Royals Fall 5-2 on Friday Night to Blazers
October 8, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Victoria Royals News Release
Victoria Royals versus Kamloops Blazers
(Victoria Royals)
Kamloops, B.C. – Forward Caeden Bankier scored the game winner five minutes into the second period to lead the Kamloops Blazers over the Victoria Royals 5-2 on Friday.
Kamloops (2-1-0-0) also benefited from a big game from forward Dylan Sydor, who led the team with two points on a goal and an assist. Goaltender Dylan Ernst stood strong in net, making 23 saves on 25 shots.
Forwards Matthew Hodson and Tanner Scott would pick up their first goals of the year for Victoria (0-6-0-0), while starting goalie Campbell Arnold made 31 of 36 saves in the defeat.
“Campbell Arnold was exceptional right from the opening faceoff and he made several key saves as we were pushing to tie the game in the third period. The power play created several quality chances and Morgan Klimchuk did an excellent job preparing our penalty killers, who were also excellent,” said General Manager and Head Coach Dan Price.
“Overall, our aggression and puck strength really improved over the course of the game, and we got to a level we’ve been searching for in these first few games of the season. There were some lapses, but we’re starting to see the game control our team can have when all six players on the ice are playing with strength, aggression, structure, discipline and a net-first focus. The goal tomorrow will be for all twenty players in the lineup to bring an even higher level in those areas for all sixty minutes – or more – whatever it takes to win.”
Royals forward Tanner Scott would give his team an early lead with his first goal of the season on the powerplay at 5:19 of the first, with defenceman Kalem Parker and forward Carter Briltz would count the assists.
However, the Blazers would soon tie the game at 1-1 on a goal by forward Dylan Sydor (1) at the 8:35 mark. Kamloops would strike again later in the frame on a marker by forward Emmitt Finnie to head at 12:42, putting them up 2-1 as the game entered the second period.
The Blazers would keep coming in the second, with forward Caeden Bankier (2) scoring at the 5:05 mark to put his team 3-1 as the game entered its second half.
The Royals would pull back within one late in the second period on a goal by Matthew Hodson (1) at the 19:28 mark. Forward Riley Gannon and defenceman Wyatt Wilson would record assists on the play.
However, the Blazers would add two more in the third on goals by Connor Levis (2) at 13:03 and Ethan Brantwood (2) at 17:39 to secure a 5-2 victory.
The two teams will reset for their final game before the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow night, Saturday, Oct. 8, with puck drop set for 7 pm at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops.
The next set of home games for the Royals will take place on October 11 and 12 against the Kelowna Rockets for Industry Night brought to you by Granville Island Brewing and will feature $5 beers all night. Tickets are available at selectyourtickets.com.
Follow the Royals on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, TikTok and visit victoriaroyals.com to find out more about ticket sales and to learn the latest news about the team.
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Season Ticket packages for the 2022-2023 season are on sale now. Benefits include access to our flexible “Never Wasted Ticket” exchange policy, first opportunity on giveaway items, choice of best seats, and much more! Call our ticket office at 250-220-7889 or send an email to [email protected] for more info or to set up an appointment to view availability.
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