Support the Troops this Friday at SOFMC!
Coming off a shootout win against the Penticton Vees, the Royals are gearing up for another back-to-back at home this weekend against this year’s Memorial Cup hosts, the Kelowna Rockets.
This Friday is the annual Military Appreciation Night, presented by Babcock. The team will don specialty military inspired jerseys which will be auctioned off in support of the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre. Place your bids here. There will be a ceremonial puck drop, Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy will be out for the Anthem and Chuck-A-Puck will directly support the Cadets. In the plaza at Gate 1, there will be a FDU(P) Bomb Truck, Sparky’s Fun House and a Military Police Unit on display for fans to explore with puck drop slated for 7:05pm.
Saturday the Royals will meet the Rockets again in back-to-back nights at Save on Foods Memorial Centre. Fans are encouraged to come at doors for happy hour with savings on eats and the cheapest beer on Vancouver Island!
This week’s CCM Game Worn Jersey Auction closes tomorrow. Place your bids here on DASH.
Team Matchups
The Kelowna Rockets (5-5-1-1) currently sit sixth in the B.C. Division, through only 12 games played on the season. With a solid penalty kill and lowest goals against total in the division, the Rockets will be a challenge for the Royals offence to overcome. Victoria and Kelowna have each claimed one win in their two previous meetings this season, both games going to a shootout. With the first two games in their season series going down to the wire, this matchup is guaranteed to be an exciting one.
Players to Watch
Victoria
Roan Woodward – Woodward is off to an explosive start this season, leading the Royals with 20 points through 15 games. With 11 goals already, just halfway to surpassing his single-season career high, he’s emerging as a top contributor in the Royals offence.
Kelowna
Josh Banini – The Rockets have found a solid starting goaltender this season in Josh Banini, acquired in a trade from the Moose Jaw Warriors in September. In previous meetings with the Rockets, Banini shut down the Royals offence and claimed a 2-1 shootout win.
This weekend features exciting back-to-back action between two divisional rivals. Get your tickets here. See you in the stands!
