Royals double up on Rockets to end the pre-season

Kelowna, BC – The 2023 pre-season came to a conclusion this evening at Prospera Place in Kelowna as the Royals met up for a Saturday night matchup with the Rockets.

Nicholas Crisitano got his second start of the pre-season for Victoria while Nathan Kam was in between the pipes for Kelowna.

The Royals got the scoring started early in the first period as Keaton Vehoeff notched his first of the pre-season just 33 seconds in. Alex Edwards would double up on the Royals lead just minutes later as he beat Nathan Kam. Kelowna would fight back midway through the period as Max Graham would beat Cristiano to cut Victoria’s lead in half.

Kelowna made a change in net after the opening period as Jake Pilon came into the game to replace Kam.

The middle frame remained scoreless until the final two minutes of the period when Teydon Trembecky beat Pilon to restore the Royals two goal lead. 

Max Graham grabbed his second of the game early in the third period to pull Kelowna within one but that was as close as the Rockets would get as a Keaton Verhoeff notched a power play goal to seal the deal for the Royals. 

Victoria took down Kelowna by a 4-2 final to claim their third straight win to conclude the pre-season. 

Scoring Summary

1st Period
0:33 – Victoria Royals Goal
Keaton Verhoeff (1) assisted by Teydon Trembecky and Austin Zemlak

5:08 – Victoria Royals Goal
Alex Ewards (1) assisted by Hayden Chaloner

11:56 – Kelowna Rockets Goal (PP)
Max Graham (1) assisted by Tij Iginla and Marek Rocak

2nd Period
18:23 – Victoria Royals Goal
Teydon Trembecky (2) assisted by Matthew hodson

3rd Period
1:33 – Kelowna Rockets Goal (PP)
Max Graham (3) assisted by Hiroki Gojsic and Marek Rocak

19:19 – Victoria Royals Goal (PP)
Keaton Verhoeff (2) assisted by Robin Sapusek and Austin Zemlak 

Shots On Goal
Royals – 26
Rockets – 24

Powerplay
Royals – 1/5
Rockets – 2/6

Goalie Stats

Royals
Nicholas Cristiano  – 22/24

Rockets
Nathan Kam – 7/9
Jake Pilonh – 15/16

What’s Next
The Royals will open up the 2023-2024 WHL Regular Season on Friday, September 22 against the Vancouver Giants on the road before traveling south of the border to take on the Everett Silvertips on Saturday, September 23.