Recap: Royals (1) @ Thunderbirds (4) – January 24th, 2025
Kent, WA – The Victoria Royals and Seattle Thunderbirds faced off for the fifth and final time this season at the accesso ShoWare Center tonight in Kent.
The Royals opened the scoring on a goal from Keaton Verhoeff, assisted by Reggie Newman, at 14:41 of the first period. The Royals held a one-goal lead after 20 minutes of play.
In the second period, Thunderbirds forward Matej Pekar evened the game at one apiece, scoring at 4:24, assisted by Antonio Martorana and Hayden Pakkala. The Thunderbirds took the lead as Coster Dunn netted the go-ahead goal at 11:32. Braeden Cootes notched the lone assist on Dunn’s marker. In the final two minutes, Braeden Cootes netted a goal extending the Thunderbirds’ lead to 3-1, assisted by Brayden Schuurman and Hyde Davidson. The Thunderbirds lead 3-1 heading into the final frame.
Matej Pekar added to the Thunderbirds’ lead by scoring at 14:30 of the third period, assisted by Radim Mrtka. The Seattle Thunderbirds maintained their lead, securing a 4-1 victory over the Victoria Royals.
Scoring Summary
1st Period
14:41 Victoria Royals Goal
Keaton Verhoeff (15) assisted by Reggie Newman
2nd Period
4:24 Seattle Thunderbirds Goal
Matej Pekar (7) assisted by Antonio Martorana and Hayden Pakkala
11:32 Seattle Thunderbirds Goal
Coster Dunn (16) assisted by Braeden Cootes
18:59 Seattle Thunderbirds Goal
Braeden Cootes (20) assisted by Brayden Schuurman and Hyde Davidson
3rd Period
14:30 Seattle Thunderbirds Goal
Matej Pekar (8) assisted by Radim Mrtka
Shots on Goal
Royals- 35
Thunderbirds- 34
Powerplay
Royals- 1/4
Thunderbirds- 1/4
Goalie Stats
Royals
Johnny Hicks- 30/34
Thunderbirds
Scott Ratzlaff- 33/34
What’s Next
The Royals will return to the Barn on Blanshard, Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, tomorrow evening to take on the Swift Current Broncos. The game is scheduled for January 25th, and the puck drop is slated for 6:05 PM.