Royals Sign Trio of Players
Published on August 31, 2016 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release
Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals are proud to announce that the club has signed defencemen Jeremy Masella and Matthew Smith, along with forward Tarun Fizer to Western Hockey League Standard Player Agreements.
JEREMY MASELLA
Masella, a 1999-born blueliner, was listed to the Royals' 50-man protected player list in 2015. Each WHL team is allowed to protect 50 players which includes individuals who have either been signed, drafted or listed by their respective club.
"Jeremy is a mobile defender who has shown exceptional development over the past season," Royals' General Manager Cameron Hope said. "We are pleased to have Jeremy as part of our organization."
Last season, the product of Phoenix, Arizona played for the Arizona Bobcats Under-16 team of the North American Prospects Hockey League. In 25 games, Masella recorded one goal and 10 assists for 11 points.
Masella suited up for the Arizona Bobcats Under-15 team of the Arizona Youth Hockey League during the 2014-15 season. In 12 contests with Bobcats, the 6-3, 212 lb blueliner registered 18 penalty minutes.
MATTHEW SMITH
Smith, a 2000-born defender, was selected by the Royals in the seventh round, 145th overall in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.
"Matthew is a smart and promising young defenceman," Hope said. "He has a bright future and we are happy to have him join the Royals' family."
A product of Saskatoon, SK, Smith spent last season with the Saskatoon Blazers of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League. In 41 games for the Blazers, Smith recorded seven assists.
The 5-10, 140 lb blueliner played for the Saskatoon Maniacs of the Saskatchewan Bantam AA Hockey League during the 2014-15 season. Over 31 games, Smith registered 29 points (13g-16a) and finished second in team scoring. Smith also played in six playoff games for the Maniacs and tallied two goals and an assist.
TARUN FIZER
The 2001-born Fizer was drafted by the Royals in the fourth round, 69th overall, at the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft.
"Tarun has had a very good training camp. He is a dynamic young player who we look forward to watching develop," Hope said. "We are glad to have Tarun and his family join our organization."
Last season, the native of Chestermere, AB played for the Rocky Mountain Raiders of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League (AMBHL). Through 36 games, Fizer recorded 57 points (33g-24a) and finished third in team scoring.
In four playoff games for the Raiders, Fizer scored four goals and an assist for five points. Fizer took part in five contests at the 2016 Bantam AAA Western Canada Championships where he registered four points (3g-1a). The 5-8, 135 lb forward was named to Team South at the 2016 Alberta Cup where he collected two assists in five games. Fizer was also named to the 2016 AMBHL All-Star Game.
Victoria will begin their pre-season schedule this weekend with three games in three days. They begin by traveling to Kamloops to take on the Blazers Friday at 7:00 p.m., and Kelowna to face the Rockets on Saturday with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The Royals will then head to Everett on Sunday to play the Tri-City Americans at 3:00 p.m. as part of the Silvertips Annual Pre-Season Classic.
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.
Western Hockey League Stories from August 31, 2016
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- Blazers Announce Preseason Roster - Kamloops Blazers
- Kailer Yamamoto Named to All-American Prospects Game - Spokane Chiefs
- T-Birds Single Game Tickets for 2016-17 Season Now on Sale - Seattle Thunderbirds
- News Regina Pats to Host Preseason Tournament Starting Thursday - Regina Pats
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