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WHL Victoria Royals

Aubin's Three-Point Performance Leads Royals over Cougars 6-2

March 19, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release


Victoria Royals defenseman Devin Aubin
Victoria Royals defenseman Devin Aubin
(Victoria Royals)

Prince George, BC - Victoria Royals forward Devin Aubin had two goals and an assist in his team's 6-2 win over the Prince George Cougars on Friday night.

The Falher, AB native recorded both his first and second goals of the season while doubling his point total. His stat line now sits at two goals and three assists on the year.

Aubin, who celebrated his 19th birthday on Thursday, credited his big night to a consistent approach:

"I went out there and did everything I could," said Aubin. "Stuck to the simple things...no matter the circumstance I give it my all, battle every day, trying to get in the lineup and tonight was my time and I really capitalized on it."

Head coach Dan Price described how a quality week of practice led him to give Aubin the opportunity to showcase his skills:

"I've never seen a guy more driven and determined to work his way into the lineup and into a role," said Price. "He was literally diving in-front of pucks in practice like it was a playoff game, that's why he got his opportunity and that's why he succeeded."

Price also commended his team on the overall effort they displayed on Friday, but was quick to mention they have to improve on certain aspects:

"It was good to start strong," said Price. "I thought our legs were under us for the most part...we had a little better puck management, won a little bit more o-zone time [sic], but we have to clean up our net-front a little bit more and get in-front of theirs more as well."

Forward Tanner Scott also put in a quality performance for the winning side, scoring one and adding two assists for three points of his own.

Other notables included forward Riley Gannon (one goal, one assist) and defenceman Gannon Laroque (two assists), who made his return from injury after missing his team's last three contests.

Goaltender Tyler Palmer earned his 13th win of the season, saving 40 of 42 shots against.

The Cougars two goals were scored by forward Kohen Ziemmer-who continues to play well against the Royals, counting six goals over the last three games-and forward Connor Bowie, who snapped a five-game pointless streak.

Starting goaltender Ty Young made four of seven saves before being replaced by Tyler Brennan after the third Victoria goal. Brennan would go on to make 14 of 17 saves over the final two and a half periods.

It was an electric start for the Royals offence on Friday, striking four times in the first period to take an early 4-2 lead into period two.

Forward Devin Aubin opened the game with his first goal of the season at 5:27 to make it 1-0 for the home side. Prince George would soon answer back with Kohen Ziemmer scoring his 28th of the year a few minutes later at 8:12.

Victoria would then score twice in quick succession, with forward Tanner Scott (13) making it 2-1 at 8:37, and Riley Gannon (19) opening up a two-goal advantage at 13:38. The Royals would add another at the 16:16 mark, coming off the stick of forward Carter Briltz.

However, the Cougars were able to recoup some losses before the end of the period, with forward Connor Bowie redirecting a puck off the shoulder of a Victoria defender and into the net for his 12th of the season at 17:33 of the frame.

The second would see both teams improve defensively after a barnburner of a first.

The lone goal in the frame would come by way of Devin Aubin, who netted his second of the game and second of the season at the 9:16 mark to give his team a 5-2 lead heading into the final period.

The third saw the Royals add one more goal, scored by forward Tarun Fizer (14) at the 11:47 mark of the period as they cruised to the 6-2 victory.

The win brings Victoria back within one point of Prince George for eighth place in the conference as they continue their playoff push. The team's record now stands at 18-34-5-1 with 42 points on the season.

Meanwhile, the Cougars' record moves to 20-33-2-1 (43 points) as their hold on the final playoff spot takes a hit following the defeat.

The teams will battle once again tomorrow night at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre during the Eco Night presented by the Victoria EV Club. The puck drop is set for 7:05pm.

For tickets to upcoming Royals home games, visit the Victoria Royals ticketing page or call the Select Your Ticket box office at 250-220-7777. Visit the Royals promo page for all special ticket offers.

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Victoria Royals defenseman Devin Aubin
Victoria Royals defenseman Devin Aubin
   



Western Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2022


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