Royals host Blazers for mid-week matchups
After a victory over the Rebels on Saturday night, the Royals will look to continue their momentum in a pair of tilts with the Kamloops Blazers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Following the back-to-back, Victoria will venture south to Washington State to face the Everett Silvertips and Wenatchee Wild on Friday and Saturday Night.
Tuesday’s game is presented by the Real Canadian Superstore! This year, the Royals will wear fan designed jersey by Phoenix Mason. The jersey will be up for auction until Monday February 9th at 12:00 pm. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the President’s Choice Children’s Charity that helps feed over one million kids per year.
Wednesday is the #TalkToday game presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) British Columbia division. Talk Today promotes the mental health of young athletes and spreads awareness of the benefits of mental health throughout the province. The team for CMHA will be in the concourse, make sure to stop by to learn more about this incredible initiative.
The Phillips weekday combo is back at for Tuesday and Wednesday’s games. Receive a ticket, and a voucher for a Phillips TILT lager and a hot dog for just $25! Vouchers must be redeemed in game at guest services with a piece of photo ID.
Team Matchup
Kamloops
As the only B.C. Division team that the Royals have not yet played this season, the Kamloops Blazers (23-15-6-4) are a long-anticipated opponent. The Blazers hold a strong offence, ranking 7th in the WHL in goals scored, but hold the 3rd most goals against in the Western Conference. Discipline and defensive structure will be crucial for the Royals in neutralizing the Blazers offence, in the first game of the season series.
Wenatchee
Friday night will feature the second meeting between the Royals and the Wild (18-26-3-1), with Victoria claiming a 5-4 win over Wenatchee in early October. The Wild hold the highest penalty kill percentage in the Western Hockey League at 82.9%, meaning the Royals can’t rely on the power play to generate offence.
Everett
Occupying the top spot in the WHL standings, the Everett Silvertips (39-6-2-1) are a force to be reckoned with this season. Everett won the first three games between these two sides earlier in the season, with Victoria going the distance but falling in overtime in game three. The Silvertips enter the week on a seven-game win streak, but their tendency to rack up penalty minutes could offer an opportunity if the Royals can capitalize with the man advantage.
Players to Watch
Victoria
Roan Woodward – The Royals’ top goal-scorer has regained the team lead in points after notching his third hat trick of the season in a four-point effort on Saturday. Woodward occupies a hefty role on this Royals offence, and the 20-year-old forward is crucial to the team’s scoring potential.
Kamloops
JP Hurlbert – Hurlbert burst onto the WHL scene, making an immediate impact in his rookie season. The 17-year-old forward from Allen, Texas has amassed 32 goals and 76 points through his 48 games played this season and is rivaled only by Cameron Schmidt for the league lead in points.
Wenatchee
Tobias Tvrznik – Another rookie having a standout beginning to his WHL career, Tobias Tvrznik has emerged as one of the top goalies to watch this season. Hailing from Litomerice, Czech Republic, Tvrznik ranks third league-wide in save percentage (.915) over 33 appearances, just behind Joshua Ravensbergen (.916).
Everett
Matias Vanhanen – Born in Nokia, Finland, Vanhanen’s 46 assists are the third most by any WHL player this season. The 2025 first-round pick is an exceptional playmaker with high-level vision and hockey IQ. As part of a powerful Everett offence, Vanhanen is a threat from anywhere on the ice.
What’s Next
After this week, the Royals’ next home games are scheduled for February 20 and 21 to host the Wenatchee Wild for back-to-back battles for Lunar New Year and Trades Night. Tickets are available for purchase here.
