Monday 29 February 2016

Recap: VIC 6 - EDM 1





Jack Walker scored twice and Tyler Soy had 3 points as the visiting Victoria Royals (43-16-3-3, 92pts) upended the Edmonton Oil Kings 6-1 Monday afternoon.

Hicketts had a goal and assist
“I liked the fact that we got the lead early, and were able to play our game,” said Head Coach Dave Lowry,

The Royals win their 6th in a row, and with points in 7 straight, move into top spot in the WHL, one ahead of the Rockets.

“These guys have worked hard all year, and are deserving of it.” Said Lowry

Victoria struck early on Hockey Hooky day, and built up period leads of 3-1 and 6-1.

“We did a good job of being ready early, and giving ourselves a opportunity to play with the lead most of the night.”

The Royals went 2 for 5 on the power play, and struck once short handed.  The Oil Kings were shut down on both their man advantages.

Victoria out shot Edmonton 31-25 with Coleman Vollrath earning the win, and Patrick Dea taking the loss.

It was an early start 11:30am local time, but the Royals were ready to go with Joe Hicketts scoring just :26 seconds in.

Walker added to the lead burying a rebound before 5 minutes were up.

Victoria native, Dysin Mayo cut the lead to 2-1 for Edmonton, but Jared Dmytriw scored short handed after a great set up by Soy to retake the 2 goal lead, 3-1.

The Royals added back to back power play goals in the second by Soy and Bobylev to jump to a 5-1 lead.  Walker split the defense to score top corner for his second of the night and 29th of the year, to round out the scoring.

“Alberta’s been really good to us,” said Walker after winning 3 games in 4 days.  The Royals had beaten Calgary and Red Deer by identical 6-2 scores.

The Oil Kings wore Alternates
“We had everyone tonight, played a full 60 minutes and just didn’t stop – didn’t give up.”

The club wins the season series 3-0. 

Soy had a goal and two assists, Hicketts had a goal and an assist, while Ryan Gagnon chipped in with a pair of helpers.

Soy tied the Royals goal record held by Austin Carroll at 38.

Alex Forsberg tied the Royals scoring record held by Carroll at 77pts, and with his helper sets the clubs assist record at 53, previously held by Hicketts – who scored the goal on the play.

“It’s pretty cool how it works out like that,” said Forsberg,

“It’s special for me as I’ve moved around quite a bit in my career, and it’s nice to plant some roots here – I’ve been really happy in Victoria.”

Victoria has the best record in the league in 2016 at 20-4-3 since Jan. 1, and 43-16-3-3 overall.  The Royals wrap up the month of February with a 12-1-1-0 record.

Victoria concludes the 4 game trip Friday night in Vancouver at 7:30.

- Marlon Martens

Victoria Royals 6 at Edmonton Oil Kings 1 - Status: Final
Monday, February 29, 2016 - Rexall Place - Edmonton, AB

Victoria 3 3 0 - 6
Edmonton 1 0 0 - 1

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Hicketts 8 (Forsberg, Price), 0:26.
2, Victoria, Walker 28 (Walford, Gagnon), 4:54.
3, Edmonton, Mayo 6 (Bauer), 11:01.
4, Victoria, Dmytriw 11 (Soy, Gagnon), 13:29 (SH).

Penalties-Pachal Vic (delay of game), 12:29.

2nd Period-
5, Victoria, Soy 38 (Phillips, Hicketts), 6:34 (PP).
6, Victoria, Bobylev 23   9:05 (PP).
7, Victoria, Walker 29 (Soy), 17:39.

Penalties-served by Roach Edm (too many men), 5:17; Gorda Edm (tripping), 7:54.

3rd Period- No Scoring.

Penalties-Gagnon Vic (delay of game), 0:34; Klatt Edm (boarding), 7:54; Bauer Edm (high sticking), 8:31; Pollock Edm (tripping), 16:30.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 15-10-6-31.
Edmonton 9-8-8-25.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 2 / 5; Edmonton 0 / 2.

Goalies-
Victoria, Vollrath 29-13-0-2 (25 shots-24 saves).
Edmonton, Dea 17-19-3-1 (31 shots-25 saves).

A-12,220
Referees-Fraser Lawrence (10), Derek Zalaski (8).
Linesmen-Deion Foster (128), Jory Lutzmann (143).