The Victoria Royals scored four power play goals en route to a 7-2 victory over the visiting Swift Current Broncos Saturday night.
It was a massive response for the Royals who were bounced 8-1 one night earlier by the Silvertips.
“That was a big test because the morning video session was very ugly, and the guys could go one way or the other, and they chose to really rise to the challenge and respond.” said HC Dan Price.
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HIGHTLIGHT PHOTOS FROM THE VICTORIA ROYALS AND SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS GAME
The Victoria Royals opened up the 2023-2024 season against the Prince George Cougars. The Royal lost both games to the Cougars. Here are a few photos from the game.
It was a save that electrified close to 4500 spectators at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre Saturday night.
With the Royals leading 1-0 in the middle frame, Blazers forward Fraser Minten took a back door feed, and fired it toward the open side of the net, only to have netminder Braden Holt reach out with the back side of his paddle to knock it away.
“I dove over there, just got a piece of it luckily, and that’s probably the luckiest and best save I’ve ever made in my whole career.” said Holt post game.
It was that kind of heroics that would help backstop Victoria to 2-0 lead going into the third, before Kamloops would twice make it a one goal game 3-2.
The Royals would then fall into penalty trouble late going down a man three consecutive times, but Holt bailed them out again, along with many players blocking shots, to secure the win.
Holt would end up making 35 saves on the night for first star honours, including 15 in the third period alone.
“Some big goals and blocked shots, it took everybody tonight – we couldn’t be happier.” quipped Holt.
Victoria earns the split in the two game Island set.
“Gut-check win and an important response,” said HC/GM Dan Price, after a 7-4 set back one night earlier.
It was the second time this season they were able to knock off the Memorial Cup Hosts and the CHL Top 10 team.
“We were all extremely motivated, it was a huge team effort.” added Holt.
“We looked in the mirror (after last night’s loss) everyone played their role tonight and that’s what it takes…great athletes, great teams bounce back.”
Jake Poole had a goal and assist, while Teydon Trembecky extended his goal scoring streak to 4 games and Matthew Hodson also added a single.
The Blazers own the most efficient power play in the league, and the Royals penalty killers stopped all 4 Blazer man advantages in the third, and 5 of 6 on the night.
Victoria was 1 for 3 on the power play.
Dylan Ernst allowed 3 goals on 24 shots in the loss for Kamloops.
With an assist Logan Stankoven extends his season long point streak to 29 games and 65 points.
With the win the Royals stay tied with the Rockets for the final playoff spot in the West.
Up next Victoria hosts Prince Albert for the first time in over 4 years, Tuesday night.
Greater Victoria lost a most dedicated sports photographer last year. Gordon Lee left a void in our sporting community and is deeply missed. We find a lot of sports organizations are struggling to find a professional photographer to take their teams photos.
I am a sports action photographer in Victoria and I am now taking bookings for team and individual portraits photos. Please send me an email and I would be happy to talk to you about a quote.
VICTORIA, BC – Highlanders FC (1W-0D-4L) welcomed Portland Timbers U-23 (3W-4D-1L) to Centennial Stadium, June 18, dropping a 2-1 decision in their final match at home before heading on the road next weekend to face TSS Rovers.
Vancouver Island Sport Photography 