A slow start for the Victoria Royals season is now triggering changes with the team.
In a surprising move today, the Victoria Royals announced two significant trades that are set to reshape the team’s roster and future prospects.
The first trade sees the Royals part ways with Kalem Parker and Brayden Schuurman, sending them to the Moose Jaw Warriors.
In return, they acquire promising young forward Ben Riche and a slew of draft picks. The second deal brings talented forward Dawson Pasternak to Victoria, further bolstering the team’s offensive firepower.
The centerpiece of the first trade is Ben Riche, a 2005-born forward who had an impressive rookie season with the Moose Jaw Warriors in 2022-23.
Riche, hailing from Bethune, Saskatchewan, played in 63 games, registering 8 goals and 10 assists for a total of 18 points. Standing at 5’10” and weighing in at 187 pounds, Riche is a dynamic centerman with a bright future in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Riche’s journey to the WHL began when he was drafted 33rd overall in the 2nd round of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. Prior to his time with the Warriors, he showcased his talent with the U18 Regina Pat Canadians (SMAAAHL), where he notched an impressive 60 points in 44 games during the 2021-22 season.
Along with Riche, the Royals have secured five valuable draft picks, including two first-round selections, over the next three seasons.
In exchange for Riche and the draft picks, the Royals bid farewell to two key players who have contributed significantly to the team over the past few seasons.
Parker, an 18-year-old blueliner from Clavet, Saskatchewan, accumulated 157 games with the Royals during his four-year tenure with the team.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old forward Schuurman, who suited up for 134 games between 2019 and 2023, leaves a legacy of 50 goals and 45 assists for 95 points.
Before this pivotal trade, the Royals also acquired the services of forward Dawson Pasternak from the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for a conditional draft pick.
Pasternak, a 2003-born forward, brings an impressive resume to the team, having played 89 WHL games split between the Wheat Kings and the Portland Winterhawks from 2021 to 2023.
During this time, he showcased his offensive prowess by recording 20 goals and 33 assists for a total of 53 points.
Prior to his WHL career, Pasternak was a standout player for the Chicago Steel in the USHL, participating in 86 games over two seasons and helping the team secure the 2020-21 USHL Championship.
Despite standing at 5’9″ and weighing 152 pounds, Pasternak’s speed, skill, and championship-winning experience make him a valuable addition to the Royals’ forward lineup.
The Royals have started the season with four straight losses, with one major blowout on their homeopener which saw them lose 11-2 against the Prince George Cougars.
