Victoria Royals - Feed

Runtso and Stewart Listed on NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings

Remy Zanotto — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:06:09 +0000

Timofei Runtso and Nolan Stewart have been listed on NHL Central Scouting’s final 2026 NHL Draft Rankings.
Runtso, officially ranked 48th overall among North American Skaters, finished his first year in the WHL with 44 points (11 goals, 33 assists) in 68 games. Having finished first in point scoring among Royals defensemen, the Marina del Rey, California product earned the Victoria Royals Top Defenseman award.
Stewart, ranked 199th overall among North American Skaters, had a career season in his second year with Victoria. The Edmonton, AB based forward more than doubled his career point total this season, amassing 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists) in 65 games. Stewart earned the Royals Fan Choice Award following the conclusion of the regular season. He was originally drafted by Victoria in the fifth round, 104th overall in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.

Ethan Eskit Raises $985 for CMHA Through Saves for Mental Health Campaign

Remy Zanotto — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:55:44 +0000

Victoria B.C., - Victoria Royals goaltender Ethan Eskit teamed up with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) local branch in Victoria this season to spread mental health awareness in sport. Through the Saves for Mental Health campaign, $537.50 was raised with the support of Royals fans and the local community. In addition, the Victoria Royals Foundation pledged to donate $1 for every save Eskit made starting January 31, 2026. By the end of the regular season, Eskit recorded 448 saves, resulting in a $448 contribution from the Foundation and bringing the total amount raised to $985. "We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. When we talk about it, we make it safer and easier for people to reach out for support when they need it," says Antonia Kalmacoff Jennings, CMHA BC's Senior Director of Development and Communications. "We are so grateful for the continued partnership of the Victoria Royals Foundation, the Victoria Royals team and fans, and goalie Ethan Eskit for making so many Saves for Mental Health. Thank you for your amazing generosity and bringing the community together to make a difference." “Being able to support mental health through the Saves for Mental Health initiative has meant a lot to me,” says Eskit. “Raising over $900 is something I’m really proud of, and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible support from our fans and the community. Their support truly made the difference.” Funds raised from this initiative will go directly to local CMHA programs, including several that focus on helping individuals build mental health strategies, assisting new parents navigating the postpartum period and de-stigmatization amongst young people. Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative. For more information on CMHA and resources visit CMHA’s page.

Victoria Royals Announce Team Awards Recipients

Remy Zanotto — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:35:49 +0000

teaVictoria, B.C – The Victoria Royals have announced Team Awards recipients for the 2025-26 season. This year’s MVP Award goes to goaltender Ethan Eskit. Eskit, hailing from Calgary, A.B, doubled his careers game played this season with entering the crease 53 times. In those games, Eskit put up a .904 save-percentage and a 2.99 goals-against-average. Eskit, acquired by Victoria in the prior offseason, kicked off his Royals tenure with a 26-save shutout of the expansion Penticton Vees, setting the tone for what would be a very strong season by the 19-year-old netminder. Timofei Runtso, from Marina Del Rey, California has been named the recipient of the Top Defenceman Award. Runtso, in his first season in the WHL, scored 44 points (11 goals, 33 assists) in 68 games played. In his NHL draft eligible season, Runtso was ranked 53^rd among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting in their mid-term rankings for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. After a career-high 56 points (32 goals, 24 assists) this season, Roan Woodward received the Top Goal Scorer Award. Woodward, from Nipawin, S.K, finished first on the team in points in his over-age season after joining the Royals via trade in the prior offseason from the Edmonton Oil Kings. In his second season with the Victoria Royals, Nolan Stewart put up a career year. This season, the NHL draft eligible forward scored 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists) in 65 games, placing second in team scoring. Stewart is this year’s recipient of the Fan Choice Award. Stewart was ranked 200^th among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting in their mid-term rankings for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft Calgary, Alberta’s Miles Cooper received the Most Dedicated Player Award after scoring 37 points (10 goals, 27 assists) in his first season with the Royals. Cooper was acquired by Victoria in the 2025 preseason from the Wenatchee Wild. Forward Ludovic Perreault and defenseman Odin Vauhkonen have been named co-recipients of the Rookie of the Year Award. Perreault, the Royals 18^th overall selection in the 2024 WHL Draft, scored 36 points (20 goals, 16 assists) in 68 games this season. Vauhkonen, drafted by the Royals in the 2023 WHL US Priority Draft, manned the top-pair for most of the season and scored 23 points (3 goals, 20 assists) in 65 games. Defenseman Landon Young and forward Heath Nelson have been named co-recipients of the Unsung Hero Award. Young, in his 2^nd season with the Victoria Royals, doubled his career point totals with 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) in 58 games played. Nelson, who joined the Royals this past offseason, put up 45 points (21 goals, 24 assists) in his first season in the Western Hockey League. Earning this year’s Hardest Worker Award honours are captain Reggie Newman and rookie forward Ludovic Perreault. For Newman, the Kamloops B.C. product, this is his 3^rd year in a row receiving the award. Perreault, hailing from Winnipeg, M.B., lead Victoria Royals rookie forwards in points this season. This year’s Community Service Award was awarded to forwards Reggie Newman & Miles Cooper. Both players gave back to the community with their ambassador work with Hockey Gives Blood, visiting the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Lodge, and taking part in many school visits across the Greater Victoria Area. Newman, named the 10^th captain in Royals history at the beginning of the year, tied a career high 40 points (12 goals, 28 assists) in 57 games played. With a career-best season, Hayden Moore is this year’s recipient of the Most Improved Award. Moore, hailing from Winnipeg, M.B, scored career highs in goals, assists, and points with 18 goals, 30 assists, for 48 points on the year. Moore wore the “A” as part of the leadership group for the Royals this season. Defenseman Odin Vauhkonen, from Costa Mesa, California, was presented with the Scholastic Player of the Year Award. Vauhkonen, in his first year in the WHL, recorded 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) during the season as well as achieving the highest grade average of all the Royals high school players. You can view the full list of winners below: MVP - Ethan Eskit Top Defenseman - Timofei Runtso Top Goal Scorer - Roan Woodward Fan Choice Award - Nolan Stewart Unsung Hero Award - Landon Young & Heath Nelson Scholastic Player of the Year - Odin Vauhkonen Hardest Worker - Ludovic Perreault & Reggie Newman Most Dedicated Player - Miles Cooper Most Improved - Hayden Moore Rookie of the Year - Ludovic Perreault & Odin Vauhkonen Community Service Award - Miles Cooper & Reggie Newman

2026 WHL Prospects Draft Lottery results to be unveiled Thursday on Victory+

Remy Zanotto — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 23:24:04 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today details for the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft Lottery, with results set to be unveiled Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. MT, streaming FREE on Victory+.

The 2026 WHL Prospects Draft Lottery will involve the seven non-playoff Clubs from the 2025-26 WHL Regular Season – Lethbridge, Swift Current, Vancouver, Wenatchee, Moose Jaw, Tri-City, and Victoria. A Club may only move up a maximum of two positions in the WHL Prospects Draft.

The WHL Prospects Draft Lottery will use a total of 28 balls, the allotment of which is as follows:

Kelowna (traded from Lethbridge) – Seven balls
Wenatchee (traded from Swift Current) – Six balls
Vancouver – Five balls
Vancouver (traded from Wenatchee) – Four balls
Victoria (traded from Moose Jaw) – Three balls
Tri-City – Two balls
Victoria – One ball

The lottery applies to the first round of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. Starting with the second round, all WHL Clubs shall draft based on the inverse order of the final standings from the 2025-26 WHL Regular Season.

2026 WHL Prospects Draft

The first round of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft will be held Wednesday, May 6. The remainder of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft will be held Thursday, May 7.

Players born in the United States will be eligible for the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. Previously, U.S. born players have been selected by WHL Clubs primarily through the WHL U.S. Priority Draft. The WHL will only host the WHL Prospects Draft in 2026.

Since 2000, numerous impactful players have heard their names called with the first-overall pick in the WHL Prospects Draft, including Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips, 2024), Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert Raiders, 2023), Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers, 2022), Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs, 2021), and Connor Bedard (Regina Pats, 2020).

Players eligible for the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft are 2011-born players who reside in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Players not selected in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft will remain eligible to be listed by WHL Clubs at any time thereafter.

For complete coverage of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft and the 2026 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien, please visit WHL.ca.

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

Royals present lucky fans with signed sticks for Fan Appreciation Night

Remy Zanotto — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:04:57 +0000

Victoria B.C., March 18, 2025 - After the success of the Jersey off the Back presentation from last year, the Victoria Royals Hockey Club is excited to share that the team will be doing a signed stick giveaway for Fan Appreciation this Saturday March 21st. After the final horn, the team will present their sticks to twenty-three lucky fans. Fans will be entered into the draw by scanning into Saturday’s game against the Prince George Cougars. The draw will proceed as:

All fans who attend the game, and have scanned their ticket to enter the building, will be automatically entered.
The draw will take place during the first period.
The winning tickets will be announced during the second period.
If your ticket is drawn, you must visit the Guest Services desk by the end of second intermission, to provide your information. You must be able to show your ticket, matching the seat that was drawn at the Guest Services Desk. Paper or digital will be accepted.
You will receive further instruction at the Guest Services desk on where to be in the last five minutes of the third to receive the stick in an on-ice presentation.
Upon presentation you will have the opportunity to get your stick signed and get your photo taken.
Remain on the ice for a group photo with the team after you receive your stick.

Restrictions:

To be eligible to receive the stick, the fan must attend the end of the game and meet in the set location.
Must be able to show your ticket and ID to claim your stick.
If you do not visit Guest Services prior to the end of second intermission, or do not have ID another ticket will be drawn.
You must be willing to go on the ice to collect your stick.
Trading of tickets is not permitted; you must have an ID that matches the ticket.
Trading of envelopes of which player’s sticks you are receiving will not be allowed.
The contest is at the discretion of the club, if inappropriate behaviour is displayed, such as attempting to barter or trade tickets or envelopes with the player’s name occurs, the team can re-draw a different winner.

In addition to the the stick giveaway fans can look forward to:

Over $10,000 in giveaways throughout the night.
Entrance & exit giveaways
Giveaways from over twenty businesses
Island Savings, Cascadia Liquor, and Crohns Canada will be on concourse.

The Victoria Royals Hockey Club would like to thank the fans for all their support this season and are excited to have you back for the final pair of regular season home games this weekend at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Tickets can be purchased at selectyourtickets.com.

2026-27 Season Memberships On-Sale Now!

Remy Zanotto — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:00:39 +0000

Royals close out regular season at home

Remy Zanotto — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:09:20 +0000

The Royals return home this week riding back-to-back wins on the weekend as they make their final push for a playoff spot. Victoria will close out the regular season with three straight home games, hosting the Everett Silvertips on Tuesday before facing off with the Prince George Cougars in a weekend back-to-back. Tuesday, March 17 is our St. Paddy’s Party and #BeASuperhero for Children’s Miracle Network Night presented by RE/MAX. The first 1,000 fans through the doors will receive a mini stick courtesy of RE/MAX, and the Royals will take the ice in specialty superhero jerseys, with all proceeds supporting the British Columbia Children’s Hospital Foundation. Fans can also bid on the game-worn jerseys now through DASH, with the auction closing Wednesday, March 18 at 12:00 PM. Friday, March 20 is Women in Sports Night at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Join us from 5:00–6:00 PM in the Comfort Lounge for a special pre-game panel featuring three incredible athletes and mentors from the University of Victoria Vikes - Jamie Garett, Madeline Mittelsteadt, and Olivia Roschat, hosted by Lauren Pederson. All attendees will be entered to win a Vancouver Golden Eyes prize pack, while the Golden Eyes merchandise team will be activating at Gate 1 with merchandise and discounted ticket offers for Island fans. The evening will also feature a significant philanthropic moment, as Fancy Ching and David Wong will make a $75,000 donation to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, supporting the Fancy and David Foundation Power Play for Care campaign to expand the Island’s first surgical robotics program and help advance cancer care at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General Hospitals. In addition, the Victoria Royals will donate $1 from every ticket sold to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, and fans are encouraged to support the campaign through the Foundation’s fundraising page. Saturday, March 21 is Fan Appreciation Night presented by Island Savings at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. It’s the Royals’ final game of the regular season and one fans won’t want to miss. The night will feature over $10,000 in giveaways, including an entrance giveaway, exit giveaway, and a Royals stick giveaway to close out the evening. Fans can also expect plenty happening around the arena, including the Island Savings Shoot to Win activation on the concourse, along with surprises throughout the night. Be sure to keep an eye on our social channels as more details are announced leading up to the game. The Victoria Royals are gearing up for three final home games to wrap up the regular season, and with the team pushing for a playoff spot, every point matters. Join us at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre and help create an electric atmosphere as the Royals make their final push toward the postseason. Team Matchup Everett The Everett Silvertips (54-7-2-1) have emerged as this year’s regular season champions. An overpowering offence, fourth-ranked special teams, and a formidable defence make the Silvertips as challenging an opponent as can be found in the WHL. Everett has won their last nine games leading into the week, giving the Royals a chance to play giant-killer. If the Royals secure a playoff spot this week, Everett is a likely opponent in the first round. Prince George Third in a contentious B.C. Division, the Prince George Cougars (41-22-2-0) are a critical opponent in the race for a playoff spot. The Cougars have won eight of their last ten games and have allowed the fewest goals in the division this season. Prince George’s biggest threat is their power play, clicking at 31%. The Royals defensive game will need to be in tip top shape to earn some much-needed points this week. Players to Watch Victoria Roan Woodward – The Royals’ leading goal-scorer struck again with a swift power play goal on Saturday night, showing off the shot that has him tied for sixth in the league in power play goals. Woodward has racked up 55 points in 65 games this season, and the Nipawin product will look to make every shot count with the fate of his fifth and final WHL season in the balance. Everett Landon Dupont – A highly-ranked prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft, Landon Dupont continues to make a name for himself in his second WHL season. The first overall pick of the Everett Silvertips is third in the league in power play assists, and sixth among all defencemen in points. Part of a strong Silvertips lineup, Dupont stands out as a bright spot. Prince George Carson Carels – Hailing from Cypress River, Manitoba, Carson Carels’ 73 points ranks fourth among WHL blueliners this season. A first round pick of the Cougars in 2023, Carels is putting together an impressive campaign ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.

VICTORIA ROYALS, LONDON KNIGHTS ANNOUNCE, “CLASH OF THE KINGDOMS” SHOWCASE SERIES

Remy Zanotto — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:33:03 +0000

Two-game series scheduled for September 4 and 5 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals and London Knights have announced the “Clash of the Kingdoms” series, a special two-game showcase featuring the Western Hockey League’s Victoria Royals and current defending Memorial Cup Champions, London Knights. The series will take place Friday, September 4 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, September 5 at 4:00 PM at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, BC. The "Clash of the Kingdoms" series will mark the first-ever inter-league meeting between WHL and OHL clubs outside of the Memorial Cup tournament, bringing together two prominent Canadian Hockey League programs for a one of a kind early-season event. “Hosting this series in Victoria will create an outstanding atmosphere for our players and fans while highlighting the level of talent across the Canadian Hockey League,” said Joey Poljanowski, Vice-President of Hockey Operations for the Victoria Royals. “This event will give our community a great platform to celebrate junior hockey and experience something truly unique. We’re looking forward to welcoming the Knights and for a very entertaining series”. The London Knights will arrive in Victoria this fall following two straight championship seasons in 2024 and 2025. “We are excited to visit Victoria in September,” said Mark Hunter, Vice President and General Manager of the London Knights. “It will be a unique challenge for our players and staff facing off against the Royals, a team we haven’t played before. It will be a great way for our players and staff to bond heading into the 2026–27 regular season.” While the series is expected to feature several top NHL prospects, it will also showcase a matchup between two of junior hockey’s most prominent coaches, Dale Hunter and James Patrick. Both Hunter and Patrick played over 1,200 National Hockey League games during their playing careers and have been instrumental in the development of some of the Canadian Hockey League’s best alumni now playing in the NHL. In addition to the on-ice action, the weekend will feature an outdoor Fan Fest including live music, outdoor games and additional activities around the arena. The event is expected to draw significant interest from fans across Vancouver Island and Canada. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday March 18th at 11am PST. Visit selectyourtickets.com to purchase. Clash of the Kingdoms Schedule

Friday, September 4th, 7:05 pm vs London Knights @ Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
Saturday, September 5th, 4:00 pm vs London Knights @ Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Royals take road win against Giants

Remy Zanotto — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 04:55:02 +0000

Langley, BC. — The Victoria Royals were across the water in Langley tonight to close their season series with the Vancouver Giants. A strong two-way game from the Royals saw the team notch 39 shots on goal, and the special teams put up a perfect night to secure the 5-2 win to take the season series with a final tally of 5-3. After nearly 18 minutes of scoreless play, the Royals got on the board first with a powerplay goal from Roan Woodward, assisted by Timofei Runtso and Eli McKamey, six seconds into the Royals’ first man advantage of the night. The Giants responded with the equalizer goal from Brett Olson less than a minute later, and the teams remained knotted at one headed into the first intermission. Caleb Matthews struck early in the second period, assisted by Heath Nelson and Landon Young, to give the Royals the 2-1 lead. Vancouver answered with a goal from Brayden Riggall around the midway mark of the frame, but key saves from goaltender Jake Pilon and a big block from blueliner Seth Fryer kept the game tied at two after 40 minutes of play. The Royals reclaimed the lead with a goal from Nolan Stewart, assisted by Timofei Runtso and Eli McKamey, at 6:16 of the third period. Just under five minutes later, Max Silver and Miles went coast-to-coast off a defensive takeaway to give the Royals the two-goal lead. The Giants pulled their goalie late in the frame in an attempt to force overtime, but Caleb Matthews buried his second goal of the night in the empty net, assisted by Heath Nelson, to seal the 5-2 victory. Scoring Summary 1st Period 17:31 Victoria Royals Goal Roan Woodward (32) assisted by Timofei Runtso and Eli McKamey 18:13 Vancouver Giants Goal Brett Olson (11) assisted by Joe Iginla and Blake Chorney 2nd Period 1:51 Victoria Royals Goal Caleb Matthews (11) assisted by Heath Nelson and Landon Young 10:37 Vancouver Giants Goal Braydon Riggall (2) assisted by Tobias Tomik and Mathis Preston 3rd Period 6:16 Victoria Royals Goal Nolan Stewart (14) assisted by Timofei Runtso and Eli McKamey 10:53 Victoria Royals Goal Max Silver (4) assisted by Miles Cooper 16:53 Victoria Royals Goal Caleb Matthews (12) assisted by Heath Nelson Shots on Goal Royals - 39 Giants - 31 Powerplay Royals - 1/1 Giants - 0/2 Goalie Stats Royals Jake Pilon - 29/31 Giants Kelton Pyne - 34/38 What’s Next The Royals will wrap up their 2025-26 regular season with a three-game homestand at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. The first game is set for 7:05 PM this Tuesday, March 17th where the Royals will take on the Everett Silvertips.

Women in Sports Night Set to Inspire at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Remy Zanotto — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:14:12 +0000

$1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation

Victoria B.C., - The Victoria Royals are set to host the Prince George Cougars for Women in Sports Night on Friday March 20, in the first of the final two home games of the season. Women in Sports Night, one of the Royals newest theme nights, has quickly turned into a very meaningful one across the community, dedicated to celebrating leadership, visibility, and the growing impact of women across all levels of sport. The evening will highlight a panel of three incredible athletes and mentors from the University of Victoria Vikes, Jamie Garett, Madeline Mittelsteadt and Olivia Roschat from 5-6pm prior to puck drop at 7:05 pm. All attendees will be entered to win a prize pack courtesy of the Vancouver Golden Eyes. Staff from Vancouver’s Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) expansion team, the Vancouver Golden Eyes will be activating at Gate, providing Island fans with access to merchandise and discounted tickets. Throughout the night, fans will have the opportunity to meet women helping drive the game forward through in-arena features, storytelling, and community partnerships. The night aims to create meaningful dialogue around inclusion, increase visibility and celebrate the progress being made across the industry. The Victoria Royals Foundation will donate 50/50 proceeds to the Bridges for Women Society, an organization that inspires women affected by trauma, violence or abuse to reclaim their lives and build financial security through healing, education and employment programs. The Royals organization has emphasized that the night is not only a celebration, but a call to action, encouraging continued support for inclusive programming and equal opportunity in sport. “From growing up playing sports to now working for the Royals, sports have always been a big part of my life,” said Mia Reeves, marketing and communications coordinator for the Victoria Royals Hockey Club. “I’m thrilled that there are more role models and opportunities for the next generation of girls growing up and I'm grateful to be part of it.” From grassroots development programs to elite performance pathways, the night aims to highlight female leaders who have found great success in sport. Additionally, the evening will feature a significant philanthropic gesture, spearheaded by local community leaders Fancy Ching and David Wong who have pledged a $75,000 donation to support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. The $75,000 will directly support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s It’s Time for Surgical Evolution campaign, in expansion of the Island’s first surgical robotics program and revolutionize cancer care at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals. “We feel so blessed to have the ability to contribute, in a small way, to this game-changing advancement in our community’s health care,” said Fancy Ching. “But there is much more to be done, so we hope that you will all join us in contributing to this impactful cause. Together, we can realize this vision of advancing medical technology to enhance patient care and experience within our community”. Their donation represents one of the most significant single-night philanthropic commitments associated with a Royals theme night. In addition to Fancy and David’s donation, the Victoria Royals will donate $1 from each ticket sold to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. Fans are encouraged to donate to the campaign through the Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraising page. The Royals currently sit in one of the closest playoff races in Western Hockey League history. This game promises to be a must-see experience both on and off the ice.