Royals Clinging onto Above .500 Record

After a blazing start to the regular season, the Victoria Royals now face controversy. The Royals have dropped 3 of their past 4 games in regulation losses and the team doesn't seem to have as much jump as they did in September/Early October. To be fair, the Kelowna Rockets and the Portland Winterhawks aren't pushovers by any standards, but at the beginning of the year, the Royals were beating teams like Portland and Kelowna. But now, the Royals can't seem to beat the top teams in the league. And it's not a surprise that the Royals aren't leading the B.C. Division or are right behind Kamloops, after all, Kamloops is considered the #1 team in the CHL right now.

In the midst of this, the Royals are still 3rd in the divison and are still 6th in the conference, so it's no time to panic. Guys like Magee, Hodges, Nelson and Stahl are going to have to pick things up and regroup as a team to start winning games against the playoff contending teams again. Patrik Polivka has continued to be great through this rough patch, he's had little to no chance on the majority of the goals against him, and our defense is our biggest concern this season. I belive we can finish in the Top 5 in the conference and finish 2nd in the B.C. Division, but we need to get things rolling.

- Tyler Bennett

2013 NHL Draft - Top 50 From The Western Hockey League - 11-20

11. Shea Theodore - LD - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) - 6'02" - 175 lbs

  Theodore is an excellent puck moving defenseman, who is looking to garner attention in the late first round. A power play quarter back and an excellent skater, Theodore could add a little more bulk in his big frame, a game changer for the Seattle Thunderbirds.

12. Alex Forsberg - LC - Prince George Cougars (WHL) - 5'11" - 184 lbs

Although Alex Forsberg has fallen from the radar after being a first overall pick in the WHL Bantam Draft, he is still an excellent hockey player, great skill with the puck and plays at a top end speed. Great skill set but due to injury concerns he has fallen from the rankings big time, could be a 2nd round steal.

13. Jayden Hart - RC - Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) - 6'1" - 188 lbs

Hunter Shinkaruk isn't the only name to listen to when you talk about prospects for next year's draft. Jayden Hart is a responsible two-way centerman with a scoring touch. Underrated and can put up plenty of points under the radar, I really like this kid.

14. Jackson Houck - RW - Vancouver Giants (WHL) - 6'00" - 184 lbs

 Playing for the Giants, I don't think they have seen a player like Jackson since the days of Evander Kane and Milan Lucic, Houck plays a very similar game to that of Milan, where he can throw the body around, drop the mitts and put up points. He is looking great so far this season, and hopefully it keeps up as his stock could drastically increase.

15. Connor Rankin - LC - Tri-City Americans (WHL) - 6'00" - 180 lbs

 I was a big fan of Connor Rankin's game, he had great offensive awareness and vision on the ice. This season has been a slow start for Rankin and I am starting to see less physicality and drive from Rankin. Could be a steal if he picks his game up. 

16. Greg Chase - RC - Calgary Hitmen (WHL) - 6'00" - 195 lbs

Another premier two-way centerman, he is a hard competitor who can throw the body around and make smart plays in the offensive zone, stock will rise as he is used in every situation.

17. Nicholas Petan - LC - Portland Winterhawks (WHL) - 5'09" - 166 lbs

 With an excellent season so far, Petan was once leading the WHL in points and was recently named "Player Of The Week." A superb offensive threat with great hands, a pure scorer but size is always a concern.

 

18. Matthew Needham - RC - Kamloops Blazers (WHL) - 5'10" - 187 lbs

A speedy two-way forward playing on a stacked Blazers team, may not get the most the ice time, but he uses it well and makes smart plays with the puck, always on his feet.

19. Ayrton Nikkel - LD - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) - 6'01" - 195 lbs

Playing behind the big two in Ryan Pulock and Eric Roy, Ayrton Nikkel is a mean defenseman who will punish you with a bone crushing hit and drop the mitts after words. 

20. Keegan Kanzig - LD - Victoria Royals (WHL) - 6'05" - 238 lbs

 This 6'5" 240 pound defenseman is about as defensive as you can get. He can throw the body around, extremely hard to get passed in the defensive end, can drop the mitts and is willing to take on anybody. Could be an excellent shutdown guy in the next level.

2013 NHL Draft - Top 50 From The Western Hockey League - 1-10

With the Western Hockey League season just kicking into gear, fans from all over the NHL are focused on junior hockey and the upcoming NHL Entry Draft due to the lockout. The Western Hockey League is still producing top end talent for the NHL draft, and this year is no exception. Last year, it was the year of the fab five, five defenseman who were all drafted with the first eight picks on the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, that consisting of Ryan Murray of the Everett Silvertips, who went 2nd overall to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Griffin Reinhart of the Edmonton Oil Kings, who went to the Islanders at 4th. The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up Moose Jaw Warriors defenseman Morgan Rielly at number five. Mathew Dumba went number 7 to the Wild, and Winterhawks d-man Derrick Pouliot went 8th overall to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the pick was acquired in the Jordan Staal trade to Carolina.

But enough of last year, this year's draft is a much different story. It is considered to be the deepest draft since 2008, with solid depth from every position from all over the world. Mind you this Top 50 was extremely difficult for me to pick and choose, but I have seen the majority of these guys play and I feel that these rankings are fairly accurate.

1. Seth Jones - RD - Portland Winterhawks (WHL) - 6'04" - 206 lbs
The obvious choice for the best draft eligible player in the WHL. His choice to head to Portland instead of taking the NCAA route is the best choice. This big defenseman can take over a hockey game at any time he feels the needs to. Smooth skating defenseman with great awareness in both the defensive and offensive sides of the game. Not to mention his size, I feel that Seth Jones has potential to be a franchise defenseman in the NHL, and a game changer at the next level.

2. Hunter Shinkaruk - LW - Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) - 5'10" - 175 lbs
An offensive threat, Hunter Shinkaruk is a pure sniper. A nose for the net and a very crafty player, Hunter has a passion for the game that you notice when he is celebrating one of his many goals. Great hands in front of the net and a great wrist shot to boot. Look for him to score 50 goals in the Western Hockey League and be a top 10 pick in the NHL draft, comparisons with Phil Kessel aren't far off. 


3. Curtis Lazar - RC - Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) - 6'00" - 198 lbs 
You talk about passion, skill and grit. Curtis Lazar is the total package. Lazar plays on an excellent Edmonton Oil Kings squad, which won the league championship. An excellent two-way game with great vision and a knack for the net. Has a bit of a mean streak and is willing to throw his body around, which just adds to his value.





 
4. Ryan Pulock - RD - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) - 6'01" - 213 lbs
A late 1994, Ryan Pulock is someone who I think would be a top 10 draft pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft, but due to this year's top end talent. Pulock is looking like a mid-first rounder. An excellent d-man with great vision of the ice and a wicked shot from the point. Look for Pulock to be a valuable piece to a NHL team's franchise in the upcoming years.


5. Josh Morrissey - LD - Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) - 6'00" - 184 lbs
A probable last first rounder. Morrissey is the Derrick Pouliot of this year's WHL crop. Excellent skater and puck moving defenseman. But Morrissey is willing to throw the body around and looks for those big open ice hits and isn't afraid to stand up for it. A defenseman who can run the powerplay and an interesting player to watch. 

6. Morgan Klimchuk - LW - Regina Pats (WHL) - 5'11" - 180 lbs
Klimchuk shows an excellent skillset that can move him up in the rankings as the season goes on. Excellent skating, very explosive. Tenacious on the puck and great vision, great offensive instincts that go unnoticed.

7.  Eric Roy - LD - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) - 6'3" - 190 lbs
Playing under the light of Ryan Pulock, Eric Roy also has great NHL potential, a big mean defenseman who can also provide offense to the Brandon Wheat Kings, paired with Ryan Pulock, Roy has a mean streak and and an excellent first pass out of the zone.

8. Madison Bowey - RD - Kelowna Rockets (WHL) - 6'1" - 194 lbs
Another product of a great WHL franchise who throws out excellent defenseman like candy, the Kelowna Rockets have built a prototypical two-way defenseman with excellent puck skills and a high hockey IQ, add on the size and you've got a Kelowna Rockets type of defenseman, only thing Bowey needs to work on is his physical play.

9. Eric Comrie - GK - Tri-City Americans (WHL) - 6'1" - 170 lbs
Competing for the #1 rated goalie in this year's draft with Zachary Fucale of Halifax in the QMJHL. Eric Comrie is a great technical goalie with great lateral movement. Add size and a great team in front of him, look for Comrie to slip into the first round of this year's draft.

10. Oliver Bjorkstrand - RW - Portland Winterhawks (WHL) - 5'11" - 164 lbs
An Import Draft selection from Denmark who's name came out of no where in draft rankings, Oliver Bjorkstrand is proving that he can compete with the best of them in North America,  a players with excellent offensive flare. Work on his strength and defensive game is needed but the potential is definitely there to be a scorer in the NHL.

Royals Blanked by Blazers

 After a rough start time following the John Fogerty concert last night, the Victoria Royals were shutout by the visiting Kamloops Blazers on a sunday afternoon. Jared Rathjen was given his 1st start of the season and Patrik Polivka was given a rest for the night. Rathjen stopped 36 of 39 shots and played well in between the pipes. Brady Gaudet put the Blazers up 1-0 after the 1st period, follwed by Rob Trzonkowski late in the 2nd, and Colin Smith put the nail in the coffin half-way through the 3rd. The Royals suffered their first loss of the season, but they're progress so far this season is nothing short of inspiring. Brandon Magee was all over the ice tonight, causing turnovers and having multiple chances to score. Tyler Stahl also returned to the line-up, a huge gain for our defense.

  Steven Hodges did not dress for today's game, as he is day-to-day with a lower body injury. Logan Nelson stepped up and had a lot of good chances and was making good passes on the powerplay. Although he didn't score, Joe Hicketts played very well today and is beginning to get in the groove of the WHL. The Royals will host Hunter Shinkaruk and the Medicine Hat Tigers on Wednesday night, The Tigers have won 3 straight and Shinkaruk recorded 4 points (1G, 3A) in his last game against the Regina Pats. This will be the first time we will be hosting a high draft pick for this year's NHL entry draft, as Shinkaruk is coming off a 49 goal campaign last year and even without Emerson Etem, he's still on pace for another explosive season.

-Tyler Bennett

Royals Stay Perfect

  Nobody expected this coming into the season, but there are no complaints regarding the Royals getting off to a 3-0 start to the season. The Royals knocked off the visiting Kamloops Blazers last night by a score of 4-3 in a shootout. The Blazers manhandled the Royals last year in the playoffs, sweeping Victoria in 4 straight games. This was a huge game for the returning players, a shot at redemption after last year's series. The Royals battled back from a 2-0 deficit to take the lead 3-2, before the Blazers tied up the game at 3 a piece late in the 3rd. The overtime period saw no goals, so the game was to be settled in a shootout. Logan Nelson scored the only goal in the shootout and Patrik Polivka made 3 key saves to win the game for the Royals and improve to 3-0 on the campaign.

  The Royals will defend their perfect record tomorrow night at the Barn on Blanshard once again against the Blazers, hoping to go 4-0 to end this weekend's homestand. Brandon Fushimi recorded his 1st WHL point last night on an assist to Bret Cote's PP goal and he did so in his 1st WHL game. Fushimi came out of nowhere this offseason and took over the Royals' rookie camp and battled his way onto the main roster. Fushimi along with Joe Hicketts and Jack Walker are the youngest players on the team, but Fushimi and Hicketts especially are making a huge impact to this team. I'm extremely excited to see what's in store for them in the future.

-Tyler Bennett

Royals Off On The Right Foot

 It doesn't matter what team you are and what expectations you have coming into a season, starting off 2-0 is always a delight as a player, coach, or General Manager of a team. And who else to sweep in the 2 game set than their bitter rivals in the Vancouver Giants, a team that for the most part dominated the Royals last year, especially at the Pacific Colloseum. Royals' GM Cameron Hope is looking like a stud right now, as his offseason deals and aqquisations have been a huge factor in the team's success. Newly aqquired 20 year old Russian sniper Alex Gogolev has seemed to really click with the Royals' offense, and has gelled in well with the rest of the team. Gogolev has recorded 4 points in his first 2 games as a Royal and is also a +3.

 On the back end, there are a couple of new faces worth noting. Selected 12th overall in last year's WHL Bantam Draft, Joe Hicketts has so far lived up to his expectations. Although his defensive game still needs work, Hicketts recorded his 1st WHL goal in just his 2nd game, and has 2 points in 2 games, leading the Royals' defensemen in scoring. Another rookie on the back-end, Kolton Dixon. Dixon hasn't produced much offensively, but he has been shut-down on defense, posting a plus-minus of +3. And the new man between the pipes, Patrik Polivka. Polivka has played consistently well in both the games so far this season and seems to be the bonified #1 for the rest of the season. Polivka has great latteral movement and is very agile, I love his style of play and it seems to be working for him.

As to who will be the captain of this year's edition of the Royals, my money would be on our reigning MVP Jamie Crooks, followed by our veteran defenseman Tyler Stahl and our electrifying center Brandon Magee. But with brand new management, who knows who could be given the "C" for the year. The Royals host the Kamloops Blazers for a double-header this weekend, the games will be on Friday and Sunday night and tickets are already sold out. These will be huge measuring stick  games, as the Blazers are projected to be the top team in the Western Conference this season.

-Tyler Bennett

Intra-Squad Game Results / Notes - Tyler Bennett

Victoria Royals Intra-Squad Game Results

Team White - 5

#	Position	Name	YOB	Goals	Assists	Points
2	D	Brodie Clowes	95	0	0	0
3	D	Kolton Dixon	95	0	2	2
4	D	Jordan Fransoo	93	0	1	1
5	D	Mark Nerland	96	0	0	0
6	C	Steven Hodges	94	0	1	1
7	D	Jesse Zgraggen	93	0	1	1
8	C	Brendon Benson	96	0	0	0
9	F	Sean Davies	95	0	0	0
10	LW	Mitch Deacon	93	2	1	3
11	C	Logan Fisher	95	0	0	0
12	LW	Kaiden Jones	96	0	0	0
13	LW	Taro Hirose	96	1	1	2
14	C	Logan Nelson	93	1	0	1
15	RW	Clay Tait	96	1	0	1
16	RW	Tim Traber	93	0	0	0
17	RW	Ben Walker	93	0	1	1
18	RW	Dakota Conroy	94	0	1	1
?	D	Jack Walker	96	0	0	0

#	Name	YOB	GA
50	Michael Herringer	96	0
51	Jared Rathjen	94	2

Team Black - 2

#	Position	Name	YOB	Goals	Assists	Points
2	D	Brett Cote	94	0	1	1
3	D	Ryan Gagnon	96	0	0	0
4	D	Joe Hicketts	96	0	0	0
5	D	Keegan Kanzig	95	0	0	0
6	D	Kade Pilton	94	1	0	1
7	D	Chazz Reddekopp	97	0	0	0
8	RW	Michael Bell	96	0	0	0
9	LW	Matthew Campese	97	0	0	0
10	RW	Austin Carroll	94	0	1	1
11	LW	Taylor Crunk	95	0	0	0
12	F	Brandon Fushimi	96	1	1	2
13	F	Reid Halabi	95	0	0	0
14	RW	Luke Harrison	95	0	0	0
15	LW	Zane Jones	94	0	0	0
16	C	Regan Nagy	97	0	0	0
17	C	Tyler Soy	97	0	1	1
18	LW	Justin Spagrud	95	0	0	0
19	C	Clay Spencer	95	0	0	0

#	Name	YOB	GA
47	Evan Smith	97	4
48	Coleman Vollrath	95	1

Notables:
White:
Ben Walker - Really improved his work with the puck and is able to use it at full speed.

Steven Hodges - Looked very solid, passing the puck well.

Jordan Fransoo - Really improved his shot, looks a lot more offensive this year.

Mitch Deacon - With 3 points in the game, Mitch played very well all-around. He has a big frame at 6'4 and isn't afraid to throw his weight around either. Coming out of the AJHL, Mitch looks like he could take Soudek's spot in the line-up next year.

Black:
Joe Hicketts - Very explosive, quick feet along with a good breakout pass. His slapshot is also very deadly. His defensive play isn't great, but he paired up well with Brett Cote. I'm expecting Joe to be our 5th/6th man this year.

Brandon Fushimi - Easily the best forward coming out of Rookie Camp, Brandon seems mature for his age. His speed, hands, and overall finish stood out to me. Brandon also has a fairly big frame, so he didn't get knocked around as much. Brandon is contending with Mitch Deacon for that 1 starting line-up spot on the team this year. I could see Brandon also being our 13th forward.

Tyler Soy - Made a great play and showed great patience to pick up an assist on the Kade Pilton goal, but didn't really do much besides that. Got rocked quite a few times, most notably by Logan Nelson early in the game. Tyler always seems in danger of getting crushed and seems scared at times. Hopefully another year of development will give Tyler some more size and confidence.

Coleman Vollrath - Very agile and his post-to-post coverage is top notch, reminds me of Patrik Bartosak from the Red Deer Rebels. Made a huge breakaway stop on Logan Nelson late in the game. In my opinion he was the best goalie tonight.

- Tyler Bennett