Royals Fall 3-2 to ICE Despite Late-Game Comeback Bid
Hockey

Royals Fall 3-2 to ICE Despite Late-Game Comeback Bid

Liam White

October 18, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Victoria Royals News Release

Victoria Royals' Matthew Hodson in action
Victoria Royals’ Matthew Hodson in action
(Victoria Royals)

Victoria, B.C. – Forward Briley Wood scored the game-winner early in the third period as the Winnipeg ICE fought off a furious third period comeback en route to a 3-2 win over the Victoria Royals on Tuesday at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

The score could have been dramatically different if not for the play of Royals starting goalie Tyler Palmer, who recorded 38 saves on 41 shots in the loss and found himself on the three stars sheet for the second straight game.

Forward Teague Patton also came up big for Victoria (2-8-1-0), recording two points on a goal and an assist while manning the team’s late comeback attempt.

While it was not the final result the 18-year-old or his teammates envisioned, he believes going toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country will inspire confidence in the group going forward:

“I think we can play with anyone in this league,” said Patton postgame. “Showing it out there is an eye-opener for us, and I think we have to put that towards every game we go into this season.”

However, Head Coach Dan Price was quick to remind that there are no moral victories and the team’s goal remains winning, no matter who the opponent:

“Best team in the country or not, that is a game we had an opportunity to win,” said Price postgame. “They played well and deserved to win too but I think we did as well. If we had just executed those fundamentals better, and more consistently…We’re going to look at that as one we could’ve had, should’ve had and we have to get better tomorrow to get one against Vancouver on Saturday.”

Buffalo Sabres first round pick Matthew Savoie was the top scorer for Winnipeg (8-1-0-0), recording a goal and an assist in the win. Meanwhile, starting goalie Dawson Cowan made 19 of 21 stops in the game.

The ICE would strike first on Tuesday, with forward Zach Benson (5) scoring a short-handed marker at the 6:59 mark on a two-on-one chance.

They would double up the lead to start the third, with star forward Matthew Savoie (3) putting one past Palmer at the 40 second mark to give his team a 2-0 lead.

The momentum would remain in Winnipeg’s favour as forward Briley Wood would make it 3-0 for the away side with his first of the year at the 2:48 mark of the third.

The Royals’ fortunes would turn late in regulation as they broke the shutout with a goal by forward Matthew Hodson (5) at the 16:33 mark to cut the ICE lead to 3-1. Forward Teague Patton would count the assist on the goal.

The comeback bid would continue as the clock wound down, with Patton (2) picking up his second point of the night on a goal at the 19:13 mark, assisted by Reggie Newman and Tanner Scott.

With the Winnipeg lead now down to just a single goal Victoria made a desperation push with their net empty, managing to produce several chances to tie it with seconds remaining.

However, they would eventually run out of time and the buzzer would sound with the ICE escaping with a 3-2 victory.

Winnipeg is set to continue their tour of the Western Conference tomorrow night as they take on the Vancouver Giants at the Langley Events Centre.

Meanwhile, the Royals will take the next three days off as they prepare for a divisional matchup with those same Giants, set for 6:05 pm on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in downtown Victoria.

The game will feature a Hocktoberfest theme presented by Tedford Garage Doors and will include a beer garden and a taste of custom German cuisine for adults. For younger Royals fans, they can look forward to trick-or-treating, a costume contest with prizes, and interactive mini games. Tickets can be purchase 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.

Get Your Ticket Packs Now

Multiple ticket packages are available for purchase, including a Family Pack, Prospect Pack, and Molson Ice Seats. Call our ticket office at 250-220-7889, send an email to [email protected] or visit our website to learn more victoriaroyals.com/ticket-promos.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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