ROYALS FACE ROCKETS FOR THE FINAL TIME
The Victoria Royals’ chase to the 100-point mark continues Tuesday when they square off with the Kelowna Rockets for the final time this season.
While the Rockets have been the best team on home-ice this season with a 27-3-0-4 record, the Royals will try to go perfect at Prospera Place in the season series when the two BC rivals collide in Kelowna. The Royals have won their first three trips to Kelowna this season, with a 6-4 win in their last encounter on February 8. With a franchise record 47 wins and 98 points, the Royals aim for a sixth straight win overall after they swept the Kamloops Blazers in back-to-back games at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre this past weekend.
Ben Walker has six assists in his last three games, with four on Friday against the Blazers. The Edina, Minnesota product will try to continue his streak against a Rockets’ club that he has earned three goals and seven points against in seven meetings. Patrik Polivka kicked out 18 of 20 shots he faced Saturday to record his seventh straight win in goal for the Royals. Polivka’s 2.51 goals against average is fourth-best in the WHL, with teammate Coleman Vollrath still tops at 2.24 and the leader in save percentage at .930. Vollrath is 2-0-0-1 against the Rockets this season with a .923 save percentage.
The Rockets can clinch the Scotty Munro Trophy as the WHL’s top regular season team with a point as they hold a seven point lead on the Portland Winterhawks. Like the Royals, the Rockets established a franchise best for wins in a season for the second straight year with 54 heading into Tuesday’s clash. Kelowna had 52 wins last year and, like the Royals, were victim to Kamloops in the second round of the playoffs. Myles Bell leads Kelowna with 41 goals and 74 points this season and has four goals against the Royals this season.
The Royals head to Vancouver Wednesday followed by their final home game Friday against the Everett Silvertips. Limited tickets for Fan Appreciation Night next Friday night against the Everett Silvertips are still available, but moving fast.
Playoff packages and Royals 2014-15 season tickets are on sale now! Take advantage of our special early bird offer! Receive complimentary tickets for all remaining 2013-14 home games when you place your deposit on season tickets for next season. Current season ticket holders are also eligible for over $6,000 in prizes when they renew their seats before March 14th! Guarantee the BEST seats at the BEST prices with the BEST benefits for all 36 home games by visiting www.victoriaroyals.com or calling 250-220-7889.
