Game Preview | Dec. 5 | @ Seattle Thunderbirds

Kent, WA – The Victoria Royals continue their lengthy five-game homestand this evening as the Royals take on the Thunderbirds for the third time this season.

Puck drop is set for 7:05 PM at the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, WA.

VERHOEFF RECALLED: The Royals announced this morning that 15-year-old blueliner Keaton Verhoeff has been recalled from the U18 RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna. The product of Fort Saskatchewan, AB, was the Royals’ fourth overall selection in the 2023 WHL Prospect Draft. Verhoeff brings size to his game, standing at 6’3” and 190 pounds, which has helped him excel this year for the (U18) RINK Hockey Academy (CSSHL), tallying four goals and adding 12 assists for 16 points in 11 games played this season 

MILESTONE: Sunday afternoon marked a momentous occasion for long-term Royals forward Tanner Scott as he joined the exclusive 100-point club. The 19-year-old from Sherwood Park, AB, has been nothing short of spectacular this season, currently leading the team in points with 32 in 29 games played. Scott became the 18th player in Royals history to reach this milestone, accomplishing the feat in 181 games, all with the Royals. 

WINNING WAYS; With their win over Kamloops on Sunday, the Royals secured their 16th win of the season, propelling them up in the Western Conference standings. Tonight, the Royals aim for their third straight victory, potentially tying their total number of wins from the entirety of the 2022-23 season. 

THE LAST TIME THESE TWO MET
In a tense matchup against the Thunderbirds, the Royals faced a 5-4 defeat despite their resilient performance back on November 11th. The game showcased the Royals’ ability to bounce back from early setbacks, with forward Dawson Pasternak highlighting the team’s no-quit mentality. Despite conceding an early goal, the Royals demonstrated their determination by responding with a power-play goal from defenseman Nate Misskey. Assistant Coach Morgan Klimchuk praised the team’s commitment to defense and the willingness of players to sacrifice for the greater good. Despite a challenging first period, the Royals entered the final period trailing by two goals but staged a comeback with quick goals from Deegan Kinniburgh and Tanner Scott, ultimately falling short as the Thunderbirds secured a hard-fought victory.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

VICTORIA 

• Arizona Coyotes’ prospect Justin Kipkie is coming off a two goal performance, which was his second multi-goal game of the season (three goals vs Kelowna on 11-13-23). The third-year puck moving defenseman has been a force for the Royals defense this season.
• Veteran forward Tanner Scott has had three point nights in three of his last six games, including back-to-back in the Royals past two games. Scott currently leads the Royals in points (32) and is second on the team in goals (12) only behind Robin Sapousek.

SEATTLE

• Gracyn Sawchyn, a 3rd round pick of the Florida Panthers, recently made his return from injury playing for the first time since October 25th. Despite the injury, Sawchyn has 12 points in 10 games this season, and scored a goal in the Thunderbirds last game.
• Sawyer Mynio made a tremendous impression back in Victoria in September at Vancouver Canucks training camp, earning an NHL contract. Since then, he’s got 11 points in 17 games for Seattle.

SEASON RECORDS 

vs THUNDERBIRDS

• Nov. 10 Vs. SEA • 3-2 W
• Nov. 11 @ SEA • 5-4 L
• Dec. 5 @ SEA • 7:05PM
• Feb. 2 Vs. SEA • 7:05PM
• Feb. 4 @ SEA • 5:05PM

LAST 5 GAMES

ROYALS

• Dec. 3 @ KAM • 6-3 W
• Dec. 1 @ KAM • 4-1 W
• Nov. 29 Vs. KAM • 3-2 L
• Nov. 28 Vs. KAM • 6-1 W
• Nov. 25 @ SPO • 8-1 L

THUNDERBIRDS

• Dec. 2 Vs. KEL • 3-2 W
• Nov. 25 @ KEL • 4-2 L
• Nov. 24 Vs. SAS • 3-1 L
• Nov. 22 Vs. KEL • 2-0 W
• Nov. 21 @ TRI • 5-0 L

WATCH AND LISTEN

Radio broadcast

Royals games will be broadcast on 91.3 FM the Zone this season with Marlon Martens calling all of the action.

Online video stream

All Royals games will be available on WHL Live.  WHL Live is available to fans anywhere in the world, providing high-quality streaming of WHL games on Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV platforms, via mobile with iOS and Android, and on web using Safari or Google Chrome web browsers. Visit watch.chl.ca for complete details and subscription options.