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WHL Victoria Royals

Royals Have Four Players Selected in 2016 NHL Draft

June 25, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release


Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals are proud to announce that Vladimir Bobylev (Toronto Maple Leafs, fifth round, 122nd overall), Jack Walker (Toronto Maple Leafs, sixth round, 152nd overall), Matthew Phillips (Calgary Flames, sixth round, 166th overall), and Tyler Soy (Anaheim Ducks, seventh round, 205th overall) have been selected in the 2016 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft in Buffalo, New York today.

The four players selected today set a new Royals' franchise high for the most players taken in a single NHL Entry Draft.

"We are very proud of all our players," General Manager Cameron Hope said. "To be drafted by an NHL club is a reward for their hard work and dedication. As Royals, they have proven to be exceptional players, and very deserving."

Vladimir Bobylev

Bobylev recently completed his second season in the Western Hockey League (WHL), and first with the Royals. Over 72 regular season games, the native of Lipetsk, Russia collected 67 points (28g-39a) to go with 60 penalty minutes and a +45 rating. Bobylev also played in five post-season games for Victoria where he tallied seven assists before seeing his season cut short by injury.

The 6-2, 202 lb forward has appeared in 124 career WHL games split between the Royals and Vancouver Giants and has scored 76 points (31g-45a) and added 99 minutes in penalties.

Victoria drafted Bobylev 38th overall in the 2015 CHL Import Draft.

Jack Walker

Walker, a product of Edina, MN, recently finished his fourth season with the Royals. In 72 games this season, Walker registered 84 points (36g-48a) that included a 12-game point streak (12g-14a) to end the regular season. The Royals' forward also played in 13 post-season games this year and led the team in scoring with 16 points (8g-ga).

"It's an exciting time," said Walker. "The history of the Maple Leafs is amazing, and I'm really excited to be a part of their organization."

Through 248 regular season contests with Victoria, Walker has tallied 176 points (70g-106a). Last summer, the 5-11, 179 lb winger attended the Minnesota Wild's Training Camp.

Matthew Phillips

The 5-6, 137 lb Phillips completed his rookie season this year with Victoria and was awarded the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL's Top Rookie. The Calgary, AB native set the new franchise record for goals by a first year player with 37. Phillips also added 39 assists to finish first in WHL rookie scoring with 76 points in 72 regular season games. The Royals' forward also appeared in all 13 post-season contests for the club and collected 11 points (5g-3a).

"It's surreal, the fact that my hometown team believed in me enough to draft me is pretty special," said Phillips. "I grew up going to Flames' games, so this is an unbelievable feeling."

Tyler Soy

Soy recently completed his third season in the WHL. The 2015-16 campaign saw Soy play in 72 games where he tallied 85 points (46g-39a) and set a new Royals' record for most goals scored in a season. Through 13 playoff games this year Soy scored seven goals and five assists for 12 points.

"It's definitely a dream come true," said Soy. "To be selected is a great feeling, and it speaks to the success of our team to be one of four players drafted."

The Cloverdale, BC product was named the recipient of the Brad Hornung Trophy as the WHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player at the end of the season. Soy has played in 213 career WHL regular season games, all with the Royals, and has registered 180 points (90g-90a).

Last summer, Soy attended the Edmonton Oilers 2015 Rookie Camp.

Bobylev, Walker, Phillips, and Soy became the seventh through 10th players to be drafted in the NHL in Victoria Royals' history. Steven Hodges became the first Royals' player to be drafted when he was selected 84th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

The Royals' 2016-17 Season Ticket Packages are on-sale now. Guarantee yourself the best seats, prices and benefits that includes the most flexible ticket exchange policy in the WHL. Secure your spot for next season by giving the Royals' ticket office a call at 250-220-7889 or sending an email to tickets@victoriaroyals.com to set up an appointment to view available seating.

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Western Hockey League Stories from June 25, 2016


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