WHL Victoria Royals

Royals Sign Pair of Defencemen

August 29, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release


Victoria, BC - The Victoria Royals are proud to announce the signing of defencemen Lukas Shipley (2004) and Braden Smith (2003) to WHL Standard Player Agreements.

Lukas Shipley

Shipley was selected in the sixth round, 112th overall, by the Royals in the 2019 Bantam Draft this past May.

"Lukas is a developing prospect with interesting upside. He plays with vision and purpose," Royals' President and General Manager Cameron Hope said. "Lukas's game will continue to improve, and we are glad to have him join our organization."

The product of Powell River, BC finished the 2018-19 campaign with the Powell River Kings Bantam Tier 3 team of the Vancouver Island Hockey Association (VIHA). The 5-10, 154 lb defenceman also spent the beginning of the season with the West Vancouver Academy Bantam Prep team of the Canadian School Sports Hockey League (CSSHL). In 16 games with the club, Shipley tallied 17 points (1g-16a).

Braden Smith

A native of Kamloops, BC, Smith was drafted by the Royals in the sixth round, 117th overall, in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft.

"Braden is a defender who worked har over the past season, and during training camp, to earn this opportunity," Hope said. "We are excited about his progress so far and pleased to welcome Braden and his family to the organization."

The 16-year-old blueliner spent last season with the Thompson Blazers Minor Midget team of the BC Minor Midget Hockey League. In 23 games with the club, the 5-11, 168 lb defender recorded 13 points (6g-7a). Smith also spent time with the Thompson Blazers of the British Columbia Major Midget Hockey League (BCMML), where in four contests, he recorded an assist.

The Royals' annual intra-squad game is tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Admission to the contest will be by donation with general admission seating, while hot dogs, popcorn and pop will be available for only $2.00 each.

Season Ticket packages are on sale now - reserve your seat for all 34 home games. Benefits include access to our flexible "Never Wasted Ticket" exchange policy, first opportunity on giveaway items, choice of best seats, and much more! Call our ticket office at 250-220-7889 or send an email to tickets@victoriaroyals.com for more info or to set up an appointment to view availability.

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Western Hockey League Stories from August 29, 2019


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