In their first meeting since bowing out to Portland in 5 games in last years post season, the Victoria Royals (2-4-1-0) exacted some revenge with a 6-2 victory over the visiting Winterhawks (1-6-0-1) Monday night.
“This was an easy game for our hockey team to get up for…" said Head Coach Dave Lowry, while stressing the keys,
"Number one, we had to be emotionally ready to play, number two we had to make sure we were a very strong disciplined team and number three we had to work in our end to create opportunities in the offensive zone.”
The Royals got goals from six different players, led by Jack Walker’s three point night with a goal and two assists.
“I think anytime you play a team that knocks you out of the playoffs it’s easy one to get up for. We were fortunate enough to come out with a strong first and second period, we tailed off a little in the third, but got some momemtum back on the power play and finished strong.” – Joe Hicketts (1g 1a)
Victoria held period leads of 2-0 and 5-0 enroute to their second win of the season while handing Portland their sixth loss in eight games.
Lowry stressed the importance of the victory.
“I take this was a must win for our hockey team, as we’re going on the road for six games and into some tough buildings.
Portland had a full compliment of players, 8 NHL drafted dressed, including Nic Petan’s first game since being returned from Winnipeg of the NHL.
“I think teams are starting to walk in here and maybe think it was easy to play in here…we do want to make this a hard place to play in, and what we did tonight is going to help show that.” said the interim Captain, Joe Hicketts,
“It’s huge a big momentum builder…”
The home team was still without the injured Axel Blomqvist and Brandon Fushimi. Brandon Magee was still under suspension.
Coleman Vollrath made 25 saves as the Royals outshot the Winterhawks 33-27. Victoria chased Brendan Burke from the net in the middle frame after allowing four goals on 19 shots. 18 year old back up Adin Hill made 12 saves on 14 attempts in relief.
The Royals were physical throughout while their special teams came through, going 2 for 5 on the power play, and shutting down all five Winterhawk man advantages.
“That’s the strength of our team, is when we’re playing physical and we’re playing whistle to whistle…I didn’t like the fact that we had to kill a bunch of penalties, but we talked about that, we made some adjustments and I thought after that our guys played a real strong disciplined game.” According to Lowry
Victoria got WHL first goals from Regan Nagy (1g 1a) and Matthew Campese, while Joe Hicketts (1g 1a), Austin Carroll (1g 1a) and Mitch Skapski rounded out the scoring. 17 year old forward Tyler Soy added 2 assists including a team high 5 shots on goal.
The Royals now embark on their biggest road trip of the year, 6 games in 9 nights Central Division swing through Alberta.
"We had to make sure we leave here with a little bit of momentum, and we challenged our guys make sure they left nothing on the table tonight, and our guys did a good job of that.” Said Lowry.
- Marlon Martens
Portland Winterhawks 2 at Victoria Royals 6 - Status: Final
Monday, October 6, 2014 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC
Portland 0 0 2 - 2
Victoria 2 3 1 - 6
1st Period-
1, Victoria, Nagy 1 (Kanzig, Walker), 9:38.
2, Victoria, Campese 1 (Hannoun), 14:07.
Penalties-Dmytriw Vic (kneeing), 1:24; Bittner Por (inter. on goaltender), 1:46; Bjorkstrand Por (unsportsmanlike cnd.), 5:44; Soy Vic (slashing, unsportsmanlike cnd.), 5:44; Overhardt Por (roughing), 8:31; Carroll Vic (slashing), 8:31; Ferletak Vic (tripping), 11:34.
2nd Period-
3, Victoria, Carroll 4 (Soy), 2:43 (PP).
4, Victoria, Hicketts 3 (Carroll, Walker), 13:48.
5, Victoria, Skapski 1 (Nagy, Hicketts), 19:37.
Penalties-Iverson Por (hooking), 1:35; Bittner Por (checking from behind), 11:49; Iverson Por (10-minute misconduct), 11:49; Brown Vic (holding), 12:14; Smith Por (roughing, roughing, 10-minute misconduct), 15:48; Brown Vic (roughing, roughing, 10-minute misconduct), 15:48; Kanzig Vic (charging), 16:53.
3rd Period-
6, Portland, Bjorkstrand 2 (Predinchuk, Petan), 2:46.
7, Portland, Cederholm 2 (De Leo, Bjorkstrand), 3:38.
8, Victoria, Walker 2 (Soy), 13:11 (PP).
Penalties-De Leo Por (holding), 8:11; Iverson Por (tripping), 12:26.
Shots on Goal-
Portland 8-10-9-27.
Victoria 10-12-11-33.
Power Play Opportunities-
Portland 0 / 5;
Victoria 2 / 5.
Goalies-
Portland, Burke 1-3-0-1 (19 shots-15 saves); Hill 0-2-0-0 (14 shots-12 saves).
Victoria, Vollrath 2-4-1-0 (27 shots-25 saves).
A-3,791
Referees-Mike Langin (67), Sean Raphael (28).
Linesmen-Riley Friesen (76), Jeff MacAdams.
