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WHL Victoria Royals

Royals Extend Point Streak in Overtime Loss to Rockets

December 15, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release


Victoria Royals goaltender Campbell Arnold vs. the Kelowna Rockets
Victoria Royals goaltender Campbell Arnold vs. the Kelowna Rockets
(Victoria Royals)

Victoria, B.C. -The Victoria Royals earned a point tonight in their 5-4 overtime loss to the Kelowna Rockets.

Victoria took penalties early in the first, one for hooking two minutes in and another for tripping with 12 minutes to go. The third power play chance for Kelowna came with 8:51 remaining in the first when Reggie Newman took a penalty for slashing. With a minute left in the power play, Noah Dorey scored the first goal of the night to put the Rockets up 1-0.

To open the second, the Rockets went on the penalty kill for hooking at 17:35. Kalem Parker made a great pass to Evan Patrician on the power play to tie the game at one, but the Rockets were able to get one back 40 seconds later from Noah Dorey, his second of the night. Immediately after the Rockets goal, Igor Zborovskiy and Colton Dach took five-minute majors for fighting. Dach also received a two-minute instigator penalty and ten-minute misconduct to put the Royals back on the power play. A minute into the power play, Keanu Derungs tipped a shot from Tarun Fizer into the net to tie the game at two. Ryan Spizawka took a penalty for tripping halfway into the second period to give the Rockets the extra attacker. Dylan Wightman scored on the subsequent power play to take the lead back for the Rockets to make it 3-2. With under two minutes to go, the Royals went on the power play for the fifth time and Derungs connected once again with Fizer and Peach for the tying goal.

The Royals took the lead for the first time in the game when Anthony Wilson scored in the first few minutes of the third with assists from Tanner Scott and Derungs. That lead was short lived after Steel Quiring tied the game at four a minute later. Less than two minutes to go and the Royals went back on the power play. However, despite the man advantage, Victoria was not able to take the lead and the game went to overtime for the sixth time in the last eight games.

With 26 seconds left in overtime, Pavel Novak scored the game winning goal for Kelowna to end it 5-4.

Three stars of the night were Keanu Derungs (VIC), Paval Novak (KEL) and Tarun Fizer (VIC).

GM and Head Coach Dan Price was quick to acknowledge the hard work that the Royals put into tonight's game.

"Tonight, was a great game with an abundance of physicality and speed. There were multiple lead changes, good special teams play, and several quality chances both ways. Campbell Arnold was a big factor in putting us in a position to win that game. He was excellent in every phase, and especially when we were finding our legs in the first period and through the three early penalty kills," Price said.

Price not only applauded goaltender Campbell Arnold for his efforts this evening but also acknowledged the effort put in by Wilson, Zborovskiy and Derungs.

"As a Team our pace really increased and we attacked more in the second and third periods. First-year forwards Anthony Wilson and Igor Zborovskiy were a big part of that. Keanu Derungs also was all around the puck and the net, and we wish him all the best as he joins Team Switzerland for the World Junior Hockey Championship. There were some elements in tonight's game that we'll learn and improve from, and then our focus will quickly shift to a good test in Kamloops tomorrow."

The Royals travel to Kamloops tomorrow to take on the Blazers and then are back home this weekend for a back-to-back against Tri-City. Friday's game is the highly anticipated Teddy Bear Toss, a player and fan favourite where fans can throw a stuffed animal onto the ice when the first Royals goal is scored.

Saturday is the Royals Christmas Classic presented by Realtor Charlsey MacGregor featuring Marty Clause. The team is partnering with Rise Together for a food-drive with all donations going towards the Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society.

For tickets to either home game, visit the Victoria Royals ticketing page or call the Select Your Ticket box office at 250-220-7777.

The Royals are also offering two holiday ticket packages for fans this season. Buy four vouchers for $70 or six for $100 and receive a special Royals gift. This offer is valid until December 31, 2021.

Follow the Royals on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok and visit our website to find out more about ticket sales and the latest news on the team.

Check out the Victoria Royals Statistics




Images from this story

Victoria Royals goaltender Campbell Arnold vs. the Kelowna Rockets
Victoria Royals goaltender Campbell Arnold vs. the Kelowna Rockets
   



Western Hockey League Stories from December 15, 2021


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