WHL Victoria Royals

Royals Fall to Rockets

Published on January 3, 2013 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release


Kelowna, BC - In a Wednesday night tilt at Prospera Place, the Victoria Royals squared off against the Kelowna Rockets. Victoria gave Coleman Vollrath the start in goal, while Kelowna replied with Jordon Cooke.

The game got off to a physical start as Steven Hodges dropped the gloves with Colton Sissons just over two minutes into the game. Kelowna then struck first as Zach Franko converted on a powerplay chance at 2:18. The Rockets passed the puck along the left boards before Ryan Olsen found Franko in the slot. Franko one-timed the puck over the glove of Vollrath for his 15th of the season. The Royals would tie the game as Jamie Crooks scored his team-leading 18th goal of the year at 12:22. After he gained the zone, Tyler Stahl took a slap shot from the blueline that Crooks tipped up and over Cooke's pads. The Rockets retook the lead on a powerplay goal by Myles Bell at the 16:55 mark. Bell gained possession of the puck at the blueline before he walked into the high slot and wristed a shot past a screened Vollrath. The Rockets maintained the 2-1 lead after the first period.

Tempers flared in early in the second as Tim Traber squared off with Madison Bowey. Traber earned the decision, but Kelowna netted a powerplay goal from Tyson Baillie at the 4:54 mark and later added a marker by Colton Sissons at 12:15 of the middle frame. The two teams exchanged powerplays late in the period, but neither were able to capitalize. The Rockets headed into the second intermission with a 4-1 lead.

The Royals would pull within a pair on a goal by Ben Walker at 5:29. Walker picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone then fired a wrist shot from the top of the right face-off circle that snuck under the blocker of Cooke. Down by two late in the game, the Royals pulled Vollrath for the extra attacker, but were unable to draw any closer. Kelowna 4 Victoria 2.

Victoria went 0/9 0.0% on the powerplay, while Kelowna went 3/6 50.0%. The Royals outshot the Rockets 32-25.

Victoria now returns home to take on the Tri-City Americans for a two-game home stand beginning Friday, January 4th and concluding Saturday, January 5th. Puck drop for each game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Season tickets, mini packs and single game tickets are still available. Guarantee yourself the best seats by visiting www.victoriaroyals.com, calling 250-220-7889, or emailing tickets@victoriaroyals.com before it's too late!

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 3, 2013


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