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WHL Victoria Royals

Royals Host Americans for Two Game Set Before Holiday Break

December 15, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release


Victoria Royals' Kalem Parker in action
Victoria Royals' Kalem Parker in action
(Victoria Royals)

Victoria, B.C. - The Victoria Royals will look to have their Christmas wishes fulfilled this weekend as they host the Tri-City Americans for their last two games prior to beginning their holiday break.

The Royals are coming off a close 5-3 loss to the Vancouver Giants at home on Wednesday which saw them mount a furious third period comeback that would eventually fall short against their division rival.

They will look to bounce back as they welcome the Americans to town for the first and only time this season for two games on Friday and Saturday night.

Victoria Head Coach Dan Price believes an aggressive, yet detailed approach will be key to success this weekend:

"We're going to make sure the puck is behind their D," said Coach Price. "We're going to make sure we have guys in front of the net, we're going to make sure we're putting the puck to the net. It's that process...We have to do that over and over again over the course of the game."

Victoria (5-23-3-0) will look to leading-scorer Jake Poole to head man that attack.

The McAuley, MB product has enjoyed a successful 2022-2023 campaign since arriving on the Island in a trade from Kelowna in October, collecting 28 points (16 goals, 12 assists) in 29 contests and providing valuable leadership both on and off the ice.

Their opponent this weekend, the Tri-City Americans (14-14-0-0), have enjoyed a successful month, winning six of their last seven games coming into the weekend.

The Americans are led by their top scorer, defenceman Lukas Dragicevic, who has recorded 38 points (8 goals, 30 assists) in 28 games this year.

They also benefit from a talented stable of forwards, led by 20-year-old forward Ethan Ernst who ranks second on the team with 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists) in 27 games this season.

However, Tri-City is set to be without starting goaltender Thomas Suchanek, who is currently away at the Czech World Junior camp.

2004-born netminder Nick Avakyan is expected to step up in his absence. The Glendale, CA product has made nine appearances for the Americans this year, amassing a 1-5-0-0 record with a 5.11 GAA and a .859 SV%.

The Royals will be hosting two very special promotions this weekend, beginning with their annual Teddy Bear Toss game on Friday night, which will see fans litter the ice with thousands of stuffed animals following Victoria's first goal of the game. All the teddys will be later donated to local charities.

The following night will see the team hold their annual Christmas Classic in celebration of the holidays. There are many exciting specials and promotions available throughout the weekend, including an opportunity to have your picture taken with Santa Claus before the game.

The first game of the weekend is scheduled to begin at 7:05 pm on Friday, Dec. 16, with the second game commencing at 6:05 pm the following night, Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in downtown Victoria. Tickets for both games are available at selectyourtickets.com.

Players to watch:

Victoria:

#29 Teague Patton (F) - 31 GP, 17 PTS (6 G, 11 A)

#8 Kalem Parker (D) - 31 GP, 17 PTS (3 G, 14 A)

#20 Alex Thacker (F) - 27 GP, 16 PTS (5 G, 11 A)

Tri-City:

#22 Parker Bell (F) - 26 GP, 28 PTS (11 G, 17 A)

#15 Jake Sloan (F) - 25 GP, 27 PTS (10 G, 17 A)

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

Get Your Ticket Packs Now

Multiple ticket packages are available for purchase, including a Family Pack, Holiday Pack, VictoriaNow Family Section, Vizzy Section and Molson Ice Seats. Call our ticket office at 250-220-7889, send an email to tickets@victoriaroyals.comor visit our website to learn more victoriaroyals.com/ticket-promos.

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Images from this story

Victoria Royals' Kalem Parker in action
Victoria Royals' Kalem Parker in action
   



Western Hockey League Stories from December 15, 2022


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