Royals Win First Ever WHL Game

  The Victoria Royals made history Saturday night in front of 7000 fans, including myself.  The Royals not only won their first ever WHL home game, but they also registered their first ever WHL victory.  It was a wild night at the sold-out Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.  It became apparent during the pre-game skate, when there was already a couple thousand fans, that Victoria is ready to embrace the WHL again. 

  Keith Hamilton got the start in net for the Royals, and Brendan Jensen started for the Giants for the second straight night.  The game was electric from the opening face-off as the Royals wasted no time to make their physical presence known.  The Royals were energize by the crowd as they threw a couple big hits in the opening minutes.  With just over three minutes played, Jamie Crooks skated into the Giants zone and released a quick wrister that went top shelf behind Jensen.  Steven Hodges and Hayden Rintoul got the assists on the first ever Royals' home goal at 3:09 of the first.  The Royals continued the physical play, finishing all their checks.  The physicality led to penalty trouble though, as the Royals were faced with killing off a 5-on-3 midway through the third.  The Giants tied the game on the 5-on-3 as James Henry scored on a goal mouth scramble.  Teal Burns and Neil Manning got the assists on Henry's powerplay marker, scored at the 10:03 mark.  The Royals would answer on a powerplay of their own, as Robin Soudek tipped in a Logan Nelson centering pass.  Kevin Sundher was credited with the second assist on the goal scored at 13:00 of the period. Tim Traber would drop the gloves against the Giants' Kiefer McNaughton.  Traber took a solid shot before landing a half dozen of his own and taking the decision.  The first period ended with the Royals up 2-1, but they were out shot 22-9 in the first.  Hamilton made some unbelievable saves in the first twenty minutes.

   It didn't take Victoria long to increase their lead, as Logan Nelson made a nice move to get onto the slot and fire a shot past Jensen.  Steven Hodges and Kade Pilton got the assists on the goal scored at the 1:47 mark.  Just over two minutes after Nelson's goal, Brandon Magee scored on the powerplay to give the Royals a three goal lead.  Kevin Sundher and Robin Soudek got the assists on the goal scored at 3:52 of the second.  After that goal, Jackson Whistle replaced Brendan Jensen for the Giants.  The adrenaline in the game slowed a bit in the second as the Giants continued to pressure the young Royals squad.  Hamilton was solid as he shut out the Giants in the period.  The Royals left the 2nd period with a 4-1 lead, but were out shot again by a difference of 16-4.

  The third started with the Giants starting their final period push.  They started to hem the Royals into playing defense for longer stretches of time.  Nathan Burns finally beat Hamilton to cut the lead to 4-2.  James Henry and Cain Franson assisted on the goal scored at the 8:48 mark.  The Giants would continue the dominant play and the crowd was rather quiet for a long stretch of the third.  The Giants would make it interesting when Dalton Sward scored to cut the lead to one.  Anthony Ast and James Henry assisted on the goal scored at the 17:57 mark.  The Giants came real close to tie it up, including a shot that trickled through Hamilton, but he was able to reach back and cover the puck.  Kevin Sundher would then catch up to the loose puck and bury the empty net goal to seal the win for the Royals.  Tyler Stahl assisted on the empty net goal which was scored at the 19:46 mark of the third.  The Royals would win the game 5-3.  They were out shot 13-12 in the third.  The Royals were out shot 51-25  overall.

   The sold out crowd went nuts as the Royals players gathered at center ice and saluted the crowd by raising their sticks in the air.

Three Stars
3) James Henry (Vancouver)
2)Kevin Sundher (Victoria)
1)Keith Hamilton (Victoria)


Top Three Players


Keith Hamilton- If it wasn't for Hamilton, the Royals would not have escaped this game with a win.  Don't get me wrong, the Royals played with great emotion and energy, but when you give up 51 shots and win, it's usually because your goalie was stellar.  That's exactly what Hamilton was as he always seemed to come up with the key saves.  His rebound control was good, as was his positioning.  Even when he didn't see the puck it seemed to find his chest or pads as he fought the screens in front of him.  He made a couple desperation saves and easily deserved the first start honors for the game.  It was exciting to watch him in net, and if he keeps playing this way, he will easily be the team's starter going forward.

Kevin Sundher-  After getting repeatedly robbed in the season opener, Sundher finally broke out in this game.  He finished three periods with a goal and two assists, but his impact on the game was more then just his offensive stats.  Sundher could very well be the Royals most complete player.  He fought hard for loose pucks, as well as fighting along the boards and in the corners in his own zone.  His size helps his balance as he has great skating speed.  He had a couple offensive rushes where his speed and nifty hands almost led to a couple goals.  He was always engaged during the game, and was almost always noticeable.


Logan Nelson- Nelson also had a great offensive game, finishing with a goal and an assist.  He continues to impress with his speed and work ethic. He could have easily ended up with a couple more goals with the offensive chances he created.  He surprises opposing players as he goes from a glide to a full rush in seconds.  He was also determined in his own zone, as he made sure to get back and not let his check get out of his sight.  Nelson is slowly becoming a great player for this young Royals team.


   It was a great game for such a historic night.  Congratulations to the Royals players, and the entire organization on their first WHL win.  The Royals' next game is Friday in Prince George.

Royals Lose First WHL Game

 

The Royals played their first WHL game tonight against the Vancouver Giants. It was a game that showed signs of a rivalry in the making.


   The first period started with Braden Gamble in net for the Royals, and Brendan Jensen starting for the Giants. The Giants applied the pressure throughout the first period, resulting in the Royals taking a few too many penalties. Victoria took four minor penalties in the first ten minutes, but were able to kill them off. It wasn't till late in the first period, when Anthony Ast scored, that the Giants finally capitalized on their constant pressure. Ast's goal was assisted by Cain Franson and Nathan Burns. The goal was scored at the 18:22 mark of the first period. The period ended with the Giants up 1-0. Gamble was forced to make some tough saves, as the Royals were out shot 11-4 in the first.


   The Royals bounced back in the second period with a better overall effort. Kevin Sundher had a couple opportunities in the second to give the Royals their first ever goal, but Jensen was there to answer each chance. It looked like the Giants had taken a two goal lead, but it was waved off as there was a Giants' player in the Victoria crease. Shortly after that, the Giants took a two goal lead on a scoring play by Marek Tvrdon. Assists to Tvrdon's goal were credited to Kiefer McNaughton and James Henry. The goal was scored at the 12:06 mark of the second. During the face-off right after that goal, Jesse Zgraggen dropped the gloves with Jordin Martinook. Zgraggen was able to pull Jordin's sweater over his head and land a couple solid punches. The decision went to Zgraggen. Good idea by Jesse to try and spark his hockey club. The Royals came close to potting a goal, but Jensen continued to stop all the shots thrown at him. Then, at the 18:11 mark of the second, Cain Franson gave the Giants a 3-0 lead on a goal assisted by David Musil and Brendan Jensen. The Giants went to the intermission up 3-0. The shots were close as the Royals were only out shot 14-10.


   Just over a minute into the third period, Steven Hodges scored the Royals' first ever WHL goal. Austin Carroll and Jamie Crooks got the assists on Hodges' goal. The goal came at the 1:35 mark of the third period. The Royals continued the pressure during a powerplay and Kevin Sundher continued to create great scoring chances. Jensen continued to stand tall in goal for the Giants. The Royals looked to capitalize on the powerplay, but a giveaway resulted in a shorthanded Jordin Martinook goal. The goal came at the 9:35 mark of the third. The teams would trade opportunities, but both goalies would shut the door. Robin Soudek would pull the Royals within two at the 15:30 mark. Brandon Magee got the lone assist on the goal. The Royals would pull the goalie late, but Dalton Sward scored into the empty net for the Giants. Nathan Burns got credited with the only assist. Late in the third period, Kade Pilton dropped the gloves with Kiefer McNaughton. Pilton would throw and land a series punches, earning the decision. The Royals would not be able to overcome the deficit as the Giants would win 5-2. The Royals were out shot 33-28 in the game.


Gamble had a decent game in net and can't be blamed for all the goals. It was a poor start for the Royals, but they finished the game strong and started to show how tough they can be. The Royals are back in action tomorrow night in their first ever sold-out game at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

2011-12 Season Primer

  The first regular season game for the Victoria Royals is only two days away. Saturday night marks the first WHL game in Victoria since 1994. In honor of this, I will be listing the team roster and my 4 players to watch this upcoming season. Be aware that WHL teams don't have to submit their final 25 man roster till Oct. 10th, therefore, many roster changes will be made between now and then.


                                                     Roster


Center

Kevin Sundher- Shoots Left- 6"0 177 lbs- Born Jan. 18th, 1992- Hometown: Surrey, BC
Steven Hodges- Shoots Left- 5'11 167 lbs- Born May 5th, 1994- Delta, BC
Brendan Persley- Shoots Left- 6'0 195 lbs- Born June 3rd, 1993- Kelowna, BC
Brandon Magee- Shoots Right- 5'8 172 lbs- Born Jan. 23rd, 1994- Edmonton, AB
Logan Nelson- Shoots Right- 6'1 178 lbs- Born Sep. 9th, 1993- Rogers, MN


Left Wing

Zane Jones- Shoots Left- 6'2 192 lbs- Born June 8th, 1994- Olds, AB
Jamie Crooks- Shoots Left- 5'11 182 lbs- Born Jan. 8th, 1992- Vermilion, AB
Curt Gogol- Shoots Left- 5'11 185 lbs- Born Sep. 21st, 1991- Calgary, AB
Taylor Crunk- Shoots Left- 5'11 182 lbs- Born Jan. 20th, 1995- San Jacinto, CA
Mike Forsyth- Shoots Left- 6'1 192 lbs- Born June 20th, 1992- Calgary, AB


Right Wing

Tim Traber- Shoots Right- 6'2 192 lbs- Born Jan. 26th, 1993- Quesnel, BC
Lukas Kralik- Shoots Right- 6'1 188 lbs- Born March 19th, 1993- Sternberk, CZE
Austin Carroll- Shoots Right- 6'3 204 lbs- Born March 26th,1994- Scottsdale, AZ
Robin Soudek- Shoots Right- 5'11 194 lbs- Born July 31st, 1991- Ceske Budejovice, CZE
Luke Harrison- Shoots Right- 6'1 188 lbs- Born Oct. 7th, 1995- Westbank, BC


Defense

Hayden Rintoul- Shoots Left- 6'1 191 lbs- Born Feb. 2nd, 1991- Calgary, AB
Zach Habscheid- Shoots Right- 6'4 211 lbs- Born Mar 16th, 1992- Chilliwack, BC
Emerson Hrynyk- Shoots Right- 6'2 200 lbs- Born Sep. 9th, 1992- Okanagan Falls, BC
Keegan Kanzig- Shoots Left- 6'5 229 lbs- Born Feb. 26th, 1995- Athabasca, AB
Jesse Zgraggen- Shoots Left- 6'1 209 lbs- Born April 23rd, 1993- Lethbridge, AB
Tyler Stahl- Shoots Right- 6'2 215 lbs- Born Jan.29th, 1992- Drumheller, AB
Kade Pilton- Shoots Left- 6'5 186 lbs- Born Nov. 8th, 1994- Parksville, BC 
Jesse Pauls- Shoots Left- 5'10 177 lbs- Born Feb. 10th, 1992- Chilliwack, BC
Brett Cote- Shoots Left- 6'0 204 lbs- Born May 21st, 1994- Oakbank, MB


Goal

Jared Rathjen- 6'1 180 lbs- Born May 13th, 1994- Prince George, BC 
Keith Hamilton- 6'0 170 lbs- Born March 1st, 1992- Kelowna, BC
Braden Gamble- 5'11 180 lbs- Born Feb. 13th, 1991- North Star, AB



4 Players to Watch


Kade Pilton- This 6'5 d-man will be a force this season if he makes the team. In the Royals games I saw this preseason, Pilton stood out in the majority of them. He is very composed with and without the puck. He was rarely out of position in his own zone, and covered his forwards very well. Once he gains some experience, this kid looks like he could become the real deal.


Hayden Rintoul- The captain of the Royals, and a championship winner with the Kootenay Ice last season. Rintoul shows his leadership through his calm play. Rintoul has shown his dominant play throughout the preseason. He can score, quarterback the powerplay, break up scoring plays, and just control the game. He is dominant on both sides of the puck and he will be a very important player in the Royals' season.


Logan Nelson- Acquired in the off-season, Nelson has shown his worth to the Royals. He has lethal speed, good size, and a very good hockey IQ. He knows when to pinch in, and when to get back to cover his man. He has the finishing ability that a lot of players would love to have. Look for Nelson to have a very good year as a Royal.


Keith Hamilton- Hamilton was acquired from the Winterhawks in the off-season. His pre-season play started off rocky, but by the last exhibition game, he looked solid. It will be interesting to see who is named the starting netminder, even though it seems Hamilton will get the start. His rebound control is better, and he has been positionally sound. If he plays like he did in the last exhibition game, then I don't see any problems in net for the Royals.


My next post will be Friday night, a game recap of the first regular season game against the Vancouver Giants.

Royals Fall Just Short Against Rockets

  In their last exhibition game, the Royals showed the fans what they can expect from their home club.  This  team has alot of potential, speed, grit, and toughness.  More on that later, here is the game recap.

  First Period

  Keith Hamilton was in goal for the Royals, and Jordon Cooke countered for the Rockets.  The Rockets scored first, on a goal by Filip Vasko, midway through the period.  The assists went to Tyson Baillie and Mitchell Chapman.  The first period was a very back and forth affair, as both teams shared rush opportunities.  The Royals first goal of the night was a thing of beauty, as Logan Nelson out skated everyone to a loose pack and easily flipped it over Cooke's shoulder.  Lukas Kralik was the one who lobbed the puck down the ice, getting the only assist on the goal.  The Royals would then take the lead as Kade Pilton's wrist shot from the point found its way into the net.  Logan Nelson and Brett Cote assisted on the powerplay goal.  The period would end with Victoria up 2-1.  The Royals were out shot 13-8.

  Second Period
 
   Steven Hodges almost gave Victoria a two goal lead.  While shorthanded, Hodges intercepted the puck in the attacking zone but wired it off the crossbar.  The second period had the Rockets spending a lot of time in the attacking zone.   The pressure would pay off as Colton Sissons would tie the game up.  Cody Chikie got the only assist on Sissons' goal.  With only 34 seconds left in the period,  Austin Ferguson put the visiting team ahead.  Cody Chikie piccked up his second assist of the night.  The second period ended with Kelowna leading 3-2.  The Royals were outshot 14-7 in the period.

  Third Period
 
  The third period was a very chippy affair.  80 penalty minutes were dished out to both teams in the final frame.  The Royals' Tim Traber dropped the gloves with Mitchell Chapman.  Traber started out the fight with a couple rights, but took a right himself and Chapman took the decision in the one sided fight.  Great courage by Traber who had enough and wanted to help spark his team.  Jesse Zgraggen then fought Kelowna's Carter Rigby.  Both men threw wild rights at each other , but it was Zgraggen who connected with the big punches and took the decision.  After whistle scrums in the third period were a common sight, as both teams tried anything to get in the other team's goalie's head.  The Royals had a 5-on-3 in the last two minutes and pulled the goalie to make it a 6-on-3 advantage.  The Royals were unable to beat Jordon Cooke, and the Rockets left with the win.  The Royals outshot Kelowna 16-11 in the final frame.

  Three Stars

3) Keith Hamilton(Victoria)
2) Cody Chikie(Kelowna)
1) Logan Nelson(Victoria)

Top Three Standout Players

Logan Nelson- Nelson was everywhere in this game.  He ended up with a goal and an assist, but he was much more involved.  His speed was a problem for the other team all night.  He used his 6'1 frame to play safe defensively and grind along the board in the offensive zone.  Logan Nelson looks like he will be a very good player this season for the Royals.  He has the size, the speed, and the finishing abilities.

Keith Hamilton- Keith started the game out by giving up some big rebounds, but as the game went on he was solid.  He made several tough saves and kept his team in it.  It will be interesting to see what the Royals do with their goalie rotation this season, but if Hamilton plays like he did in this game,then there is no doubt that he is a starting caliber goalie. 

Hayden Rintoul- The captain is everything you would want in a defenseman.  Rintoul quarterbacks the powerplay, is the first one back on the defensive side, and he has the desire to win.  He is great positionally, uses his stick defensively, and has offensive flair.  I am very excited to see this kid play in the future.

Royals Prevail Over Giants In Overtime

  The Victoria Royals got their first ever preseason win tonight, as they beat the Vancouver Giants in overtime.

   Braden Gamble started in net for the Royals, and Jackson Whistle was at the other end of the ice for the Giants.  Vancouver started the scoring at the 8:41 mark with a powerplay goal by Tyler Hart.  James Henry got the lone assist on the goal.  Just over four minutes later, Vancouver added to their lead on a goal by Dalton Sward, with the assist going to Cain Franson.  The teams showed their physicality in the first, as both teams took a few roughing penalties each.  The first ended with Vancouver up 2-0 and outshooting Victoria 13-11.

  The second period continued the chippy play, as both teams had their fair share of players sitting in the penalty box.  Victoria would get on the scoresheet thanks to Austin Carroll's goal.  Hayden Rintoul, and Braden Gamble drew the assists on Carroll's goal.  Rintoul would add a goal of his own at 13:05 mark of the second, which tied the game.  Victoria would then pull ahead on  a goal by Steven Hodges, assisted by Kade Pilton.  That lead, however, would not last as Vancouver pulled even on the powerplay on  Tyler Hart's second goal of the game.  James Henry was credited the lone assist.  The period ended with both teams tied at 3.  Victoria outshot Vancouver 13-9.

  The third period began and ended with both teams deadlocked at 3 goals a piece.  Victoria outshot Vancouver 15-7 in the third.

   The Royals got a powerplay with a minute left in overtime, and they made it count.  Jamie Crooks scored with 30 seconds left in overtime to propel his team to their first ever win.  Hayden Rintoul got his second assist of the night on the goal.

  Braden Gamble was sharp in goal as he stopped 30 of 33 shots he faced, including 4 in overtime.  Rintoul had a very strong game with a goal and two assists.  Victoria finished 1/8 on the powerplay, and Vancouver went 2/6 on their own.  It was a strong game for the Royals, who should their physicality but also managed to make the other team take penalties in retaliation.  The Royals team seems to be strongest when they show it's physicality at the right times and wears down the opponent.

  The Royals and Giants are right back at it on Saturday night.

 

5 Royals Invited To NHL Training Camps

The WHL announced the list of WHL players being invited to NHL training camps.  150 players have been invited in all.  5 of those are from our very own Victoria Royals.  The list includes:

Roman Horak
The Calgary Flames invited this former Chilliwack Bruin to their training camp.  The sizeable forward posted back-to-back 20 goals seasons for the Bruins.

Ryan Howse
The Flames also invited this former Bruin as well to their training camp.   Ryan Howse had three straight seasons with the Bruins, where he scored at least 30 goals per season.  He finished last year with 51 goals.

Curt Gogol
This gritty forward was extended an invitation to training camp by the San Jose Sharks.  Gogol had a career high 12 points last year, and racked up 142 penalty minutes.

Tyler Stahl
The Carolina Hurricanes invited this tall and gritty defenceman to their camp.  Stahl had 10 points last year with the Bruins, but should his strength and size as he collected 182 penalty minutes.

Kevin Sundher
Lastly, but not least, the Buffalo Sabres invited veteran WHL forward Kevin Sundher to training camp.  Sundher is one of the leaders on this Royals team.  He has size, skill, and a mean streak.  Last season, with the Bruins, Sundher collected 76 points while adding 93 penalty minutes.

  I wish all the players luck in their attempt to make an impression on some NHL teams.   

Royals Get Scorched By Rockets

  The Royals played in their second exhibition game last night against the Kelowna Rockets.  It was much the same in the penalty department for the Royals, but more of that later.  Here is the recap of the game:

  Keith Hamilton started in goal for the Royals, and the Rockets countered with Adam Brown.  Rockets' forward, Shane McColgan got the first goal of the game.  After that goal, the parade to the penalty box for the Royals begin.  The Rockets would get 3 powerplay goals in a span of 3:32.  The powerplay goals were scored by, in order, Madison Bowey, Colton Sissons, and Tyson Baillie.  Kelowna would head to the intermission with a 4-0 lead.  The Royals were outshot 21-3 in the first.

   The second period got off to a positive start for the Royals, as Brett Cote scored a powerplay marker.  Lukas Kralik and Zach Habscheid assisted on the Royals' goal.  Kelowna would respond to that goal with yet another powerplay goal scored, this time, by MacKenzie Johnston.  Brandon Magee responded for the Royals on the powerplay with the assists going to Kade Pilton and Jesse Pauls.  The second would end with the Rockets leading the Royals by a score of 5-2.  Victoria outshot Kelowna 16-8 in the middle frame.

  Jared Rathjen replaced Keith Hamilton in goal to start the 3rd period.  After a push back second period, the Royals came out flat in the third.  Kelowna tacked on two more goals, by Zach Frank and Colton Heffley, before the game was over.  The final score was Kelowna-7 and the Royals-2.  Kelowna outshot Victoria 12-4 in the third and 41-23 for the game.  Kelowna went 4/11 on the powerplay, and Victoria went 2/7 on their own powerplays.

  For the second straight night, the Royals were undisciplined.  They gave up another 11 powerplays in the game and were only able to convert 2/7 of their own powerplays.  I have no doubt that Marc Habscheid will have this team in line by the time the regular season starts.  The first two games have shown that the Royals are a gritty team, but perhaps too gritty and careless.  The first two games have also shown that this is a team still trying to come together and create chemistry.  It will come around.

   Once the regular season starts, and I'm able to see and listen to the games I will be giving more in depth looks to each game.  I will also look into the players more in depth as well.

Royals Run Into Penalty Trouble Against Blazers

  The Victoria Royals opened their first ever preseason game last night with a loss.  They succumbed to the Kamloops Blazers to a final score of 4-2.  The Royals started goaltender Jared Rathjen, and the Blazers played Cam Lanigan in net.  The Blazers scored first, 9:20 into the game, with a 5-on-3 powerplay marker by J.T. Barnett.  It qukcly got worse for the Royals as just a mere 65 seconds later when, Kamloop's forward, Colin Smith scored a power play marker of his own.  The first period ended with the Royals outshooting the Blazers 13-10, but trailing 2-0.

   The Royals finally got on the board thanks to a shorthanded tally by Robin Soudek just 37 seconds into the period.  At the halfway point of the period both teams made goalie changes.  Braden Gamble replaced Rathjen for Victoria, and Lanigan was replaced by Cole Cheveldave by the Blazers.  The new goalies would keep both teams scoreless for the rest of the second period.  The second ended with the Blazers outshooting the Royals 13-7, and leading 2-1.

  The Blazer's captain, Chase Schaber,  scored his first preseason goal at the 8:31 mark of the third period.  Royals standout Kade Pilton got this team back within one with a powerplay marker of his own at the 14:32 mark of the third.  The Blazer's would put the game away a mere 71 seconds after, as Chase Souto scored yet another powerplay marker to give the Blazer's a 4-2 lead.  The Royals were unable to get the two goals needed in the final 5 minutes.

  The Royals went 1/5 on the PP, while the Blazers went 3/11.  The Royals ran into penalty trouble this game.  11 penalties is a lot to give up and it can make a team tired very quickly by having to kill off all those penalties.  I would think that the head coach will talk to the players about discipline before tonight's game.

  This was Joe Hicketts first and only preseason game.  As he is to young to play in the WHL this year, he will make the team next year, he will now stay at home in Kamloops.  It was a busy 10 days for the WHL first round pick, and he showed every reason why he was a first round pick with his play in those 10 days.

   The next Royals game is tonight at 7:05 P.D.T. against the Kelowna Rockets.  You can listen to the game tonight live on 91.3 The Zone.

Royals Sign Three More Prospects

  The Victoria Royals announced the signing of three more prospects earlier today.  They signed forwards Taylor Crunk, Reid Halabi, and goaltender Jared Rathjen.  Very good signings for the Royals.  Crunk was one of the Royals that really stood out during the Intra-Squad game and looks to be a very exciting offensive player.  Here is the press release from the Royals' official website: 

ROYALS SIGN THREE PROSPECTS

Victoria gets commitments from Halabi, Crunk and Rathjen.

For Immediate Release

Friday, September 2, 2011

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals are pleased announce the team has signed three prospects to Western Hockey League player Standard Player Agreements. The Royals received commitments from 16-year-old forwards Reid Halabi and Taylor Crunk, and 17-year-old goaltender Jared Rathjen.

   Halabi was drafted by the Chilliwack Bruins in the eighth round, 172^nd overall, in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft.  The 5’11”, 164 pound product of Edmonton, AB, spent the 2010-11 season with Canadian Athletic Club (CAC) Canadians in the Alberta Major Midget Hockey League and posted 24 points (7g-17a) in 31 games. Halabi, a right wing forward, finished fifth in Canadians scoring during the regular season.

   Crunk was a ninth round, 183^rd overall selection of the Bruins in the 2010 draft.  Crunk scored a pair of goals in the Royals’ first annual Black vs. White Intra-Squad game this past Wednesday at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. The native of San Jacinto, CA, played for the California Titans of the North American Prospects Hockey League during the 2010-11 campaign. The 5’11”, 165 pound left winger produced 10 goals and six assists for 16 points in 19 games for the Titans.

Rathjen was listed by the Chilliwack Bruins during the 2010-11 season. The Prince George, BC, product faced eight shots in Wednesday night’s intra-squad game, allowing one goal.  In 26 appearances for the Cariboo Cougars last season, Rathjen won 20 games and recorded a goals against average of 2.73.  Rathjen backstopped the Cougars to the BC Major Midget Hockey League Final.

My 5 Standout Players From Wednesday's Intra-Squad Game

As promised (sorry for the delay), here are the 5 players that stood out to me the most during the Intra-Squad game.  This is not to say there were only 5 noteworthy players, but these are the 5 players that stood out the most to me.


                                                 5. Coleman Vollroth (Goalie)

  It may seem silly to put a goalie on this list since each goalie only played one period, but Vollroth stood out the most of all the goaltenders.  His first couple saves were routine, as he was positionally sound for the saves.  It was the saves later on that he made when Team Black was dominating the offensive zone.  One save in particular saw Vollrath come way out to cut the angle off, but the attacking player made a move and shot at what seemed like a wide open net.  Vollroth, however, got his right pad, or toe, on it to keep it out.  For the rest of his period Vollrath was a calming presence in net, which allowed his team to go about their business.  Out of all the goalies, Vollrath was the standout as he gave up almost no rebounds and was positionally sound.

                                               4. Corey Renwick (Forward)

  I noticed Corey in the warm ups as he looked engaged already and the puck hadn't even dropped.  At six feet, Corey had the size and also the speed to compete with the others.  His goal, the first of the game, was a product of him slipping his check and being open beside the net to receive the pass and bury his opportunity.  He had a couple more scoring chances in the game, but was unable to capitalize on them.  Nearing the end of the game he started to show his defensive tendencies as he seemed to focus more on preserving the lead. 

                                                 3. Joe Hicketts (Defenceman)

  Hicketts is the Royals' first ever draft pick.  After the game was over I could see why they hold him in such high regard.  Joe didn't really stick out to me in the first period, but from the second period on it was like the kid finally wanted to take the game over.  He has deceptive speed, as he easily lead several rushes from his defensive zone to the offensive zone.  Hicketts seems to possess that special sense where he knows the exact right times to pinch in or the right place to position himself on the ice.  In one scenario, Hicketts gave the puck away and the opposing team forward had a shorthanded breakaway, but Hicketts got back and dove to knock the puck out of harm's way with his stick.  While not overly big -- he's just 5'8 and 170 lbs, he holds his own defensively and is strong on the puck.  This kid will be fun to watch in years to come.

                                                    2. Taylor Crunk (Forward)

  Taylor Crunk was quite possibly the fastest kid on the ice.  This kid can absolutely fly down the ice.  It takes him no time at all to go from a stationary stance to full speed.  Both of his goals were a product of his speed as he would just blast down the wing and catch the defenceman flat footed.  His second goal also showed that he has a good set of hands in tight.  The only knock on this kid is his strength.  During the game, especially near the end, the bigger defensive players would push him off the puck and throw him around.  Even when knocked down though, Crunk would either still pull the puck towards him or he would pop right back up and somehow end up with the puck back on his stick.  If this kid sticks, watch for him to be dynamite on the powerplay and on the rush.

                                                    1. Kade Pilton (Defenceman)

  At 6'4 and 191 lbs, it was expected that Kade would be strong defensively but lacking in other areas of skill.  This is not true.  This kid was the best player on the ice the entire game.  The first thing you notice about him is his size, then you notice his poise with the puck.  He was calm, and collected, with the puck in his own zone and the offensive zone.  If he ever gave the puck up he'd either use his reach to poke the puck away or would wrap his man into the boards.  He moves quick for a big guy, and he has quick hands.  His goal was probably the highlight goal of the game.  He deked a couple players and then shot the puck top shelf over the goalie.  I never got to see his slapshot really, so I can't attest to how good his points from the shots will be.  For this game, Kade seemed to be the real deal.  He was out their in important situations and never really let his coach down.  He has the size, the mobility, the poise, and the hands to be a very effective player for the Royals' backend.

Royals Trim Roster Down To 31

The Victoria Royals announced their new, trimmed down, 31 man roster.  On the roster include Intra-Squad game standouts: Joe Hicketts, Kade Pilton, Zane Jones, and Taylor Crunk.  Here is the official press release from the Royals official website:

ROYALS ROSTER DOWN TO 31

Victoria gets ready for pre-season play this weekend in Kamloops and Kelowna.

For Immediate Release

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals are pleased announce the team’s roster is down to 31 players as the team heads on the road for two pre-season games this weekend in Kamloops and Kelowna.

After 160 players took part in the Royals’ draft, rookie and main camps, the 31-man player roster was set today. The Royals are down to 18 forwards, 10 defencemen and three goaltenders as they face the Blazers tomorrow night in Kamloops and the Rockets Saturday in Kelowna in exhibition play.

On the 31-man roster, the Royals have nine players born in 1992, the most of any age group on the team. Seven players are 1994-born players, five from both the 1993 and ’95 birth years and four overage players from 1991. The WHL 20-year-old cut down draft is October 13, where all teams must be down to three overage players on the roster. The lone 1996-born player is defenceman Joe Hicketts, the Royals first ever bantam draft selection who went 12^th overall in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft.

     The Royals have a total of 14 players that are bantam draft selections by the franchise, going back to the Chilliwack Bruins 2007 draft. That includes four members of the 2010 draft class who are first year eligible to play this season; defenceman Keegan Kanzig and forwards Luke Harrison, Reid Halabi and Taylor Crunk. The Royals franchise has four of its last five first bantam picks on the 31-man roster.

    The Royals boast 12 players from British Columbia and one player from Vancouver Island; defenceman Kade Pilton of Parksville. Pilton was the Chilliwack Bruins second round pick, 25^th overall, in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft. The Royals have 12 players from Alberta, one from Saskatchewan and Manitoba and three players from the United States. The Royals also have two players from the Czech Republic; forwards Robin Soudek and Lukas Kralik.

# Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown DOB
1 Jared Rathjen G 6’2” 180 Prince George, BC May 13/94
2 Hayden Rintoul D 6’1” 191 Calgary, AB Feb. 2/91
3 Zach Habscheid D 6’4” 205 Chilliwack, BC Mar. 16/92
4 Emerson Hrynyk D 6’2” 190 Okanagan Falls, BC Sep. 9/92
5 Keegan Kanzig D 6’5” 200 Athabasca, AB Feb. 26/95
6 Jesse Zgraggen D 6’0” 211 Lethbridge, AB Apr. 23/93

7 Tyler Stahl D 6’2” 201 Drumheller, AB Jan. 29/92
7 Brett Cote D 6’0” 200 Oakbank, MB May 21/94
8 Kade Pilton D 6’4” 191 Parksville, BC Nov. 8/94
9 Kevin Sundher C 6’0” 188 Surrey, BC Jan. 18/92

10 Justin Spagrud LW 6’0” 160 Gull Lake, SK Jan. 18/92
11 Steven Hodges C 5’11” 160 Delta, BC May 5/94
12 Tim Traber RW 6’2” 186 Quesnel, BC Jan. 26/93
14 Zane Jones LW 6’3” 205 Olds, AB Jun. 8/94
15 Jamie Crooks LW 5’11” 177 Vermilion, AB Jan. 8/92
16 Brendan Perseley C 6’0” 195 Kelowna, BC Jun. 3/93
17 Curt Gogol LW 6’1” 188 Calgary, AB Sep. 21/91
18 Brandon Magee C 5’7” 161 Edmonton, AB Jan. 23/94
19 Logan Nelson C 6’1” 174 Rogers, MN Sep. 9/93
20 Lukas Kralik RW 6’1” 178 Sternberk, CZE Mar. 19/93
21 Austin Carroll RW 6’0” 160 Scottsdale, AZ Mar. 26/94
22 Taylor Crunk LW 5’11” 165 San Jacinto, CA Jan. 20/95
23 Jesse Pauls D 5’9” 173 Chilliwack, BC Feb. 10/92
24 Blair Wentworth RW 5’11” 204 Calgary, AB Feb. 23/92
25 Robin Soudek RW 5’11” 172 Ceske Budejovice, CZE Jul. 31/91
26 Reid Halabi RW 5’11” 164 Edmonton, AB Jun. 27/95
27 Joe Hicketts D 5’8” 170 Kamloops, BC May 4/96
30 Keith Hamilton G 6’1” 180 Kelowna, BC Mar.1/92
35 Braden Gamble G 5’10” 176 North Star, AB Feb. 13/91

Luke Harrison C 6’1” 190 Westbank, BC Oct. 7/95

Royals announce signing of 2011 Bantam Draft first round pick Hicketts

The Victoria Royals announced today that the team has signed their first round pick from the 2011 bantam draft, defenceman Joe Hicketts.  Here is the official press release, from the Royals official website:

ROYALS SIGN 2011 FIRST ROUND PICK DEFENCEMAN JOE HICKETTS

Victoria’s first ever bantam draft pick signs WHL Contract!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals are pleased to announce the club has signed their 2011 first round bantam draft pick, defenceman Joe Hicketts, to a Western Hockey League Standard Players’ Agreement.

      The Kamloops, BC, native just completed Royals’ draft, rookie and main camp over the last 10 days, and will accompany the team on the road to Kamloops this weekend.

“Signing Joe is a big step for him as well as our organization,” General Manager and Head Coach Marc Habscheid said. “He has performed very well at camp, and we are excited to move into the future with Joe as a part of our team. From an organizational standpoint we are ecstatic to have signed our first ever draft pick.”

The Royals selected Hicketts 12^th overall in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft this past May.  Last season he played for the Kamloops Jardine Bantam Blazers, recording 59 points (18g-41a), while adding 54 penalty minutes.  Hicketts also had a rating of +98 and topped his team with 300 hits and 33 shot blocks. As team captain, Hicketts led the Bantam Blazers to the Okanagan Mainline Amateur Hockey Association (OMAHA) regular season and playoff titles in 2010-11.

The 5’6”, 170lb Hicketts is one of 34 players to be short-listed for the 2011 BC Under-16 team.  There will be 20 players selected to play for BC at the U16 Western Branch Challenge, presented by the WHL, scheduled for Oct. 27-30 in Moose Jaw, SK.

  Hicketts also was one of 42 players selected to take part in the first ever National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) Allstate All-Canadians Mentorship Camp this past August in Mississauga, ON.  The five day camp gave invitees an exclusive chance to be mentored by NHL players on the importance of fitness, nutrition, mental conditioning and other life skills.

   In April, Hicketts led all defencemen in scoring at the 2011 Under-16 BC Cup with five points (1g-4a).

  Joe Hicketts will be available post practice at 1:30 p.m. today, and General Manager and Head Coach Marc Habscheid will be available at 1:15 p.m.

   Hicketts was one of the stand outs at the Intra-Squad game last night.  He is quick, agile, and knows when to join the rush.  He is also very responsible defensively and has great poise.  Great future player for the Royals.