The Royals embarked on a 4-game road trip last weekend. Due to site difficulties, I will do a small recap for each game.
October 21st, Royals @Vancouver Giants
First Period
5:07- Dalton Sward(Vancouver)
6:23- Marek Tvrdon(Vancouver) Assist- Brett Kulak
7:47-PP- Marek Tvrdon(2)(Vancouver) Assists- Jordan Martinook and David Musil
12:41-PP- Jordan Martinook(Vancouver) Assists-Brendan Gallagher and Marek Tvrdon
17:20-PP- Brendan Gallagher(Vancouver) Assists- Jordan Martinook and James Henry
19:04-PP- Anthony Ast(Vancouver) Assists- David Musil and Cain Franson
Second Period
7:22- Steven Hodges(Victoria) Assist- Lukas Kralik
16:36-PP- Austin Vetterl(Vancouver) Assists- James Henry and Marek Tvrdon
Third Period
17:25-PP- Levi Bews(Vancouver) Assists-Nathan Burns and Dalton Sward
Tough opening game for the Royals' road trip as they ran into a tough Vancouver team. Victoria also ran into penalty troubles in the game and gave up 4 powerplay goals. The Royals seemed a step slower on each play, and were unable to match the Giants game plan.
October 22nd, Royals @ Kelowna Rockets
First Period
9:17- Mitchell Chapman(Kelowna)
10:28-PP- Jamie Crooks(Victoria) Assists- Hayden Rintoul and Kevin Sundher
Second Period
8:32- Robin Soudek(Victoria) Assists- Kevin Sundher and Brett Cote
19:00- Steven Hodges(Victoria) Assists- Logan Nelson Brett Cote
19:37-PP- Myles Bell(Kelowna) Assists- Colton Sissons and Shane McColgan
Keith Hamilton was the starter in Kelowna, and was solid as he stopped 22 of 24 shots on goal. The Royals gave up 6 powerplays but were able to kill 5 of them off. Sundher continued to rack up the assists, and Brett Cote had a hard working game with two assists.
October 25th, Royals @ Tri-City Americans
First Period
4:21-PP- Kevin Sundher(Victoria) Assists- Robin Soudek and Brandon Magee
5:31-PP- Robin Soudek(Victoria) Assist- Kevin Sundher
Second Period
3:46- Kade Pilton(Victoria) Assists- Steven Hodges and Turner Popoff
6:35- Marcus Messier(Tri-City) Assist- Malte Stromwall
7:00- Steven Hodges(Victoria) Assists- Jamie Crooks and Logan Nelson
16:31- Justin Feser(Tri-City) Assists- Mitch Topping and Jordan Messier
Third Period
0:17- Nathan MacMaster(Tri-City) Assists- Patrick Holland and Michal Plutnar
14:12-Jamie Crooks(Victoria) Assists- Logan Nelson and Hayden Rintoul
14:59- Malte Stromwall(Tri-City) Assists- Connor Rankin and Michal Plutnar
Victoria played a very disciplined game, killing off the 2 power plays they gave up. They also took advantage of their powerplays as they went 2 for 3 with the extra man. Strong game from Hodges, Soudek, and Sundher. Keith Hamilton got the start in net and was spectacular as he stopped 41 of 45 shots.
October 26th, Royals @ Spokane Chiefs
First Period
2:47- Mitch Holmberg(Spokane) Assists- Darren Kramer and Brenden Kichton
3:21- Marek Kalus(Spokane) Assists- Mike Aviani and Jarid Hauptman
10:28- Steven Hodges(Victoria) Assists- Logan Nelson and Brett Cote
15:21- Dominik Uher(Spokane) Assists- Corbin Baldwin and Steven Kuhn
16:01- Connor Chartier(Spokane) Assists- Brenden Kichton and Collin Valcourt
Second Period
7:06- Marek Kalus(Spokane) Assists- Mike Aviani and Jarid Hauptman
Third Period
14:53- Collin Valcourt(Spokane) Assists- Anthony Bardaro and Reid Gow
Jared Rathjen made his first ever WHL start allowing 6 goals on 33 shots. Hodges and Nelson continued to be strong two-way players for the Royals. It was the first game between the two teams since Chilliwack and Spokane met in the first round of the playoffs.
Victoria is back home Friday and Saturday night for a pair of games against the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Friday 28 October 2011
Sunday 16 October 2011
Royals Use A Little Overtime Magic For The Win
For the second night in a row the Royals hosted the Kelowna Rockets, and for the second night in a row the Royals played a very entertaining game for the fans. Coming into this game the Royals were tied atop their division with the Kamloops Blazers. The team was lead by Kevin Sundher, Robin Soudek, Jamie Crooks, and Logan Nelson who are all in the top 20 scoring in the league.
First Period
The Royals starter in goal was Keith Hamilton (No Suprise) , and the Rockets replied with Jordon Cooke. Robin Soudek would waste no time to get the crowd into it, as he scored his 8th goal of the season just 19 seconds into the game. Austin Carroll and Kevin Sundher drew the assists on the goal. The Rockets and Royals would then start the chippy, grinding play as both teams traded chances midway through the first. Victoria had a chance on the powerplay to make it a 2-0 lead, but it was Kelowna that would capitalize. Shane McColgan would take a pass from Filip Vasko, and beat Hamilton for a shorthanded goal. The shorthanded tally was scored at the 15:05 mark. Both teams would sustain a couple good offensive zone pressure shifts, but the period would end in a 1-1 tie. Victoria out shot Kelowna 14-10 in the first.
Second Period
The Royals would get a couple powerplay chances in the first half of the second, but they would not be able to get one past Cooke. Traber continued his strong season as an agitator, as he would lure in Spencer Main for matching roughing penalties. Kevin Sundher would give the home side the lead again, as he scored his 4th of the season at the 16:33 mark. Austin Carroll got the lone assist. That lead would only last just over a minute though, as Kelowna would respond. Tyson Baillie would tie the game up at the 17:44 mark. Cody Chikie and Jesse Lees were credited with the assists. The teams would go to the locker room after the second tied at 2. Kelowna out shot Victoria 16-9 in the middle frame.
Third Period
The team would trade chances in the first half of the third frame, but it wasn't till near the midway mark of the period that the teams potted some goals. First it was Cody Chikie scoring his 5th of the season at the 8:44 mark. Spencer Main got the lone assist. The Royals would get a chance to tie things up on the powerplay, and that's exactly what they would do. Hayden Rintoul would score his 5th goal of the season with the man advantage. Kevin Sundher and Robin Soudek would get the assists on the goal scored at the 10:02 mark of the third. The rest of the period wouldn't see anymore scoring as the teams would head to overtime. The Royals out shot Kelowna 12-7 in the third.
Overtime
The Royals would waste no time in overtime. It took a mere 35 seconds for Jess Zgraggen to scores his first goal of the season, and give the home side the win. Kevin Sundher and Robin Soudek provided the assists.
Top Three Royals' Players of the Game
Kevin Sundher- Sundher would finish the game with a goal and 3 assists. He is now tied at first in league scoring, and leads the entire league in assists with 17. He continues to dominate and he shows now signs of slowing down.
Robin Soudek- Soudek finished with a goal and an assist and a +3 rating. Soudek continues to set the tempo of most of the games offensively for the Royals. He continues to provide solid veteran leadership on a young team.
Jesse Zgraggen-There is no way Jesse Zgraggen would be left off this list. He finished +2, but more importantly he got the OT game winner. Zgraggen has been a very effective physical defenseman for the Royals all season long. Kudos to him for getting his first goal of the year which won his team the game.
The Royals kept pace with the Blazers to stay atop the division. The Royals next game is Friday in Vancouver to take on the Giants.
Friday 14 October 2011
Royals Mount Big Comeback to Down Rockets
The Royals gave their fans quite the roller coaster ride Friday night. There was a WHL milestone for a player, a good scrap, and a whole lot of scoring. They would trail by 3 goals at one point, but they would dig deep and pull out a W. This is the first of back-to-back nights hosting the Kelowna Rockets.
Keith Hamilton got the start in goal for the Royals, and Adam Brown responded for the Rockets. Robin Soudek would open the scoring for the Royals at the 5:32 mark. Austin Carroll and Kevin Sundher assisted on Soudek's goal, his 6th of the season. The Rockets would start to push back shortly after Soudek's goal. Kelowna's push would be rewarded when they were given a powerplay, due to a Kade Pilton tripping penalty. On that powerplay, Spencer Main would get his 4th goal of the season. Myles Bell and Damon Severson would get the assists on the goal scored at the 9:43 mark. Kelowna would continue their strong play after that power play goal, and Colton Heffley would give the Rockets a 2-1 lead at the 12:02 mark. Damon Severson and Tanner Moar would draw the assists. The Royals would tie it up at the 14:55 mark off a goal by Robin Soudek, his second of the night. Kevin Sundher and Jesse Zgraggen were credited with the assists. Kelowna would get another powerplay opportunity, and they would make it count again. Jesse Lees would get the powerplay goal, assisted by Myles Bell and Shane McColgan, at the 16:43 mark. The Rockets would leave the first period with a 3-2 lead. Victoria was out shot 16-11 in the first.
Kelowna and Victoria would play a more even game in the second, but it was Kelowna who was able to extend their lead. Colton Sissons would get his 5th goal of the year at the 4:35 mark. Shane McColgan and Damon Severson got the assists. Just seconds after that goal, Colten Martin would get a boarding call which Austin Carroll took exception to. Carroll and Martin would drop the gloves to intensify the physicality of the game. Kelowna would get another powerplay, and once again they would make it count. Myles Bell would get the extra man goal, his 2nd goal of the year. Filip Vasko and Spencer Main drew the assists on the goal scored at the 6:42 mark. Zane Jones would pull the Royals within two goals with a goal of his own, his first career WHL goal. Jamie Crooks got the lone assist, the goal was scored at the 8:35 mark. The Royals would trail 5-3 after the second. Both teams ended up with 8 shots a piece in the 2nd.
Zane Jones would continue his strong play, as he would pot his second goal of the night 4:44 into the final frame. The Royals pushed back hard trying to get back into the game. The Royals would finally capitalize on a powerplay opportunity at the 11:17 mark of the third. Jamie Crooks' powerplay marker would tie the game up at 5. Robin Soudek and Kade Pilton were given the assists. After serving a penalty for Hooking, Lukas Kralik would come out of the penalty box and score on a breakaway giving the Royals a 6-5 lead. Steven Hodges threw the puck up for Kralik, getting the lone assist on the go-ahead goal scored at the 14:27 mark. Hamilton would make a couple key saves to keep the Rockets at bay. Logan Nelson would get the insurance goal with an empty netter at the 19:08 mark. The Royals went on to win 7-5. VIC out shot KEL 15-3 in the third, and 34-27 overall.
Top Three Royals Players
Keith Hamilton- He may have let in 5 goals, but he also made some key saves late to keep his team in it. A couple of the goals against were flukes, and he didn't look terrible. He only faced 3 shots in the final period but they were all key saves. It was an ok outing by him statistics wise, but all in all he kept his team in it.
Zane Jones- Zane potted his first 2 career WHL goals tonight. They were big goals considering he scored two in a row and started the comeback parade for the Royals. He used his big frame to power himself to the net and was no slouch in his own zone. Congrats to Zane on a milestone game.
Robin Soudek- Soudek has been playing strong all season. Soudek finished tonight's game with 2 goals and an assist. He is playing at just over a point per game pace. He continues to be a veteran presence for the Royals. Great game tonight by Soudek as he also finished with a +2 rating.
The Royals and Rockets will got at it again tomorrow night. Puck drop is at 7:05.
Keith Hamilton got the start in goal for the Royals, and Adam Brown responded for the Rockets. Robin Soudek would open the scoring for the Royals at the 5:32 mark. Austin Carroll and Kevin Sundher assisted on Soudek's goal, his 6th of the season. The Rockets would start to push back shortly after Soudek's goal. Kelowna's push would be rewarded when they were given a powerplay, due to a Kade Pilton tripping penalty. On that powerplay, Spencer Main would get his 4th goal of the season. Myles Bell and Damon Severson would get the assists on the goal scored at the 9:43 mark. Kelowna would continue their strong play after that power play goal, and Colton Heffley would give the Rockets a 2-1 lead at the 12:02 mark. Damon Severson and Tanner Moar would draw the assists. The Royals would tie it up at the 14:55 mark off a goal by Robin Soudek, his second of the night. Kevin Sundher and Jesse Zgraggen were credited with the assists. Kelowna would get another powerplay opportunity, and they would make it count again. Jesse Lees would get the powerplay goal, assisted by Myles Bell and Shane McColgan, at the 16:43 mark. The Rockets would leave the first period with a 3-2 lead. Victoria was out shot 16-11 in the first.
Kelowna and Victoria would play a more even game in the second, but it was Kelowna who was able to extend their lead. Colton Sissons would get his 5th goal of the year at the 4:35 mark. Shane McColgan and Damon Severson got the assists. Just seconds after that goal, Colten Martin would get a boarding call which Austin Carroll took exception to. Carroll and Martin would drop the gloves to intensify the physicality of the game. Kelowna would get another powerplay, and once again they would make it count. Myles Bell would get the extra man goal, his 2nd goal of the year. Filip Vasko and Spencer Main drew the assists on the goal scored at the 6:42 mark. Zane Jones would pull the Royals within two goals with a goal of his own, his first career WHL goal. Jamie Crooks got the lone assist, the goal was scored at the 8:35 mark. The Royals would trail 5-3 after the second. Both teams ended up with 8 shots a piece in the 2nd.
Top Three Royals Players
Keith Hamilton- He may have let in 5 goals, but he also made some key saves late to keep his team in it. A couple of the goals against were flukes, and he didn't look terrible. He only faced 3 shots in the final period but they were all key saves. It was an ok outing by him statistics wise, but all in all he kept his team in it.
Zane Jones- Zane potted his first 2 career WHL goals tonight. They were big goals considering he scored two in a row and started the comeback parade for the Royals. He used his big frame to power himself to the net and was no slouch in his own zone. Congrats to Zane on a milestone game.
Robin Soudek- Soudek has been playing strong all season. Soudek finished tonight's game with 2 goals and an assist. He is playing at just over a point per game pace. He continues to be a veteran presence for the Royals. Great game tonight by Soudek as he also finished with a +2 rating.
The Royals and Rockets will got at it again tomorrow night. Puck drop is at 7:05.
Tuesday 11 October 2011
Royals Drop One In Vancouver
The Royals played a Thanksgiving matinee game in Vancouver yesterday. They were looking to get back on the winning track after losing 2 out of 3 games this past weekend. It would be a tough task as Vancouver had their top scorer from last year, Brendan Gallagher, back in the line up.
Keith Hamilton got the start in goal for the Royals, and Adam Morrison responded in goal for the Giants. It didn't take Gallagher long to make his first game against the Royals a good one. Brendan Gallagher scored just 32 seconds into the game, and the assists James Henry and Marek Tvrdon. Victoria had a hard time getting anything going for them in the first. The Giants would go up 2-0 on a goal by James Henry. The assists went to Brendan Gallagher and Tyler Hart, and the goal was scored at 4:13 mark of the first. The Royals were spending too much time in their own zone. Vancouver would make it 3-0 before the ten minute mark of the first. Marek Tvrdon would score the 3-0 goal at the 9:43 mark, with the only assist going to Brendan Gallagher. The Royals would stave off the Giants for the rest of the period and end the first down by three goals. Vancouver out shout Victoria 12-7 in the first.
The second period would start very much like the first. Brendan Gallagher would score his second of the night just 27 seconds into the second period. Vancouver would continue to push the pace of the game in the second. Keith Hamilton had a strong period in net for the Royals as he would only give up the Gallagher goal in the middle frame. Victoria would get on the board thanks to Lukas Kralik's first career WHL goal. The unassisted goal was scored at the 6:57 mark. The Giants would lead 4-1 after two periods of play. The Giants out shot the Royals 12-4 in the second period.
The third period saw the Royals mount a bit of a push back, but they were unable to get the puck past Morrison again. The third period was very low on notable moments. The only real highlight of the third was Brendan Gallagher finishing his hat trick. Marek Tvrdon and James Henry assisted on the goal scored at the 12:58 mark. The Giants would win 5-1. The Royals out shot Vancouver 8-6 in the final frame, but were out shot 30-19 after the full 60 minutes.
Top Two Royals Players
I've decided to pick only to this game as it was a very lackluster game for the Royals.
Lukas Kralik- Not only did he get the only goal, but it was also his first ever WHL goal. He supplied the only offense from Victoria, but was also very reliable in his own zone. He finished a +1 when most of his teammates were in the negatives. It was nice to see Kralik in the line up. He played a hard gritty game against the Giants, and was rewarded with his first career WHL goal.
Steven Hodges- Hodges has managed to fly under the radar so far this year, even though he is scoring at just under a point a game pace. He had another strong game against the Giants. He wasn't able to get on the score sheet but he was able to do the little things to impress enough.
The next Royals' games are this Thursday and Friday at home against the Kelowna Rockets.
Keith Hamilton got the start in goal for the Royals, and Adam Morrison responded in goal for the Giants. It didn't take Gallagher long to make his first game against the Royals a good one. Brendan Gallagher scored just 32 seconds into the game, and the assists James Henry and Marek Tvrdon. Victoria had a hard time getting anything going for them in the first. The Giants would go up 2-0 on a goal by James Henry. The assists went to Brendan Gallagher and Tyler Hart, and the goal was scored at 4:13 mark of the first. The Royals were spending too much time in their own zone. Vancouver would make it 3-0 before the ten minute mark of the first. Marek Tvrdon would score the 3-0 goal at the 9:43 mark, with the only assist going to Brendan Gallagher. The Royals would stave off the Giants for the rest of the period and end the first down by three goals. Vancouver out shout Victoria 12-7 in the first.
The second period would start very much like the first. Brendan Gallagher would score his second of the night just 27 seconds into the second period. Vancouver would continue to push the pace of the game in the second. Keith Hamilton had a strong period in net for the Royals as he would only give up the Gallagher goal in the middle frame. Victoria would get on the board thanks to Lukas Kralik's first career WHL goal. The unassisted goal was scored at the 6:57 mark. The Giants would lead 4-1 after two periods of play. The Giants out shot the Royals 12-4 in the second period.
The third period saw the Royals mount a bit of a push back, but they were unable to get the puck past Morrison again. The third period was very low on notable moments. The only real highlight of the third was Brendan Gallagher finishing his hat trick. Marek Tvrdon and James Henry assisted on the goal scored at the 12:58 mark. The Giants would win 5-1. The Royals out shot Vancouver 8-6 in the final frame, but were out shot 30-19 after the full 60 minutes.
Top Two Royals Players
I've decided to pick only to this game as it was a very lackluster game for the Royals.
Lukas Kralik- Not only did he get the only goal, but it was also his first ever WHL goal. He supplied the only offense from Victoria, but was also very reliable in his own zone. He finished a +1 when most of his teammates were in the negatives. It was nice to see Kralik in the line up. He played a hard gritty game against the Giants, and was rewarded with his first career WHL goal.
Steven Hodges- Hodges has managed to fly under the radar so far this year, even though he is scoring at just under a point a game pace. He had another strong game against the Giants. He wasn't able to get on the score sheet but he was able to do the little things to impress enough.
The next Royals' games are this Thursday and Friday at home against the Kelowna Rockets.
Saturday 8 October 2011
Royals Show Team Toughness During Tough Weekend
The Royals started out the weekend with a pair of games, having hosted the Medicine Hat Tigers on Thursday and then again on Friday. They then went down to Seattle to play a game against the Thunderbirds. Here are a couple quick recaps for those games:
Thursday's Game, Medicine Hat Tigers
Hamilton started in goal for the Royals, and Tyler Bunz in net for the Tigers. The Tigers and the Royals settled into this game with each team getting chances back and forth. Hamilton and Bunz would steer away each team's attempts on a regular basis. Emerson Etem was able to get the Tigers on the board, as he fired a shot past Hamilton at the 14:39 mark. Spenser Jensen and Dylan Bredo were credited with the assists. The only other notable moments in the first were a couple of fights. Keegan Kanzig dropped the gloves with Cole Grbavac, and Steven Hodges fought Kale Kessy. Zach Habscheid left the game after he was run into the boards from behind by Kale Kessy. The Royals were out shot 11-10 and trailed 1-0 after the first.
Medicine Hat would add to their lead in the second period when Scott Mckay wristed a shot from the point that would find its way over Hamilton's shoulder. Kale Kessy and Spenser Jensen assisted on the goal scored at the 2:32 mark. The Tigers would go to the powerplay just five minutes later. On that powerplay, Matthew Konan would pot his first goal of the season. Kellan Tochkin and Curtis Valk were credited with the assists. The goal came at the 7:19 mark. Victoria would get on the board shortly afterwards, as Logan Nelson would wire one past Bunz. Steven Hodges was given the only assist on the goal scored at the 9:32 mark. The Tigers would finish the second period up 3-1, and out shoot the Royals 18-8.
Emerson Etem would score his second of the night, on the powerplay, just a 1:06 into the third period. Kellan Tochkin and Matthew Konan drew the assists. The Royals would reply on a man advantage of their own. Robin Soudek snapped a laser over Bunz's shoulder on a feed by Kevin Sundher. Austin Carroll got the other assist on the goal scored at the 3:49 mark. The Royals would dominate the third period as they continued to force turnovers and create scoring chances. Tyler Bunz was up to the task though, and was able to hold the fort for Medicine Hat. The Tigers won the game by a score of 4-2. Victoria and Medicine Hat each got 11 shots in the third, but M.H. out shot Victoria 40-29 in the game.
Friday's Game, Medicine Hat Tigers
No change in goal this game as Hamilton started for Victoria and Bunz started for M.H. Tim Traber dropped the gloves and had a good tussle with Adam Rehak. Emerson Etem started the scoring off with a shorthanded goal at the 3:55 mark. Dylan Bredo was credited with the only assist. Both teams traded scoring chances in the first, but the only other goal to be scored in the first would be scored by the Royals. Robin Soudek would score a shorthanded goal of his own, at the 18:42 mark, to tie the game at one. Kevin Sundher got the lone assist on the goal. The teams went to the locker rooms tied at 1. Victoria was out shot 13-11 in the first.
Hayden Rintoul would give the Royals a 2-1 lead. Logan Nelson and Kevin Sundher got the helpers on the power play goal scored at the 7:30 mark. Emerson Etem would then take over the second period. Etem would go on to score his second of the night at the 9:41 mark of the second. Scott McKay and Dylan Bredo supplied the assists. Etem would finish the hat trick with a goal at the 12:32 mark. Matthew Konan got the lone assist. M.H. got into penalty troubles in the second, but Victoria was only able to capitalize on Rintoul's goal. The second period ended with the Tigers up 3-2, and out shooting Victoria 14-10 in the second.
The Royals would start to take advantage of the Tiger's penalty troubles in the third period. Logan Nelson would score a powerplay marker of his own at the 2:19 mark. Hayden Rintoul and Robin Soudek got the assists. Jamie Crooks would give the Royals a lead after he shot one past Bunz during a power play. Hayden Rintoul and Kevin Sundher got the helpers on the goal scored at the 4:52 mark. The Tiger's would continue the see saw battle once they got a powerplay of their own. Hunter Shinkaruk shot one past Hamilton on the power play at the 11:58 point of the third. Emerson Etem and Spenser Jensen got the assists. It started to look like this game was destined for overtime. That all changed when Hayden Rintoul blasted a shot past Bunz with 24 seconds left in the game. Kevin Sundher and Jamie Crooks assisted on the game winner. The Royals would go on to win 5-4. The Royals were out shot 38-32 in the game.
Saturday's Game, Seattle Thunderbirds
Braden Gamble started in goal for the Royals and the Thunderbirds replied with Calvin Pickard. Seattle would waste no time scoring on their first shot. Justin Hickman would get the goal assisted by Tyler Alos and Branden Troock just 1:01 into the game. Victoria would swing the momentum back as Seattle would go down a man early in the first. Hayden Rintoul continued his red hot play as he scored on the man advantage. Kevin Sundher and Jamie Crooks would draw the assists on the goal scored at the 3:29 mark. Seatlle would get a power play of their own and would not let the chance pass them by. Dave Sutter would score on the powerplay, just Seattle's second shot, at the 6:05 mark. Luke Lockhart got the only assist. The Thunderbirds would then score on their third shot of the game just a few seconds later. Mitch Elliot would beat Gamble at the 6:43 mark, assists going to Brendan Rouse and Burke Gallimore. Braden Gamble would be replaced, after letting in 3 goals on 3 shots, by Keith Hamilton in the Royals' goal. The period would end with Seattle up 3-1. Victoria held the advantage of shots by a count of 13-12.
The Royals would play a solid second period with Hamilton in net. The period did not have many highlights till late. The only real update in the period came when Kade Pilton would beat Pickard with a shot at the 17:40 mark of the third. Steven Hodges would get the lone assist. The second period would end with Victoria still trailing 3-2. VIC out shot Seattle 15-9 in the second.
The Thunderbirds would capitalize on the powerplay yet again at the 6:40 mark. Branden Troock would get the goal, assisted by Burke Gallimore and Dave Sutter. Keith Hamilton would continue to play strongly for the Royals, as he would be forced to make a couple tough saves. Kevin Sundher would pot his third goal of the season at the 10:52 mark. Logan Nelson and Jesse Pauls would supply the helpers. Just a couple minutes after that goal, Austin Carroll would get his first of the season at the 13:30 mark to tie the game, with Jamie Crooks and Jesse Zgraggen hetting the assists. The Royals would continue to push the pace, but the effort was all for naught. Branden Troock would get his second of the night, and the Thunderbirds would hang on for a 5-4 win. The Royals out shot Seattle 43-32.
All in all, it was a tough weekend for the Royals. They played valiantly in every game but only managed two points. I won't be naming the top Royals players of the week. (I've been swamped at work.) Starting next week I will be doing a game recap for each individual game and continue to name my top three Royals' players of each. Thanks for your patience.
Thursday's Game, Medicine Hat Tigers
Hamilton started in goal for the Royals, and Tyler Bunz in net for the Tigers. The Tigers and the Royals settled into this game with each team getting chances back and forth. Hamilton and Bunz would steer away each team's attempts on a regular basis. Emerson Etem was able to get the Tigers on the board, as he fired a shot past Hamilton at the 14:39 mark. Spenser Jensen and Dylan Bredo were credited with the assists. The only other notable moments in the first were a couple of fights. Keegan Kanzig dropped the gloves with Cole Grbavac, and Steven Hodges fought Kale Kessy. Zach Habscheid left the game after he was run into the boards from behind by Kale Kessy. The Royals were out shot 11-10 and trailed 1-0 after the first.
Medicine Hat would add to their lead in the second period when Scott Mckay wristed a shot from the point that would find its way over Hamilton's shoulder. Kale Kessy and Spenser Jensen assisted on the goal scored at the 2:32 mark. The Tigers would go to the powerplay just five minutes later. On that powerplay, Matthew Konan would pot his first goal of the season. Kellan Tochkin and Curtis Valk were credited with the assists. The goal came at the 7:19 mark. Victoria would get on the board shortly afterwards, as Logan Nelson would wire one past Bunz. Steven Hodges was given the only assist on the goal scored at the 9:32 mark. The Tigers would finish the second period up 3-1, and out shoot the Royals 18-8.
Emerson Etem would score his second of the night, on the powerplay, just a 1:06 into the third period. Kellan Tochkin and Matthew Konan drew the assists. The Royals would reply on a man advantage of their own. Robin Soudek snapped a laser over Bunz's shoulder on a feed by Kevin Sundher. Austin Carroll got the other assist on the goal scored at the 3:49 mark. The Royals would dominate the third period as they continued to force turnovers and create scoring chances. Tyler Bunz was up to the task though, and was able to hold the fort for Medicine Hat. The Tigers won the game by a score of 4-2. Victoria and Medicine Hat each got 11 shots in the third, but M.H. out shot Victoria 40-29 in the game.
Friday's Game, Medicine Hat Tigers
Hayden Rintoul would give the Royals a 2-1 lead. Logan Nelson and Kevin Sundher got the helpers on the power play goal scored at the 7:30 mark. Emerson Etem would then take over the second period. Etem would go on to score his second of the night at the 9:41 mark of the second. Scott McKay and Dylan Bredo supplied the assists. Etem would finish the hat trick with a goal at the 12:32 mark. Matthew Konan got the lone assist. M.H. got into penalty troubles in the second, but Victoria was only able to capitalize on Rintoul's goal. The second period ended with the Tigers up 3-2, and out shooting Victoria 14-10 in the second.
Saturday's Game, Seattle Thunderbirds
The Royals would play a solid second period with Hamilton in net. The period did not have many highlights till late. The only real update in the period came when Kade Pilton would beat Pickard with a shot at the 17:40 mark of the third. Steven Hodges would get the lone assist. The second period would end with Victoria still trailing 3-2. VIC out shot Seattle 15-9 in the second.
All in all, it was a tough weekend for the Royals. They played valiantly in every game but only managed two points. I won't be naming the top Royals players of the week. (I've been swamped at work.) Starting next week I will be doing a game recap for each individual game and continue to name my top three Royals' players of each. Thanks for your patience.
Monday 3 October 2011
Royals Get Roughed Up By Kamloops
After winning both of their first ever road games, the Victoria Royals crashed back down to reality against the Blazers. The Royals came in looking to push their win streak to 4 straight games, 3 on the road. This time a slow start would kill the Royals.
Keith Hamilton got the start in goal for the Royals, and the Blazers countered with Taran Kozun. The first period started out with both teams slowly getting into the game and figuring out their opponent. Once Kamloops found their groove, they became almost unstoppable. The Blazers got on the board first on a goal by Colin Smith. Logan McVeigh and JC Lipon assisted on the goal, which was scored at the 5:24 mark of the first. Kamloops continued to control the play as they would go up by 2 after a JC Lipon goal. Austin Madaisky and Colin Smith were credited with the assists on the goal scored at the 10:25 mark. Victoria did their best to get any kind of offense going, but Kozun stood tall in the Blazers' net. The Royals would end the first period down by 2. Kamloops out shot Victoria 12-9 in the first.
The Blazers extended their lead at the 3:54 mark of the middle frame, as Chase Schaber fired a shot past Hamilton. The assists were given to Ryan Hanes and Jordan DePape. The Royals could not seem to find an answer to the Blazers' energy and physicality. Schaber would get his second goal of the night on a shorthanded marker. It was an unassisted goal at the 11:28 mark. After that goal, Braden Gamble relieved Keith Hamilton in the Royals' goal. Shortly after the shorthanded goal, Logan Nelson would capitalize on the same powerplay. Kade Pilton and Brett Cote assisted on the Royals' goal scored at the 12:01 mark. The Blazers would waste no time in getting that back as JC Lipon scored his second goal of the night. Josh Caron and Colin Smith got the helpers on the goal scored at the 14:43 mark. Victoria would endthe period with another goal of their own. Logan Nelson took a feed from Austin Carroll, and beat Kozun at the 16:27 mark. After the second period, Kamlopps lead 5-2. Victoria was out shot 11-10 in the period.
Any hope Victoria had for a comeback was surely crushed early in the third period. Kamloops took a 4 goal lead after Tim Bozon beat Gamble at the 7:02 mark. JC Lipon and Tyler Hansen were given the assists. A couple minutes after that, Matt Needham would continue the Royals' freefall. Marek Hrbas and Tim Bozon assisted on the goal scored at the 9:37 mark. The Royals could not get anything going in the third period and started to look defeated. At the 15:48 mark of the final frame, Bronson Maschmeyer would add insult to injury with a goal of his own. Jordan Depape got the lone assist. The Blazers would go on to win the game 8-2. Victoria was out shot 19-4 in the final frame, and 42-23 for the entire game.
Top Player of the Game
Logan Nelson- Nelson continued his strong play this weekend with a pair of goals. He continues to be an offensive force for the Royals. His defensive play took a hit with a -3 rating, but I wouldn't blame him for all those goals against. He continues to impress, game by game.
The Royals will look to get back on the winning track Thursday night. They will host the Medicine Hat Tigers back to back nights at the Save-On-Foods Center.
Saturday 1 October 2011
Gutsy Weekend In Prince George
The Victoria Royals played a pair of games this weekend in Prince George. The Royals were looking to continue the momentum they started after their emotional home opener win.
Friday Night's Game
Keith Hamilton started in goal for the Royals, and Drew Owsley countered for the Cougars. Prince George wasted no time to take control of the game early. They came fast and often at the Royals to begin the first. Tim Traber dropped the gloves with Brock Hirsche just 21 seconds into the game. Traber got the decision as he continues to be an intimidating force for the Royals. At the 5:08 mark of the first, Jarrett Fontaine opened the scoring for the Cougars. Cody Carlson and Spencer Asuchak drew the assists on the goal. It took the Cougars only 1:29 to get on the board again. Troy Bourke took a feed from Charles Inglis to give Prince George a 2-0 lead. Logan Nelson answered for the Royals, as he potted one at the 7:54 mark. Zane Jones and Tim Traber were credited with the assists. The Cougars continued to pepper the Royals net with shots, but Hamilton was able to hold the Cougars off. Victoria finally drew even on a goal by Robin Soudek. Kevin Sundher and Brandon Magee got the assists of the goal scored at the 13:48 mark. The Royals finished the first period tied with the Cougars 2-2. The Royals were out shot 15-9 in the first frame.
The Cougars continued to push the pace to open the second period, but Hamilton continued to stand tall. Brandon Magee scored at the 4:22 mark to give the Royals their first lead of the game. Kevin Sundher and Robin Soudek got the assists. The momentum stayed in the Cougars favor after the Royals goal, as they continued to dominate the offense play. Prince George was finally rewarded for their efforts, as Charles Inglis tied the game at 3s. Nick Buonassaisi and Daniel Gibb were given the assist on the goal scored at the 12:52 mark of the middle frame. The Cougars continued to take it to the Royals in the second period, but Keith Hamilton continued to keep his team in it. The Royals and Cougars ended the second period tied at 3. Victoria was out shot 19-5 in the period.
Victoria continued to play in their own zone in the early moments of the third period. While killing a penalty, Steven Hodges intercepted the puck and beat Owsley for a shorthanded goal. The shorthanded marker was scored at the 7:34 mark. Prince George continued their dominating play throughout the third, and finally found the mark. With just 38 seconds left, Alex Forsberg scored to tie the game. Cody Carlson and Martin Marincin were credited with the assists. The period ended with both teams tied at 4. Prince George out shot Victoria 16-9 in the third period.
The Royals controlled the play in the overtime frame, but were unable to get one past Owsley. Prince George out shot the Royals 2-1 in the frame.
The shootout started with Prince George getting the first shot. Alex Forsberg skated in on the Royals net, but Hamilton made the save. Kevin Sundher was up next for the Royals, and Sundher scored to put the Royals ahead. Up next was Troy Bourke for the Cougars. Bourke's shot got through Hamilton but hit the post. Robin Soudek was up next and could win the game with a goal. Soudek skated in and wired a shot past Owsley to give The Royals their first ever shootout win. Keith Hamilton made 48 saves, plus 2 shootout saves for the win.
Saturday's Game
Braden Gamble started in net for the Royals, and Drew Owsley started for the second night in a row for the Cougars. The Royals were all over the Cougars to start the game. Just 47 seconds in, Kade Pilton scored on the powerplay for Victoria. Hayden Rintoul and Kevin Sundher assisted on Pilton's goal. The Royals continued the strong play as Jamie Crooks scored at the 8:26 mark to give Victoria a 2-0 lead. Steven Hodges and Logan Nelson were credited with the assists. Hayden Rintoul then made it 3-0 after scoring on the powerplay. Kevin Sundher and Brandon Magee got the helpers on the goal scored at the 9:23 mark. Victoria kept the momentum going as they started to cycle the puck around the Cougar's zone very well. Jamie Crooks scored his second goal of the night for the Royals at the 16:31 mark. Logan Nelson and Steven Hodges drew the assists. Devon Fordyce would relieve Drew Owsley in the Cougars' goal. The Royals left the first period with a 4-0 lead, outshooting Prince George 13-9 in the first.
Just over four minutes into the second, Royals history was made as Jamie Crooks scored to become the first Royals player to get a hat trick. Logan Nelson got the lone assist on the goal scored at the 4:44 mark. Troy Bourke would answer for the Cougars with a shorthanded goal. Spencer Asuchak and Martin Marincin got the assist on the shorthanded marker scored at 6:31 of the second. The Cougars would then get their first powerplay goal of the season on a goal by Charles Inglis. Alex Forsberg got the assist on the special teams goal scored at the 11:04 mark. The Royals would push back to finish the period. Kevin Sundher would stop the Prince George momentum, with a goal scored at the 17:38 mark. Brandon Magee and Kade Pilton assisted on Sundher's goal. Victoria lead 6-2 after the second. PG out shot Victoria 9-5 in the middle frame.
Friday Night's Game
Keith Hamilton started in goal for the Royals, and Drew Owsley countered for the Cougars. Prince George wasted no time to take control of the game early. They came fast and often at the Royals to begin the first. Tim Traber dropped the gloves with Brock Hirsche just 21 seconds into the game. Traber got the decision as he continues to be an intimidating force for the Royals. At the 5:08 mark of the first, Jarrett Fontaine opened the scoring for the Cougars. Cody Carlson and Spencer Asuchak drew the assists on the goal. It took the Cougars only 1:29 to get on the board again. Troy Bourke took a feed from Charles Inglis to give Prince George a 2-0 lead. Logan Nelson answered for the Royals, as he potted one at the 7:54 mark. Zane Jones and Tim Traber were credited with the assists. The Cougars continued to pepper the Royals net with shots, but Hamilton was able to hold the Cougars off. Victoria finally drew even on a goal by Robin Soudek. Kevin Sundher and Brandon Magee got the assists of the goal scored at the 13:48 mark. The Royals finished the first period tied with the Cougars 2-2. The Royals were out shot 15-9 in the first frame.
The Cougars continued to push the pace to open the second period, but Hamilton continued to stand tall. Brandon Magee scored at the 4:22 mark to give the Royals their first lead of the game. Kevin Sundher and Robin Soudek got the assists. The momentum stayed in the Cougars favor after the Royals goal, as they continued to dominate the offense play. Prince George was finally rewarded for their efforts, as Charles Inglis tied the game at 3s. Nick Buonassaisi and Daniel Gibb were given the assist on the goal scored at the 12:52 mark of the middle frame. The Cougars continued to take it to the Royals in the second period, but Keith Hamilton continued to keep his team in it. The Royals and Cougars ended the second period tied at 3. Victoria was out shot 19-5 in the period.
Victoria continued to play in their own zone in the early moments of the third period. While killing a penalty, Steven Hodges intercepted the puck and beat Owsley for a shorthanded goal. The shorthanded marker was scored at the 7:34 mark. Prince George continued their dominating play throughout the third, and finally found the mark. With just 38 seconds left, Alex Forsberg scored to tie the game. Cody Carlson and Martin Marincin were credited with the assists. The period ended with both teams tied at 4. Prince George out shot Victoria 16-9 in the third period.
The Royals controlled the play in the overtime frame, but were unable to get one past Owsley. Prince George out shot the Royals 2-1 in the frame.
The shootout started with Prince George getting the first shot. Alex Forsberg skated in on the Royals net, but Hamilton made the save. Kevin Sundher was up next for the Royals, and Sundher scored to put the Royals ahead. Up next was Troy Bourke for the Cougars. Bourke's shot got through Hamilton but hit the post. Robin Soudek was up next and could win the game with a goal. Soudek skated in and wired a shot past Owsley to give The Royals their first ever shootout win. Keith Hamilton made 48 saves, plus 2 shootout saves for the win.
Saturday's Game
Braden Gamble started in net for the Royals, and Drew Owsley started for the second night in a row for the Cougars. The Royals were all over the Cougars to start the game. Just 47 seconds in, Kade Pilton scored on the powerplay for Victoria. Hayden Rintoul and Kevin Sundher assisted on Pilton's goal. The Royals continued the strong play as Jamie Crooks scored at the 8:26 mark to give Victoria a 2-0 lead. Steven Hodges and Logan Nelson were credited with the assists. Hayden Rintoul then made it 3-0 after scoring on the powerplay. Kevin Sundher and Brandon Magee got the helpers on the goal scored at the 9:23 mark. Victoria kept the momentum going as they started to cycle the puck around the Cougar's zone very well. Jamie Crooks scored his second goal of the night for the Royals at the 16:31 mark. Logan Nelson and Steven Hodges drew the assists. Devon Fordyce would relieve Drew Owsley in the Cougars' goal. The Royals left the first period with a 4-0 lead, outshooting Prince George 13-9 in the first.
Just over four minutes into the second, Royals history was made as Jamie Crooks scored to become the first Royals player to get a hat trick. Logan Nelson got the lone assist on the goal scored at the 4:44 mark. Troy Bourke would answer for the Cougars with a shorthanded goal. Spencer Asuchak and Martin Marincin got the assist on the shorthanded marker scored at 6:31 of the second. The Cougars would then get their first powerplay goal of the season on a goal by Charles Inglis. Alex Forsberg got the assist on the special teams goal scored at the 11:04 mark. The Royals would push back to finish the period. Kevin Sundher would stop the Prince George momentum, with a goal scored at the 17:38 mark. Brandon Magee and Kade Pilton assisted on Sundher's goal. Victoria lead 6-2 after the second. PG out shot Victoria 9-5 in the middle frame.
The third period started out slow. That is until Spencer Asuchak was kicked out of the game for elbowing Tyler Stahl in the head. Stahl was slow to get up and looked worse for wear. The Cougars would pull within three again as Nick Buonassisi scored. Joshua Smith and Greg Fraser assisted on the goal scored at the 12:01 mark. Pince George would inch even closer as Greg Fraser would score on the powerplay. Martin Marincin and Nick Buonassisi assisted on the goal scored at the 14:39 point of the third. The Cougars would pull within one shortly after as Jake Mykitiuk shot one past Gamble. Alex Forsberg got the only assist on the goal scored at the 15:50 mark. The Royals would fend of the Cougars and win thegame 6-5. PG out shot Victoria 30-29 in the game.
Both games were ugly road wins, but they were wins. The second game meltdown will be a lesson for these young players. It may not have been pretty this weekend, but these young kids put on a hell of a show and came out of the games with 4 points. The Royals' next game is Thursday against Medicine Hat.
Top Three Players of the Weekend
Keith Hamilton- I know he only played one game, but he absolutely stole the second straight game for the Royals. He continues to keep his team in the game no matter the shot difference. Hamilton is starting to show the poise and leadership to be a true number one goalie for the Royals. If the Royals defense can clamp down on the shots, watch for Hamilton to have a very good season.
Kevin Sundher- Sundher continues to dominate for the Royals. He continues to use his size, strength and speed to continuously make scoring opportunities. He finished the weekend with 1 goal and 4 assists. After being shut out in the season opener, Sundher has been dominant all over the ice for the Royals. Sundher continues to rack up the points and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Jamie Crooks/ Logan Nelson- Yeah I cheated, sue me. Jamie Crooks got the Royals first ever hat trick in Saturday's game, and Nelson finished with a goal and 3 assists over the two games. Nelson assisted on all three of Crooks' hat trick goals. The two played very well together and seemed to feed off each other's energy. It will be fun to watch these two guys on the same line for future games.
Both games were ugly road wins, but they were wins. The second game meltdown will be a lesson for these young players. It may not have been pretty this weekend, but these young kids put on a hell of a show and came out of the games with 4 points. The Royals' next game is Thursday against Medicine Hat.
Top Three Players of the Weekend
Keith Hamilton- I know he only played one game, but he absolutely stole the second straight game for the Royals. He continues to keep his team in the game no matter the shot difference. Hamilton is starting to show the poise and leadership to be a true number one goalie for the Royals. If the Royals defense can clamp down on the shots, watch for Hamilton to have a very good season.
Kevin Sundher- Sundher continues to dominate for the Royals. He continues to use his size, strength and speed to continuously make scoring opportunities. He finished the weekend with 1 goal and 4 assists. After being shut out in the season opener, Sundher has been dominant all over the ice for the Royals. Sundher continues to rack up the points and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)