Royals return home to host Wild for Lunar Celebration and Trades Night
Following a Family Day matchup with the Kamloops Blazers, the Victoria Royals will return to home ice this weekend to host the Wenatchee Wild for a two-game series at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
Friday night the Royals will ring in the Lunar New Year with puck drop slated for 7:05 pm. Fans can look forward to a vibrant night of culture, celebration, and hockey, highlighted by the Royals taking the ice in special Lunar New Year warmup jerseys. Fans are encouraged to arrive! The first 1,000 fans will receive lucky red envelopes featuring a variety of prizes, including the grand prize of a Royals suite night experience.
Saturday night is Trades Night with puck drop slated for 6:05 pm. Trades Night celebrates the diverse and rewarding career opportunities within the skilled trades while recognizing the hardworking individuals who help build our community. The Victoria Royals Hockey Club are proud to partner with Victoria Independent Contractors Association (VICA) and Hall Constructors to connect hockey fans with local industry leaders and inspire the next generation to explore meaningful careers in the trades.
In addition, Van Isle Paint has generously donated 700 tickets to local trade schools, students and community organizations, creating a meaningful impact and opportunity to further strengthen connections within Victoria’s trades community. With activities for the kids, equipment on site and many industry leaders activating, trades night is one you do not want to miss!
Tickets for both games can be purchased online or by calling 250-419-6906.
Team Matchup
Wenatchee
This weekend will feature the third meeting between the Royals and the Wild this season, with the two sides tied at 1-1 in the season series. Wenatchee (21-29-3-2) ranks 11th in the Western Conference and 6th in the U.S. Division, just two points behind the Seattle Thunderbirds. Despite their position in the standings, Wenatchee owns the top penalty kill in the Western Hockey League this season, putting added emphasis on five-on-five play.
Players to Watch
Victoria
Miles Cooper – Returning to the lineup last Thursday after being out with an injury, Cooper’s presence was immediately felt as he made an immediate impact on the Royals’ offence. The Calgary-born forward had three assists in a shootout win over the Portland Winterhawks, and will look to continue his production this weekend against his former team.
Wenatchee
Gabriel Guilbault – One of Wenatchee’s goal-scorers in a 2-0 win over the Royals on February 6, Guilbault has emerged as one of Wenatchee’s stronger forwards lately. The former Kelowna Rocket from Burnaby has tallied three points in his last two games for the Wild.
What’s Next
The Royals will hit the road once again next week with a trip down to the U.S. Division, before returning for another weekend homestand against the Portland Winterhawks.
