The Victoria Royals will host their final home game of October this Saturday against the Vancouver Giants.
The puck will drop at 6:05 p.m. at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
Victoria has been playing inspiring hockey of late, winning six of their last eight games, while scoring at least four goals in all but two of those matchups.
They’ve turned the corner on their 0-4-0-0 start with ferocity and are heading into November with their best October record in years, at 6-2-0-0.
The Giants, meanwhile, have just a single victory in their last six games and will be coming to town eager to find the win column.
Here are a few keys to the game.
Victoria Royals need to stay out of the penalty box
Even though Halloween is just around the corner, and devilish behavior is encouraged this time of year, the Royals need to reduce the number of power plays they are granting to their opponents.
They have spent a considerable amount of time in the penalty box this year, accumulating the most penalty minutes in the league with 236. Only one other team, the Brandon Wheat Kings, has accrued over 200 penalty minutes.
The Giants have had trouble scoring goals so far this season, and the Royals should not assist them in that department. They are an offensively challenged team thus far, and taking careless penalties will only provide them with an opportunity to gain momentum and confidence.
There’s no reason to offer any assistance to a team that is struggling to score.
Timely, consistent goaltending will be key
The Vancouver Giants haven’t scored many goals this year, but they have also played decent defense, thanks to a veteran blue line and the overaged goaltender Brett Mirwald.
The Giants are scoring 3.11 goals per game and allowing 4.00 goals per game.
Meanwhile, Victoria plays a much higher-event style of hockey, scoring 3.83 goals per game but also allowing 4.75 goals per game. Some of that is inflated from the 16 goals that Prince George scored in two games against the Royals back in September, but head coach Dan Price is no doubt looking to improve the team’s defensive metrics.
That’s where goaltending comes into play. Jaden Kraus is likely to get the start, given the fact he’s started 5 of the last 6 games. But Braden Holt might get the call if Kraus plays on the Vancouver side of this weekend’s home-and-home set.
Regardless, goaltenders can be heroes in hockey, standing on their heads and completely stealing games. Against Vancouver, that shouldn’t be necessary. It will be more about timing, stymying the opposition on the counter-attack, and keeping the puck out at critical moments of the game.
Victoria should control the play, and the goaltending will need to stay sharp.
A bit of love for the Royals offence
As mentioned, the Royals are scoring abundantly, averaging nearly four goals per game.
In the month of October, they’re absolutely on fire, scoring at a clip of 4.63 goals per game. It’s been an impressive offensive run for a team that has struggled in that department over the past few seasons, led by the Royals’ drafted and developed players Tanner Scott and Nate Misskey.
Scott scored roughly half a point per game last year, but he has exploded early on this year with 5 goals and 17 points in 12 games. He’s a speedy playmaker who has really clicked with the all-around game of Czech import Robin Sapousek.
Sapousek has 13 points in 12 games, including 8 goals, tied for 8th in the league.
Misskey, on the other hand, is third in the league among defensemen with 16 points in 13 games, seamlessly taking over for Kalem Parker since he was traded. Misskey was recently rated as a player to watch for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in June, and his current form will certainly help that. He’s been brilliant from the blue line.
Related:
- Two Victoria Royals defenders named as players to watch for the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft
- Victoria Royals hosting Halloween festivities including trick-or-treating this weekend
Cole Reschny, meanwhile, has picked up the pace of late, with 3 goals and 11 points in 12 games. He’s riding a 7-game point streak, tallying 2 goals and 10 points over that span. He’s clicked well with Dawson Pasternak (10 points in 6 games) since he came over via trade, and with that, the Royals have two lines they can rely on for offense.
It’s still early, and the Royals can’t be satisfied with anything. They’re only a .500 hockey club (6-6-0-0) after all.
But they’re playing with a togetherness that has been missing for a few years, and it’s certainly fun to watch.
Halloween fun is happening at the Royals
Now onto the fun fan experience. The Victoria Royals are thrilled to present a very special Halloween game this Saturday.
Not only will you get your WHL hockey fix, but you’ll be able to participate in a number of Halloween activities around the rink!
So, gather your little ghouls and goblins and enter in an all-ages costume contest, trick or treat at different spots throughout the arena, and enjoy season-specific music for an eerily good time.
That’s not all! To emphasize their commitment to creating a fantastic family night out, there’s a Family 4 Pack ticket special that you can grab.
For $75 you can get four tickets, four hot dogs, and a large bucket of deliciously buttery popcorn! Any additional tickets can be added for $18.75 each and will include an additional hotdog.
General admission ticket cost will vary depending on seat selection and those can be purchased here.
Victoria Royals vs. Vancouver Giants Halloween Game
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: Saturday, October 28th, doors open at 5 p.m., puck drops at 6:05 p.m.
