To say tonight’s shootout win was the perfect end to the Victoria Royals home-opening weekend is a bit of an understatement.
Coming off of a loss against Everett in their very first game of the season, the Royals showed up to their two home games – both versus the visiting Prince George Cougars – with an enthusiasm that rivaled playoff hockey, despite the team only stepping on the ice for a handful of games yet this regular season.
The home-opener on Friday night saw a few different faces amongst a couple of familiar ones, the most notable maybe being Shane Farkas starting as goaltender – following in the footsteps of fan-favourite Griffen Outhouse.
Though the Royals saw themselves down briefly in the first period of Friday’s game, and after returning Royal Sean Gulka dropping the gloves against the Cougars’ Crossley, they ended up prevailing over Prince George with a score of 2-1.
Saturday’s game most definitely saw a bit more back and forth action, tying it up 1-1 in the second period with a goal by Keanu Derungs – his second WHL goal ever in just as many nights.
Carson Miller saw the Royals up 2-1 with only 1:27 remaining in the third, though Schoettler quickly tied the game for the Cougars while on the powerplay with a mere 17 seconds left in the game.
After a scoreless 3-on-3 overtime, the game was decided in a shootout with a goal by none other than Royals’ Gary Haden, with the crowd of Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre roaring on their feet.
The Royals will hit the road after tonight’s spirited win, returning for their next home game on Wednesday, October 9th.
Victoria Royals vs. Everett Silvertips (next home game)
- When: Wednesday, October 9th – puck drop at 7:05 p.m.
- Where: Save on Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- Tickets: Available at the box office, or online
