Blazers Defeat Royals 3-1 in Tight Saturday Night Contest
October 9, 2022 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Victoria Royals News Release
Victoria Blazers’ Caedan Bankier versus Victoria Royals’ Justin Kipkie
(Victoria Royals)
Kamloops, B.C. – Forward Kaden Hammel would provide the game-winning goal late in the first period as the Kamloops Blazers outlasted the Victoria Royals en route to a 3-1 victory on Saturday.
The game also saw Kamloops (3-1-0-0) goaltender Michael Schnattinger earn his first career WHL victory, recording 17 saves on 18 shots.
Victoria (0-7-0-0) forward Matthew Hodson would count the only goal for his team in the contest, scoring a game-tying goal midway through the first period. The Saskatoon, SK product has scored goals in back-to-back games and is now tied for the team lead in with two goals on the year.
It was also an impressive night for goaltender Tyler Palmer, who stood strong against a talented Blazers lineup, making 39 of 41 stops in the defeat.
“We’re looking much more like ourselves now. We’re seeing a very high level of competition, commitment and effort. This is an extremely committed group which is battling some adversity right now with some injuries and absences, and of course this has been a grueling road trip but the team’s growth from it is evident,” said General Manager and Head Coach Dan Price. “The big keys tonight were special teams and shot volume. Certainly, having two power plays to Kamloops’ six tipped the shot totals in their favour. One area where we will improve, though, is shooting more quickly when we get the puck, and shooting to certain areas of the net and net front to create secondary chances.”
“If we get more pucks to net, and close more shot lanes ourselves, we have the ability to swing the score line to our favour. That will be a big focus for us on Tuesday. Obviously, I’m very proud of the group’s effort and I know they’ll be completely committed taking a step forward in these areas this week. We’re excited to get back to Victoria and our great fans for these upcoming home games.”
Kamloops forward Daylan Kuefler (1) would open the scoring on the powerplay at 3:29 of the first period to hand the Blazers and 1-0 advantage early in the game.
Victoria would respond near the midpoint of the frame, with Hodson (2) counting his second goal in as many nights to even the score at 1-1 at the 12:23 mark.
However, the Blazers would retake the lead in the dying minutes of the first on another powerplay marker, this time courtesy of forward Kaden Hammel (1) at 19:02.
The second period would pass without any scoring and the game would head to the third with Kamloops holding onto a 2-1 lead.
The third period would see the Royals generate a number of chances to tie the game, however an empty net goal by forward Caeden Bankier (3) at the 19:33 would secure the 3-1 win for his team and complete the two-game weekend sweep.
Kamloops will take the next six days off as they prepare for a US road trip that will see them take on the Tri-City Americans and Portland Winterhawks next weekend.
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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