After a B.C. division road trip, Victoria is back home for four games in five nights. This week is the last WHL action Victoria fans will see until the team returns mid-January.
The Victoria Royals make their last home stand before leaving for three weeks, and it is big one. It is make or break time for the Royals, as their hot start to the season evaporated. Although still a game above .500, Victoria has gone winless in its last four games, and 3-6-1-0 over its last 10. Their division standing is being challenged by rivals Kelowna and Kamloops, as both those teams have shaken out of their early funks. Playoff and wild card standing are also a concern, as the US Division continues to look stronger than its Conference partner to the north.
Hot ‘Hawks roll in to face the Royals
First up is a pair of games against the Portland Winterhawks. Portland is coming in hot, winning their past four in a row while outscoring their opponents 26-6 during that streak. Portland took a pair of games in November at home against the Royals, by scores of 7-3 and then 2-1. The Winterhawks will be without Cody Glass and his 54 points in 26 games, as he attends Team Canada selection camp, coincidentally also being held in Victoria this week. However, Portland always plays well against Victoria, and even without Glass they will a big test for the Royals.
To be successful, Victoria will need to find it’s offense and earn some puck luck. The chances have been there for the Royals, but they have not been able to capitalize in recent games.
“We’ve had good opportunities,” said Kaid Oliver. ” It’s just a matter of the puck having to bounce once in our favour and I think it will just start rolling from there.” Griffen Outhouse continues to be heavily relied upon to keep the team in games, and he looked fantastic after his return to action last Friday. Backstopped by Outhouse, Victoria has shutout the opposition four of the last six periods of action.
Players to watch
- Jared Freadrich – D (Portland): the former Royal makes his return to Victoria. Freadrich is having a career season with 26pts in 29 games so far this season
- Shane Farkas – G (Portland): top 10 in WHL stats, the goaltender from Penticton B.C. has 17 of Portland’s 18 wins this season
- Dante Hannoun, Ralph Jarratt & Griffen Outhouse- (Victoria): the Royals three 20-year-old players will need to lead their teammates out of the slump and set the tone for the week
A quick look past Portland has the Royals facing the Prince George Cougars Friday and the Vancouver Giants on Saturday. Saturday will be the Royals Teddy Bear Toss night and the likely capacity crowd will look to spirit their team past the division first place Giants.
Schultz is Ready to Represent
For the second year in a row, Royals forward Phillip Schultz will be playing in the World Junior Championships. Schultz will play for his native Denmark and will play in “Group A” with games in Vancouver.
“It’s the biggest honour to play in my national colours,” said Schultz.
Playing in a group with Canada, Russia, Czech Republic and Switzerland, Schultz knows the competition will be tough.
“We know every year that Denmark has to work harder than the other nations if we want to win. I don’t think it’s any secret if you look at the standings who’s the top teams, so we’re going to have to work. If we’re going to be the team that works the hardest on the ice we will win.” added Schultz.
Kustra switches Blades for Royals
Victoria and the Saskatoon Blades made a trade on Monday, with the Royals acquiring 19-year-old defenceman Jake Kustra, along with a seventh round pick in the 2019 WHL bantam draft. In return, Saskatoon picked up a 2019 fourth round selection from Victoria. Les Lazaruk (@bladesvoice) had some insight, writing that as Kustra is now healthy and returning to the lineup, the Blades had a cluttered blueline of nine d-men.
Kustra was drafted by Saskatoon 34th overall in 2014 and has appeared in 169 WHL games over four seasons. During that time, he has 31 points and collected 222 penalty minutes.
With the move the Royals have added another veteran to the blueline, who has a little “sandpaper” to help clear the net in front of Outhouse.
Thanks to @BladesHockey and the city of Saskatoon for everything over the past 4 years. Thanks to the fans, coaches, great teammates and billets that have supported me, it was greatly appreciated! Excited to get things rolling with @victoriaroyals pic.twitter.com/CaDjdHeDX4
— Jake kustra (@kustra_99) December 10, 2018
