Royals gear up for home-and-home series with Giants
It’s another pair of away games for the Royals this week as they take on the Seattle Thunderbirds and Kelowna Rockets before returning home to face the Vancouver Giants on Friday.
This Friday, the Victoria Royals will host the Vancouver Giants for Indigenous Celebrations Night, presented by Western Coast Insurance, at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 PM.
The evening will recognize with respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples on whose traditional territory the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre stands, celebrate local Indigenous culture while highlighting community partnerships that support ongoing reconciliation efforts. The evening of Indigenous celebration will feature live performances from the Esquimalt Singers & Dancers, taking place on the concourse at Gate 1 throughout the evening. All proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will benefit Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services, with an additional $500 contribution from Western Coast Insurance.
Team Matchup
Seattle
Part of a tightly-packed Western Conference, the Seattle Thunderbirds (26-25-5-4) are just one point ahead of the Royals in the standings. Victoria has won two of three contests with Seattle this season, but this game could pose a greater challenge seeing as the Thunderbirds’ record is far stronger at home.
Kelowna
The 2026 Memorial Cup hosts, the Kelowna Rockets (35-19-6-2) have seen a meteoric rise compared to their position at the beginning of the season. The Royals have claimed victory in two out of five games against the Rockets, and will look to even the season series on Wednesday.
Vancouver
The Vancouver Giants (23-36-1-2) are sitting at 12th in the Western Conference. The season series between Victoria and Vancouver is even at three each, but the Giants were very active at the trade deadline. This will be a very different team since the last time the Royals and Giants met. With seven games remaining in the season, every point can make a difference.
Players to Watch
Victoria
Heath Nelson – In his first year as a Royal, Heath Nelson has proven himself to be a valuable offensive asset. The 19-year-old’s 20 goals this season are the second-most on the Royals, and Nelson’s goal in the last game puts him at four points in his last three contests. In this tense playoff push, Nelson’s contributions will be pivotal.
Seattle
Cameron Schmidt – Leading the WHL in goals, Schmidt has found another level to his game this season. The third-round draft pick of the Dallas Stars has amassed a career-high 92 points in 65 games, including 11 points in six contests against the Royals. The former Giant’s elite shooting ability leaves no wonder why he’s the biggest scoring threat in the league.
Kelowna
Shane Smith – The first star of Saturday’s bout of Royals vs Rockets, Shane Smith is setting a new career record in points in his final season in the WHL. Smith is second among Rockets in goals, and his 64 points have him tied for third on the team. The Cessford, Alberta native is part of a lethal Kelowna offence this season that causes problems for just about any team in the league.
Vancouver
Jakob Oreskovic – Nearing the end of his fourth season with his hometown team, Oreskovic is third on the Giants in points with 36. The first-round pick in the 2022 WHL draft makes an impact through his effort level and playmaking ability, and has four points in his last two games.
What’s Next
The Royals will close out the regular season next week with three final home games at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre against the Everett Silvertips and Prince George Cougars. The stretch begins March 17 with a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Be A Superhero Night, featuring specialty superhero jerseys worn by the Royals. The final two games of the season highlight Fan Appreciation Weekend, beginning with Women in Sports Night on Friday, March 20, followed by Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, March 21. With every point critical down the stretch and exciting festivities planned, fans won’t want to miss the Royals’ final push toward the playoffs.
