Peach Scores Twice in Teddy Bear Toss Win
The Victoria Royals won 3-2 in overtime tonight in the first of two games this weekend against the Tri-City Americans.
The Royals celebrated the annual and highly anticipated Teddy Bear Toss presented by Tedford Doors this evening. With 6:37 left in the first, Bailey Peach scored the opening goal giving fans the opportunity to throw teddy bears all over the ice. With under one minute to go in the period, Peach scored his second of the night with a high shot from left corner to end the period 2-0 for the Royals.
Campbell Arnold looked strong in net, making 21 saves on 21 shots halfway into the second. The Americans had an incredible one-on-one chance, but Arnold was there with the save and made three more off the rebounds to keep the Royals up 2-0. With six and half minutes to go, Tyson Greenway was able to get one by Arnold to make it a 2-1 game.
The third period started off heavy with both teams looking more aggressive and in search of the next goal when Tri-City was about to go on the power play when Marc Lajoie scored to tie the game at two. The Royals went on the power play halfway through the period when Connor Bouchard took a penalty for tripping but were unable to connect for the goal. As the period was ending, Peach took a penalty for high sticking to put the Royals on the defence again. With neither team able to score, the game went into overtime.
With 36 seconds left in overtime, Peach used some slick stick work on a two on one to get the puck to Brayden Schuurman to make it 3-2 for the win. The Royals have now improved to 7-1-2-0 in their last 10 games.
GM and Head Coach Dan Price spoke with the media after the game and reiterated how proud of his team he remains even with a depleted lineup.
“I have tremendous amount of pride and respect for our players. It’s a very calm, resilient, mature group. There’s never any panic just a focus on the moment and on the process,” Price said. “We’ll focus on the recovery tonight and we’ll be prepared to go again tomorrow.”
The three stars of the night were Bailey Peach (VIC), Campbell Arnold (VIC), and Tyson Greenway (TC).
Tomorrow night the Royals host the Christmas Classic to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. The team is asking fans to bring non-perishable food items to the rink for the ‘Rise Together Food Drive’ with all items donated to the ‘Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society”. Fans are encouraged to wear their ugliest Christmas sweater so they can take a picture with Mary Clause in their best Christmas gear.
For tickets, visit the Victoria Royals ticketing page or call the Select Your Ticket box office at 250-220-7777.
The Royals are also offering two holiday ticket package for fans this season. Buy four vouchers for $70 or six for $100 and receive a special Royals gift. This offer is valid until December 31, 2021.
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