This season, the Victoria Royals feature a new face in net, with goalie Shane Farkas looking to solidify a title as king of the crease.
Acquired in the offseason via a trade, the native of Penticton, BC, had played the previous three seasons with the Portland Winterhawks. Now in his final season of the WHL as a 20-year-old, Farkas fills a hole left by the departure of longtime Royals goalie Griffen Outhouse. Along with the overager spot comes a natural leadership role, which includes working with the younger Brock Gould to form Victoria’s goaltending tandem.
The transition to Victoria has been smooth. “Not trying to sound cliche, but it was incredibly easy,” said Farkas. “I came in, and from the moment I walked in the door, I felt at home. It felt like I’d already been on this team for a long time. From the coaching staff for the head office, to the returning players — everyone has been fantastic.”
A big adjustment for every goalie on a new team is the relationship and teachings of different goaltending coaches. The Royals have two mentors on the coaching staff in Dwayne Roloson and Lynden Sammartino.
Roloson, the Royals goaltending and skills coach, played 14 years in the NHL with a total of 606 regular season games and 50 post-season contests. Sammartino, Victoria’s Goaltending Coach since 2015, is also the owner and operator of Lynden Sammartino Goaltending Consulting, where he teaches and develops goaltenders of various skill levels throughout BC.
“They are absolutely fantastic,” said Farkas of his new coaches. “Dwayne [Roloson] was in the NHL for quite some time, which leads to more than just goaltending skills. He’s very knowledgeable on player skills, hockey IQ, and lots of other things. Lynden [Sammartino] and I have known each other a little bit through growing up and playing and in minor hockey in Vancouver. He offers an insight that’s very productive. The two of them build off each other and go from there.”
“We’ve been working on a few little adjustments here and there, but the foundation of his game is very strong,” said Sammartino.
As an overager, Farkas will be called upon for a leadership role for the younger goalies in the franchise, such as Brock Gould and Connor Martin. As well, he will make way should Gould challenge him for the starter’s role this season. It is a situation Farkas is handling by building solid relationships.
“The relationship that we build has to be a good one, and I think we’ve done that so far. Brock’s an awesome guy, as is Marty [Martin]. For my part, it’s almost a brotherly relationship.” Farkas’ experience also comes into play. “I’m picking up where they might not know 100% what to do in a situation or they need tips. Not that I know everything, but I’ve definitely seen some stuff in this league.”
“Brock and Shane have created a great working relationship,” added Sammartino. “I think they’re both going to benefit from it. It is one of those things where it’s always going to be a competition. But it’s got to be a healthy competition where they can both make each other better — be able to push each other in game situations and practices. As well, to be that support system off the ice.”
Having experience in the tough U.S. Division has prepared the 20-year-old for what is likely to be a battle in the B.C. Division this season. Farkas is unfazed by the every game being a big game potential. “At the end of the day, it’s all still hockey. A good thing from my experience playing in the tight U.S. Division means that I am more used to that level of competition. With that, it shouldn’t change from game to game, just go out there and do your best.”
The veteran Farkas also played it cool when asked about facing his former team, the Winterhawks. Asked if he had any dates circled on the calendar, he said, “Honestly, not too much. I take things week by week. Try to take care of the business you have in front of you. Then, reset every couple of days and go on to the next challenge.”
Lastly, with a new team comes the opportunity to sport a new goalie mask, this year done by Victoria artist Travis Michael. Asked what he thought of the final outcome, Farkas said, “Fantastic. Travis and I had good communication and he was really open to some concepts. I threw some ideas his way at the last second, and he had no problem. I really appreciate the work that he’s done for me.”
Royal Proclamations
- The season opener for the Royals did not go as planned, with a 6-0 loss in Everett to the Silvertips. Head coach Dan Price kept things in perspective. “We’re building towards something throughout the course of the year. Your week, your month, and your season are not defined by one game, especially on the first game. But the accountability needs to be internally with each individual player. What can each player do better to execute the systems. So, I think if everybody does that on reflection, win or lose, you’re going to improve the following week.”
- The game in Everett marked the first WHL game for three Royals — Keanu Derungs, Riley Gannon, and Nolan Bentham. For Bentham, it was even more of a unique experience as the defenceman played up as a forward. ”He adapted really well,” said Price postgame. “We practiced him at forward this week for that reason in case we needed to use him there, and the opportunity arose. I thought he did a great job.”
- Former Royals goalie Griffen Outhouse was signed to a pro contract this week by the Manitoba Moose, much to the delight of his former coach Sammartino. “I’m extremely proud. Griff [Outhouse] came in the first year I was here with the Royals, so we got the chance to kind of grow together at this level. To see him finally get the opportunity that I feel he deserved more than most, I couldn’t be more happy for him and his family. I’m looking forward to his future.”
