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Victoria Royals

Royals' Steven Hodges Chosen by Florida Panthers

June 23, 2012 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release


Victoria, BC - The Victoria Royals are proud to announce that centre Steven Hodges was selected by the Florida Panthers in the 3rd round with the 84th overall pick today at the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and becomes the first ever Victoria Royals' player to be drafted to the NHL.

The Delta, BC native is in his second season in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Hodges compiled 46 points (21g-25a) over 72 games during the 2011-12 season. He was the 17th player drafted from the WHL and the 37th Canadian-born skater selected in this year's draft.

"I couldn't be happier right now," Hodges said. "The amount of hard work and dedication that had to be put forth by my family and teammates throughout the years to help put me in this position is amazing. I'm just so thrilled to be drafted by the Florida Panthers."

Hodges made franchise history in Victoria's inaugural season when he scored the Royals' first goal on September 23, 2011 against Vancouver. His 46 point year landed him seventh in team scoring in the regular season before going on to record four assists in four games during the 2012 WHL Playoffs.

The 5'11, 167lb forward joins the Panthers' organization after being ranked 85th amongst North American Skaters in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings.

Selected by the Chilliwack Bruins in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft with the ninth overall pick, the 18-year old made his WHL debut in 2009-10 when he appeared in five games tallying two assists with the Bruins. His rookie campaign was the 2010-11 season, the franchise's last year in Chilliwack, and he tallied five goals and six assists over 58 games. He was also a member of Team Pacific at the 2011 World Under-17 Challenge, and brought home a bronze medal.

Victoria Royals 2012-13 season tickets and mini-plans are on sale now. Guarantee yourself the best seats by visiting www.victoriaroyals.com, calling 250-220-7889, or emailing vrtickets@victoriaroyals.com before its too late!

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