Victoria Royals coverage presented by:
If you’re looking for game day eats, Domino’s has you covered! Whether it’s pre-game fuel or post-game celebrations, you can easily order online today and score 25% off on delicious pizza, wings, and more. Enjoy the game with Domino’s!
The Victoria Royals have officially named defenceman Justin Kipkie as the ninth captain in the team’s history.
Kipkie, who is entering his third full season with the Royals, will lead a leadership group that includes three assistant captains: Nate Misskey, Reggie Newman, and Cole Reschny.
Kipkie, born in 2005 in Calgary, Alberta, was drafted 160th overall in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes (Utah Hockey Club).
View this post on Instagram
In his 142 regular-season games with the Royals, he has made a significant impact, scoring 24 goals and contributing 61 assists for a total of 85 points.
“It became clear last season that Justin is very respected by his peers and is looked to as one of the leading voices on the team,” said Royals’ Head Coach James Patrick. “He plays the game with passion and leads by example.”
Nate Misskey, entering his third full season, will don an “A” as an assistant captain. Drafted in the fifth round (143rd overall) by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft, Misskey had a productive season in 2023-24, scoring seven goals and assisting on 27 others for a total of 34 points in just 44 games.
Reggie Newman, also wearing an “A,” is entering his fourth full season with the Royals. He comes off a career year, posting impressive numbers with 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points in 64 games.
Cole Reschny, who is entering his second season with the Royals, will join the leadership group wearing another “A.”
Reschny had a standout rookie season, tallying 21 goals and 38 assists for 59 points in 61 games. This past summer, he represented Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he tied for the lead in scoring and helped secure a gold medal.
Kipkie will replace Gannon Laroque, the former captain of the Royals, who did not return to the team for the 2023-24 season primarily due to a lower-body injury that significantly hindered his performance last year.
After undergoing hip surgery last summer, Laroque has since signed with the Wichita Thunder in the ECHL, which is affiliated with the San Jose Sharks.
The Royals kicked off their season opener on September 20th and are currently first in the Western Conference after starting the season 3-0-1.
As the Royals embark on a new season, Kipkie and his leadership team look poised to guide the team with passion and dedication.
The Royals next home game is on Friday, October 11th.
