The Victoria Royals’ lads have been at it nearly every day for four months now, and it’s time they’ve taken a well-earned Christmas rest.
But not before they battle the Vancouver Giants tonight at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
Phillips & Soy vs. Ronning & Benson
Saturday’s tilt will feature top WHL offensive talent, as the Royals’ Matthew Phillips and Tyler Soy go head-to-head against Vancouver’s Ty Ronning and Tyler Benson.
Matthew Phillips, C, Victoria Royals
Phillips has gone slightly cold as of late, with points in just 2 of his last 5 games (2g, 1a). Don’t let that fool you though. The diminutive forward impacts every game with his tireless work ethic, and typically has had tremendous success against the Giants.
In 5 matchups against Vancouver this season, Phillips has 6 goals and 4 assists.
Last 10 games: 5 goals, 4 assists.
Tyler Soy, C, Victoria Royals
Soy recently took sole possession of the franchise lead in points, and is closing in on another significant milestone. The playmaking center is just three assists away from tying the franchise record for assists, trailing former Royal Jack Walker. Soy has been hot lately, riding a mini 4-game point streak (2g, 5a), and has launched 23 shots on goal over his last 7 games.
Last 10 games: 5 goals, 7 assists.
Ty Ronning, RW, Vancouver Giants
Royals fans should be familiar with Ty Ronning by now, a 5’9″ winger who has been a focal point for the last three years with the Giants. He’s taken his game to a new level this year, however, with 29 goals in 32 games – good for 4th in the entire league. Ronning will shoot at any opportunity, evidenced by his 170 shots on goal, which is the second most in the WHL.
Last 10 games: 7 goals, 3 assists. (Prior to last night’s game)
Tyler Benson, LW, Vancouver Giants
If you’re an Edmonton Oilers fan, this game might be of particular interest to you. Tyler Benson was Edmonton’s 2nd round choice (32nd overall) in 2016, and though he has been plagued by injuries, his impact is tremendous. Benson has been on fire since the first week of November, registering at least a point in 13 of his last 16 games. Like his teammate Ronning, Benson shoots at every opportunity; there hasn’t been a single game this year where he’s taken less than two shots on goal.
Last 10 games: 8 goals, 9 assists. Update: He notched a goal and an assist in last night’s tilt against the Royals.
Victoria Royals vs. Vancouver Giants
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
- When: Saturday, December 16th, 7:05pm puck drop.
- Tickets: Get ’em here!
