January 29, 2022

Royals Finish Off Gruelling Two Week Stretch Tonight in Kamloops

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Playing four games in five days is a demanding task for any team, no matter the league or the sport you’re playing. It’s especially tough in a high level, physical game like WHL hockey. Then there’s playing eight games in twelve days, which is what the Victoria Royals had on the schedule to end off the month of January. Combine that with the fact that they’ve been without their captain Tarun Fizer since late last year, and you can see just how difficult a stretch like this would be for any team.

It’s not just the amount of ice time that can get taxing for the players, but the travel as well. To start this stretch, the Royals played back-to-back games in Prince George on last Tuesday and Wednesday. Victoria played hard but couldn’t get the offence going in in either game and ultimately lost by scores of 5-3 and 4-1. After having one day off to travel home, they were back on the ice in Victoria for another pair of consecutive games against Vancouver and Everett.

The Giants were hungry to make a statement against the Royals, who have dominated the season series so far, and they were able to ice a close game with an empty net tally making it 4-2 late in the third. After playing three games in four nights, the Royals were up against the division leading Everett Silvertips the next night. The teams were close after two periods, but Everett was able to extend their lead early in the frame and never looked back, eventually winning 5-3. Despite the two losses, the goaltending for the Royals was solid, as Campbell Arnold made 34 stops against Vancouver and Tyler Palmer saved 39 shots versus Everett.

After two days with no games on Sunday and Monday, the Royals hosted the Rockets for their third set of back to back games in nine days. Tuesday night was another close game in which Campbell Arnold was able to make 33 saves while Bailey Peach had two goals. The team went past overtime to their first shootout of the season but were ultimately bested by the Rockets and lost 4-3. The next night, Victoria showed some great resiliency by coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the third but were then beaten again in a heartbreaker as Kelowna scored with just under 2 minutes to go in regulation. It certainly felt as though the team deserved more for their efforts, especially considering Tyler Palmer was the game’s first star.

Finally, the Royals travelled up to Kamloops for last night and tonight’s matchups against the Kamloops Blazers, another formidable division rival. This trip will also mark their fourth pair of back to back games in twelve days. After tonight, Victoria will finally get the chance to take a break, as their next meeting won’t be until next Friday in Everett. This twelve day, eight game stretch is the busiest part of the schedule for the team this season, and although they haven’t had the success they were hoping for, the upcoming week will prove to be a great opportunity to get some rest and get a little healthier. These will be things the Royals need as they head into February and start to get into the last third of the season, hoping to make a push for the playoffs.

For tickets to upcoming Royals games, visit the Victoria Royals ticketing page or call the Select Your Ticket box office at 250-220-7777.

The Royals are also offering two holiday ticket packages for fans this season. Buy four vouchers for $70 or six for $100 and receive a special Royals gift. This offer is valid until January 31, 2021.

Follow the Royals on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok and visit our website to find out more about ticket sales and the latest news on the team. To get all your Royals news in one place, download the new Royals app available on both Apple and Google stores.