2024-25 Season Preview – Victoria Royals

Ahead of the 2024-25 WHL Season, the Western Hockey League will be previewing the rosters of our Clubs in a 22-part, team-by-team series.

Looking to B.C.’s Capital, two NHL prospects prepare to lead the blue line while an NHL Draft hopeful will carry most of the workload upfront.

---

RETURNING LEADERS
Justin Kipkie
Defenceman (2005)
23-24 Season (WHL): 67 GP – 16 G – 36 A

Nate Misskey
Defenceman (2005)
23-24 Season (WHL): 44 GP – 7 G – 27 A

Cole Reschny
Forward (2007)
23-24 Season (WHL): 61 GP – 21 G – 38 A

 

KEY ARRIVALS
Markus Loponen
Forward (2006)
23-24 Season (U20 SM-sarja): 45 GP – 25 G – 29 A
CHL Import: 2024 1st Round Pick – 23rd Overall

Vaughn Watterodt
Forward (2004)
23-24 Season (WHL): 59 GP – 8 G – 14 A
Acquired via trade with Saskatoon

Cosmo Wilson
Defenceman (2005)
23-24 Season (WHL): 51 GP – 1 G – 10 A
Acquired via trade with Moose Jaw

 

KEY DEPARTURES
Dawson Pasternak
Forward (2003)
23-24 Season (WHL): 62 GP – 27 G – 45 A
Aged Out

Robin Sapousek
Forward (2004)
23-24 Season (WHL): 32 GP – 13 G – 19 A
Signed in Czechia

Austin Zemlak
Defenceman (2005)
23-24 Season (WHL): 50 GP – 6 G – 16 A
Traded to Tri-City

 

NOTABLE DRAFT ELIGIBLES
Jayden Kraus
Goaltender (2007)
23-24 Season (WHL): 26 GP – 4.29 GAA – .870 SV%

Caleb Matthews
Forward (2007)
23-24 Season (AEHL U18): 35 GP – 18 G – 50 A

Cole Reschny
Forward (2007)
23-24 Season (WHL): 61 GP – 21 G – 38 A

ROYALS BY THE NUMBERS (2023-24)
Team Record: 29-30-5-4 (67 points)
Division Ranking: 4th, B.C.
2024 WHL Playoffs: lost First Round (Portland)
Goals For: 221 (15th)
Goals Against: 272 (17th)
PP (Overall): 20.9 (14th)
PK (Overall): 75.9 (13th)