Royals End Ten Game Point Streak in Loss to Blazers
The Victoria Royals lost 3-0 in regulation tonight for the first time since November 6th.
The first period started off with Kamloops having the upper hand, applying pressure in the Royals zone and looking to strike first. Kamloops continued to maintain control for most of the period however, Tyler Palmer was solid in net giving the Blazers no real opportunities to take the lead. With under three minutes to go, Evan Patrician had a one-on-one chance but was denied by Dylan Ernst. A few moments later, the Blazers got on board with a deflection on a shot to the net to make it 1-0.
Five minutes in and Kamloops scored the second goal of the night from Conor Levis off a rebound from Palmer to put the Blazers up 2-0. Halfway through the period and the Royals took a five-minute major and Wyatt Wilson was ejected from the game after receiving a game misconduct for a hit on a Kamloops player. Victoria was able to kill the penalty and then went on the power play with a minute to go but were unable to get on the board to end the period.
Victoria started off with a man advantage for the first minute of the period but were soon on the penalty kill when Gannon Laroque took a penalty for cross checking. Both teams were looking for a goal when with ten minutes left Josh Pillar got the third goal of the night for the Blazers. Kamloops continued to apply pressure in the Royals zone when Laroque took his second penalty of the night for delay of game. The Royals were unable to score ending the game 3-0 for Kamloops
Three stars of the night were Nick McCarry (KAM), Tyler Palmer (VIC), Connor Levis (KAM).
GM and Head Coach Dan Price continues to recognize his teams effort and the players that have stepped up when needed.
” Kamloops played very well and deserved the win tonight, but I can’t say enough about how proud I am of our players’ effort, perseverance and competitiveness through a very challenging set of circumstances. We went into the game with eight players out of the lineup, and lost two more when Tarun Fizer went down and Wyatt Wilson was ejected,” Price explained. “The players never quit and we had several Grade A chances – breakaways, 2 on 1s, etc. – that didn’t go in for us tonight”.
“Both goalies were excellent. Kamloops threw everything at the net and Tyler stood his ground and met the challenge. I also thought Luke Shipley played his best game as a Royal so far. This is a busy stretch for us and we want to finish well at home. So, recovery tonight and tomorrow in preparation for Friday is our primary focus right now.”
The Royals are back on home ice this weekend as they take on the Tri-City Americans. Friday’s game is the highly anticipated Teddy Bear Toss presented by Tedford Doors. The game is a player and fan favourite where fans can throw a stuffed animal onto the ice when the first Royals goal is scored.
Saturday is the Royals Christmas Classic presented by Realtor Charlsey MacGregor featuring Marty Clause. The team is partnering with Rise Together for a food-drive with all donations going towards the Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society.
For tickets to either home game, 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 packages 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
Follow the Royals on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok and visit our website to find out more about ticket sales and the latest news on the team.
