Vic (roughing), 17:18.

Shots on Goal-

Kelowna 2-12-11-25.

Victoria 10-11-8-29.

Power Play Opportunities-

Kelowna 1 / 3;

Victoria 0 / 5.

Goalies-

Kelowna, Herringer 7-5-0-0 (29 shots-28 saves).

Victoria, Vollrath 4-4-0-0 (24 shots-21 saves).

A-7,006
Referees-Mike Campbell (89), Reagan Vetter (39).
Linesmen-Ron Dietterle (121), Kirk Van Helvoirt (107).

Recap: VIC 3 - KEL 4 (Series Tied 2-2)

Logan Fisher scored twice for Victoria

Cole Linaker scored with :10 seconds left in regulation to lift the Kelowna Rockets past the visiting Victoria Royals 4-3 Thursday night, tying the series at 2 games a piece.

“You just have to get ready to play tomorrow,” said Head Coach Dave Lowry.

Game 5 goes Friday night in Victoria at 7, with Game 6 scheduled on Sunday in Kelowna at 5pm.

It was a heated affair.

“Tonight was probably was our best game of the playoffs, and to not get rewarded is disappointing.  We have to find a way to strike back, gain some momentum and get ready to go.” Said Lowry.

The Royals twice came back to tie the game, both goals scored by Logan Fisher.  Ethan Price had opened the scoring with his first of the post season while Ryan Gagnon added a pair of assists.

“Our guys played hard, competed and did a lot of really good things tonight.” Said Lowry.

Victoria outshot Kelowna 35-31, but the Rockets went 2 for 5 on the power play, while the Royals were 0 for 5.

Vollrath would make the save.

Michael Herringer earned back to back wins, while Coleman Vollrath took the loss.

Kelowna got a goal and assist each from Thomas Soustal and Justin Kirkland, while Joe Gatenby added a single and Calvin Thurkauff chipped in with a pair of helpers.

The home teams has won every game in the series so far, and all games have been decided by a single goal.

-       Marlon Martens

Royals Bench

Victoria Royals 3 at Kelowna Rockets 4 - Status: Final
Thursday, April 14, 2016 - Prospera Place - Kelowna, BC

Victoria 1 1 1 - 3
Kelowna 1 1 2 - 4

1st Period-

1, Victoria, Price 1 (Nagy), 10:45.

2, Kelowna, Gatenby 1 (Soustal, Chartier), 13:04.

Penalties-Wishnowski Kel (roughing), 4:53; Thompson Vic (charging), 15:14; Gagnon Vic (delay of game), 16:13; Baillie Kel (tripping), 17:10.

2nd Period-

3, Kelowna, Soustal 5 (Thurkauf), 5:04.

4, Victoria, Fisher 2 (Gagnon), 5:45.

Penalties-Soustal Kel (tripping), 12:07; Soy Vic (roughing), 12:46; Southam Kel (roughing), 12:46; Kirkland Kel (hooking), 15:50; Hannoun Vic (holding opp. stick), 17:21; Soustal Kel (high sticking), 18:44.

3rd Period-

5, Kelowna, Kirkland 4 (Johansen, Southam), 5:21 (PP).

6, Victoria, Fisher 3 (Gagnon, Reddekopp), 8:26.

7, Kelowna, Linaker 1 (Kirkland, Thurkauf), 19:49 (PP).

Penalties-Walker Vic (hooking), 4:45; Nagy Vic (tripping), 19:07.

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 12-13-10-35.

Kelowna 11-7-13-31.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 0 / 5;

Kelowna 2 / 5.

Goalies-

Victoria, Vollrath 4-3-0-0 (31 shots-27 saves).

Kelowna, Herringer 6-5-0-0 (35 shots-32 saves).

A-5,361
Referees-Adam Griffiths (36), Steve Papp (17).
Linesmen-Michael McGowan (41), Bevan Mills (98).

Preview: Game 4 Victoria at Kelowna

The Victoria Royals visit the Kelowna Rockets Thursday night for Game 4, leading the best of seven playoff series 2 games to 1. 

Radio: 91.3 FM Victoria

Online: http://cjzn.streamon.fm/

The Royals look to bounce back after falling 3-2 on the road Tuesday. 

Matthew Phillips and Alex Forsberg scored for Victoria, while Coleman Vollrath made 35 saves in the loss. 

Rourke Chartier had a goal and two assists, while Thomas Soustal had a goal and assist.  Michael Herringer was the 2^nd star with 29 saves for Kelowna.

The Rockets were 1 for 3 on their power play, while the Royals went 0 for 3.  Both clubs had 5 on 3 man advantages.

Victoria welcomed back defenseman Joe Hicketts Tuesday picking up an assist, however Vladimir Bobylev missed his 4^th straight.

Royals forward Jack Walker is on a 6 game point streak with 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points.  Alex Forsberg has points in 4 straight games with 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points.

The Royals have outscored the Rockets 7-6 in total.  Kelowna has out shot Victoria in all three games.

Netminders Michael Herringer and Coleman Vollrath have played all three games.

The home team has won every game so far.  Victoria is 2-2 on the road in the post season, while Kelowna is 4-1 on home ice.

All contests have been one goal games.

The team that’s scored first, has won every game so far.

Both club’s power play’s in the series are 2 for 11.

Game 5 goes Friday night in Victoria, with fans encouraged to wear black and blue. 

Puck drop at 7:05 both nights.

Previous Meetings This Season

Victoria 2 @ Kelowna 3 (Apr 12 2016) Final Kelowna 2 @ Victoria 3 (Apr 9 2016) Final Kelowna 1 @ Victoria 2 (Apr 7 2016) Final

Victoria Royals

#	Player	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
16	Alex Forsberg	3	2	2	4	2	1
9	Jack Walker	3	2	2	4	2	3
19	Dante Hannoun	3	1	1	2	2	1
11	Matthew Phillips	3	1	1	2	2	2
7	Scott Walford	3	0	2	2	0	1
24	Regan Nagy	3	1	0	1	0	-1
20	Logan Fisher	3	0	1	1	15	-1
2	Joe Hicketts	1	0	1	1	4	0
28	Marsel Ibragimov	3	0	1	1	0	1
17	Tyler Soy	3	0	1	1	0	1
27	Jared Dmytriw	3	0	0	0	6	1
3	Ryan Gagnon	3	0	0	0	8	-1
4	Ralph Jarratt	3	0	0	0	0	2
22	Brayden Pachal	3	0	0	0	0	0
10	Ryan Peckford	3	0	0	0	0	0
8	Ethan Price	3	0	0	0	2	-1
29	Chaz Reddekopp	3	0	0	0	0	-1
35	Coleman Vollrath	3	0	0	0	0	0
21	Ty Westgard	3	0	0	0	0	-1
6	Jordan Wharrie	2	0	0	0	0	0

#	Player	GP	W	L	OTL	SL	MIN	GA	GAA	SV%
35	Coleman Vollrath	3	2	1	0	0	178:49	6	2.01	0.944

Kelowna Rockets

#	Player	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
24	Tyson Baillie	3	2	1	3	2	1
14	Rourke Chartier	3	1	2	3	2	-1
15	Tomas Soustal	3	1	1	2	0	0
25	Cal Foote	3	0	2	2	4	-3
28	Joe Gatenby	3	0	2	2	4	1
19	Dillon Dube	3	1	0	1	0	-4
23	Justin Kirkland	3	1	0	1	0	0
26	Cole Linaker	3	0	1	1	0	-2
27	Calvin Thurkauf	3	0	1	1	6	3
4	Gordie Ballhorn	3	0	0	0	2	-2
11	Jordan Borstmayer	3	0	0	0	0	0
30	Michael Herringer	3	0	0	0	0	0
7	Lucas Johansen	3	0	0	0	0	2
16	Kole Lind	3	0	0	0	2	0
6	Jonathan Smart	3	0	0	0	0	0
17	Rodney Southam	3	0	0	0	0	-1
3	Riley Stadel	3	0	0	0	4	0
21	Devante Stephens	3	0	0	0	4	0
9	Tanner Wishnowski	3	0	0	0	0	0

#	Player	GP	W	L	OTL	SL	MIN	GA	GAA	SV%
30	Michael Herringer	3	1	2	0	0	176:50	7	2.38	0.921

Recap: VIC 2 - KEL 3 (Royals lead series 2-1)

Rourke Chartier had a goal and two assists to lead the Kelowna Rockets past the visiting Victoria Royals 3-2 Tuesday night.

“Our guys played hard,” said Head Coach Dave Lowry,

“I’ve got no reason to be concerned with the effort.  It’s playoff hockey, teams make adjustments.  When we started the playoffs we didn’t expect to win every game, there’s ups and downs and some bumps along the way.”

Victoria leads the best of seven playoff series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Thursday night, and Game 5 back on the Island Friday night.

“The big challenge is how you respond in Game 4.”

Joe Hicketts made his return to the line for the Royals after missing 7 straight games, collecting an assist.

“It felt good to get back in,” said Hicketts,  

“I wasn’t quite where I wanted to be in the first, a little hesitant maybe but, in the second and third I picked it up a little bit.  Obviously it wasn’t the outcome that we wanted, but to get that game under my belt was something that is going to help moving forward.”

“When you take Joe out of the line up you don’t replace him,” said Lowry,

“I thought tonight he did too much, he tried to be the difference maker…and when he settles back in, he’ll get back to his regular self.”

Coleman Vollrath was valiant, making 35 saves in the loss, while Michael Herringer (2^nd star) earned the win with 30 saves for the Rockets.  Herringer stopped Jack Walker on a 2^nd period breakaway.

Kelowna went 1 for 3 on the power play, striking on a 5 on 3 in the first period.

“Special teams,’ said Lowry when asked where the club fell short, “They score a 5 on 3 goal and we don’t…”

Victoria was 0 for 3, and unable to strike with their 2 man advantage while trailing 2-1 in the third.

“We had ample opportunity in the third period to generate and create some offense, and we didn’t execute the way we have to at this time of year.”

The Royals got goals from Matthew Phillips (3^rd star) and Alex Forsberg, both their 4^th of the post season.

The Rockets also got goals from Thomas Soustal (1g 1a) and Dillon Dube.

Victoria won the first two games at home by 2-1 and 3-2 scores.  The home team has won every game so far, and all contests have been decided by one goal.

The Rockets led 2-0 after 20 minutes after Dillon Dube converted on a 5 on 3 and Chartier struck during 4 on 4 hockey.

Matthew Phillips responded by converting on a 2 on 1 feed from Dante Hannoun to cut the lead in half, 2-1 after 40.

Thomas Soustal 4^th of the post season gave the Rockets a 2 goal lead making it 3-1, before Alex Forsberg fired one past Herringer from Joe Hicketts with the netminder pulled to make it a close finish.

Puck drop Thursday night from Kelowna at 7:05

Series Schedule:

Thursday, April 7th – Kelowna 1 @ Victoria 2

Saturday, April 9th – Kelowna 2 @ Victoria 3

Tuesday, April 12th – Victoria 2 @ Kelowna 3

Thursday, April 14th – Victoria @ Kelowna – 7:05 p.m.

Friday, April 15th – Kelowna @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)

Sunday, April 17th – Victoria @ Kelowna – 5:00 p.m. (if necessary)

Tuesday, April 19th – Kelowna @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 2 at Kelowna Rockets 3 - Status: Final
Tuesday, April 12, 2016 - Prospera Place - Kelowna, BC

Victoria 0 1 1 - 2
Kelowna 2 0 1 - 3

1st Period-

1, Kelowna, Dube 2 (Soustal, Chartier), 14:29 (PP).

2, Kelowna, Chartier 3 (Foote, Linaker), 18:20.

Penalties-Hicketts Vic (roughing), 4:48; Gagnon Vic (delay of game), 13:26; Dmytriw Vic (hooking), 14:03; Forsberg Vic (cross checking), 17:01; Stephens Kel (cross checking), 17:01; Hicketts Vic (embellishment), 19:50; Thurkauf Kel (cross checking), 19:50.

2nd Period-

3, Victoria, Phillips 4 (Hannoun, Walker), 8:38.

Penalties-Baillie Kel (interference), 19:11.

3rd Period-

4, Kelowna, Soustal 4 (Chartier, Gatenby), 10:26.

5, Victoria, Forsberg 4 (Hicketts), 18:52.

Penalties-Stadel Kel (tripping), 3:38; Chartier Kel (high sticking), 4:52.

Shots on Goal-

Victoria 9-10-13-32.

Kelowna 13-16-9-38.

Power Play Opportunities-

Victoria 0 / 3;

Kelowna 1 / 3.

Goalies-

Victoria, Vollrath 4-2-0-0 (38 shots-35 saves).

Kelowna, Herringer 5-5-0-0 (32 shots-30 saves).

A-4,671
Referees-Brett Iverson (24), Mark Pearce (5).
Linesmen-Nick Bilko (66), Dustin Minty (86).

Preview: Game 3, Royals Visit Rockets Tuesday

The Victoria Royals visit the Kelowna Rockets Tuesday night for Game 3 of the best of seven playoff, leading the series 2-0.

“Last change, match ups, and guys willing to to whatever it takes to win.” said Head Coach Dave Lowry about the challenge facing his club on the road.

Radio: 91.3 FM Victoria

Online: http://cjzn.streamon.fm/

The Royals won a pair of home games by 2-1 and 3-2 scores on Thursday and Saturday respectively, both without the services of Joe Hicketts and Vladimir Bobylev.

Coleman Vollrath earned the wins, while Michael Herringer suffered the losses.  The Rockets outshot the Royals both nights by margins of 41-31, and 28-26.

Victoria’s power play is 2 for 8 in the series, Kelowna 1 for 8.

The Royals scored first in both contests.

“It’s exactly what we expected them to be, hard fought, playoff hockey games…” said Lowry on the first two meetings,

“You have two evenly matched teams, similar records, had very good years.  We expect close games and a long fought series.”

Jack Walker (2g 1a) and Alex Forsberg (1g 2a) collected 3 points each in the first two games for the home team.

Tyson Baillie (2g 1a) led the way for the Rockets with 3 points.  Baillie had a third period tying goal in Game 2 waived off, as it was deemed ‘Kicking Motion.’ 

The following excerpts are from columnist Larry Fisher of the Kelowna Daily Courier:

“I haven’t saw the video yet, but based on what I saw during the game, yeah I think it was a terrible call,” said Rockets head coach Brad Ralph. “It’s got to be a distinct kicking motion, and I didn’t see a distinct kicking motion by any means.”

In further discussing the controversial decision, Ralph noted: “You can angle it, you can redirect the puck in.”

It looked unintentional on television replays, but the video goal judge in the building felt there was conclusive evidence to take the goal away. 

“We’re looking to win this series, so that goal they called back, that’ll stay fresh in our minds,” said Ralph. “We’ll use that as motivation. . . .We’ve got to come back and win a game on Tuesday, that’s just where we’re at.”

“It’s pretty fortunate with the way the games went, really close and we caught a bounce at the end of the last one,” admitted Royals forward Alex Forsberg. “Give them credit, they played their hearts out, and we’re really fortunate to be up 2-0.”

“I’m happy it went our way but, in that position, we’d probably be pretty mad too,” said Forsberg.
Not so much from Victoria head coach Dave Lowry.

“I’ve seen the replay and I agree with the call,” Lowry said without hesitation. “I don’t know if everyone has the same feeds and angles that they have. They had enough evidence to rule it to be a distinct kicking motion, hence no goal.

“For us, that’s one call that went our way and, reality is, we’ve had numerous calls that haven’t gone our way,” added Lowry, alluding specifically to a Tyler Soy goal that was negated in the third period of last Thursday’s opener, which would have extended the Royals’ lead to 3-1, though they held on to win 2-1.

“We had a call go against us in Game 1 and they had a call go against them in Game 2,” he continued. “There’s video replay in place for a reason, and that’s to make sure they get the calls right. That’s what we ask for, and that’s what you hope for . . . and what you have to do is you have to find a way to push forward.”

Lowry did agree with Forsberg on another front.

“We feel fortunate right now that we are in this position,” he said of sweeping the first two games at home before heading out on the road. “They were exactly what we expected them to be, hard-fought games and very close, tight-checking.”

During the regular season Victoria won 3 of 4 meetings in Kelowna.  The Royals had the most road wins overall with 24.  The Rockets had the 3^rd most home wins with 27.

Game 4 goes Thursday in Kelowna.

Series Schedule:

Thursday, April 7th – Kelowna 1 @ Victoria 2

Saturday, April 9th – Kelowna 2 @ Victoria 3

Tuesday, April 12th – Victoria @ Kelowna – 7:05 p.m.

Thursday, April 14th – Victoria @ Kelowna – 7:05 p.m.

Friday, April 15th – Kelowna @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)

Sunday, April 17th – Victoria @ Kelowna – 5:00 p.m. (if necessary)

Tuesday, April 19th – Kelowna @ Victoria – 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)

- Marlon Martens

How the 2 teams match up

	Kelowna	Victoria
Team Record	4-5-0-0 -- 8 points	6-2-0-0 -- 12 points
Division Ranking	2nd B.C.	1st B.C.
Conference Ranking	4th Western	1st Western
League Ranking	8th	3rd
Past 10 Games	4-5-0-0	6-2-0-0
Streak	0-2-0-0	3-0-0-0
Last Game	3-2 L @ Victoria (Apr 9 2016) Final	3-2 W vs Kelowna (Apr 9 2016) Final
Home Record	3-1-0-0	4-1-0-0
Away Record	1-4-0-0	2-1-0-0
GF	18	26
GA	22	22
PP (Overall)	(3/34) 8.8%	(8/33) 24.2%
PP (Home)	(2/17) 11.8%	(3/17) 17.6%
PP (Away)	(1/17) 5.9%	(5/16) 31.3%
PK (Overall)	(8/40) 80.0%	(6/29) 79.3%
PK (Home)	(4/19) 78.9%	(3/16) 81.3%
PK (Away)	(4/21) 81.0%	(3/13) 76.9%
PP vs. Opp.	(1/8) 12.5%	(2/8) 25%
PK vs. Opp.	(2/8) 75%	(1/8) 87.5%
Leading Rookie	Thurkauf (1-2-3)	Walford (2-4-6)
Most PIM	Soustal - 13	Gagnon - 15
Team PIM/GM	14.2/Game	10.2/Game
Leading Scorers	Soustal (3-3-6)	Walker (7-5-12)
	Baillie (2-4-6)	Soy (5-5-10)
	Kirkland (3-2-5)	Forsberg (3-5-8)
	Chartier (2-3-5)	Bobylev (0-7-7)
	Southam (4-0-4)	Walford (2-4-6)
Last 5 Games	3-2 L @ Victoria (Apr 9 2016) Final	3-2 W vs Kelowna (Apr 9 2016) Final
	2-1 L @ Victoria (Apr 7 2016) Final	2-1 W vs Kelowna (Apr 7 2016) Final
	2-1 W vs Kamloops (Apr 4 2016) Final OT	6-2 W @ Spokane (Apr 3 2016) Final
	4-0 L @ Kamloops (Apr 2 2016) Final	4-1 L vs Spokane (Apr 1 2016) Final
	4-0 W vs Kamloops (Apr 1 2016) Final	3-2 W @ Spokane (Mar 30 2016) Final OT
Leading After 1st	3-0-0-0	4-0-0-0
Leading After 2nd	3-1-0-0	5-0-0-0
Tied After 1st	1-2-0-0	2-0-0-0
Tied After 2nd	1-0-0-0	1-0-0-0
Trailing After 1st	0-3-0-0	0-2-0-0
Trailing After 2nd	0-4-0-0	0-2-0-0
Out Shooting Opponents	2-2-0-0	1-1-0-0
Out Shot by Opponents	2-1-0-0	5-1-0-0
1-Goal Games	3-3-0-0	4-0-0-0
2-Goal Games	0-0-0-0	1-0-0-0
3-Goal Games	0-0-0-0	0-2-0-0

Victoria Royals

#	Player	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
9	Jack Walker	2	2	1	3	2	1
16	Alex Forsberg	2	1	2	3	0	0
7	Scott Walford	2	0	2	2	0	0
19	Dante Hannoun	2	1	0	1	2	0
24	Regan Nagy	2	1	0	1	0	0
20	Logan Fisher	2	0	1	1	15	0
28	Marsel Ibragimov	2	0	1	1	0	2
11	Matthew Phillips	2	0	1	1	2	1
17	Tyler Soy	2	0	1	1	0	1
27	Jared Dmytriw	2	0	0	0	4	1
3	Ryan Gagnon	2	0	0	0	6	-1
4	Ralph Jarratt	2	0	0	0	0	2
22	Brayden Pachal	2	0	0	0	0	0
10	Ryan Peckford	2	0	0	0	0	0
8	Ethan Price	2	0	0	0	2	0
29	Chaz Reddekopp	2	0	0	0	0	-1
35	Coleman Vollrath	2	0	0	0	0	0
21	Ty Westgard	2	0	0	0	0	-1
6	Jordan Wharrie	2	0	0	0	0	0

#	Player	GP	W	L	OTL	SL	MIN	GA	GAA	SV%
35	Coleman Vollrath	2	2	0	0	0	120:00	3	1.50	0.957

Kelowna Rockets

#	Player	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
24	Tyson Baillie	2	2	1	3	0	2
23	Justin Kirkland	2	1	0	1	0	2
25	Cal Foote	2	0	1	1	4	-2
28	Joe Gatenby	2	0	1	1	4	1
27	Calvin Thurkauf	2	0	1	1	4	2
4	Gordie Ballhorn	2	0	0	0	2	-2
11	Jordan Borstmayer	2	0	0	0	0	0
14	Rourke Chartier	2	0	0	0	0	-3
19	Dillon Dube	2	0	0	0	0	-3
30	Michael Herringer	2	0	0	0	0	0
7	Lucas Johansen	2	0	0	0	0	1
26	Cole Linaker	2	0	0	0	0	-2
16	Kole Lind	2	0	0	0	2	0
6	Jonathan Smart	2	0	0	0	0	0
15	Tomas Soustal	2	0	0	0	0	-1
17	Rodney Southam	2	0	0	0	0	0
3	Riley Stadel	2	0	0	0	2	0
21	Devante Stephens	2	0	0	0	2	0
9	Tanner Wishnowski	2	0	0	0	0	0

#	Player	GP	W	L	OTL	SL	MIN	GA	GAA	SV%
30	Michael Herringer	2	0	2	0	0	116:50	5	2.57	0.912