Royals are back on the road for final US road swing of the regular season
Following an incredibly meaningful weekend at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, the Victoria Royals and the Victoria Royals Foundation are proud to announce over $8000 was raised in support of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Vancouver Island Lodge through 50/50 proceeds and this year’s Pink in the Rink jersey auction.
This week the Royals will travel to Kamloops and Kelowna, looking to pick up crucial points on the road. Both games will be streamed live on Victory+, make sure to tune in and show your support as the Royals continue their push towards the playoffs!
On March 13, the Royals will host Indigenous Celebrations Night at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. against the Vancouver Giants. Western Coast Insurance will host a $10,000 Shoot to Win contest during the second intermission, and the 50/50 raffle will be in support of Surrounded by Cedar Child & Family Services.
On March 17, RE/MAX presents Be a Superhero for Children’s Miracle Networks! The Royals will don superhero jerseys and capes that will be auctioned off in support of the BC Children’s Hospital. Keep an eye out for the jersey reveal, coming soon!
Tickets can be purchased for both games at selectyourtickets.com.
Team Matchup
Kamloops
The Blazers (26-21-7-5) sit four points ahead of the Royals in the Western Conference Standings. Victoria has found success against Kamloops so far this season, earning a pair of 4-1 wins over the Blazers in February. The Blazers have a high-powered offence and have scored the eighth-most goals in the Western Hockey League this season.
Kelowna
Sitting in third place in the B.C. Division, the Kelowna Rockets (33-19-5-2) haven’t faced the Royals since back in early November. Victoria has earned a point in two of their three meetings with the Rockets this season and will look to grab a couple more points as the playoff race continues. Kelowna has won seven of their last ten games, but the second-highest penalty minute total in the WHL could give the Royals power play a chance to get to work.
Players to Watch
Victoria
Cruz Waltze – A member of the Royals’ strong rookie class, Cruz Waltze’s offence has seen an uptick as of late. The second overall pick in the 2023 U.S. Priority Draft has three points in his last four games, and his energy and work ethic make him an integral part of the Royals’ lineup.
Kamloops
JP Hurlbert – Third in the WHL in scoring, Kamloops rookie JP Hurlbert has had an outstanding first season in the Western Hockey League. Hurlbert’s off-puck positioning and shot make him an elite offensive threat, evidenced by four points in three games against the Royals this season.
Kelowna
Ty Halaburda – One of the newest Kelowna Rockets will be a familiar face for many Royals fans. Victoria-born Halaburda began his fifth year with the Vancouver Giants before being traded to the Rockets earlier this season and has continued his high level of production ever since. Halaburda is on pace to surpass his career high in points, collecting 27 goals and 34 assists through his 63 games this season.
What’s Next
The Royals have more road games coming up against Seattle and Kelowna early next week before returning for a home-and-home double-header with the Vancouver Giants for the final road battle of the regular season.
