August 31, 2012

4 • WHL VICTORIA ROYALS

Friday, August 31, 2012 - VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW WESTSHORE CENTRE

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Season tickets start art at just $414 for 36 games, plus first right ht of refusal for playoff off Last year the games, making this his Victoria Royals recorded seven an ideal option for fans sell-out games, looking to save on games ames beginning with and secure favourite seats.

In addition, season ticket opening night! holders enjoy exclusive gifts and invites to team functions, team updates, early entrance to home games and raincheck nights for unused tickets.

Other ticket options, including mini-packs, vouchers and individual game tickets are now on sale. “We’re building on the success of last season’s ticket packages,” Mazur explains, pointing to the Prospects Pack as an example. This popular package includes a series of games featuring teams with some of the league’s hot prospects, as well as the Subway Super Series game between the WHL stars and their Russian counterparts, hosted at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre Nov. 15.

“We like to say we have a ticket package to suit the needs of any hockey fan.” For details, visit www.victoriaroyals.com or call 250-220-7889.

Major Midgets join the Royals family Vancouver Island’s South Island Major Midget team has made a Royal connection, signing a three-year agreement with BC Hockey and the Victoria Royals.

The former South Island Thunderbirds will be renamed and rebranded as the South Island Royals this season, allowing the Royals to develop players in the Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island region for future participation in the WHL. “We are very pleased to have partnered with BC Hockey,” said General Manager Cameron Hope. “Helping in the development of hockey

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Friday, Sept. 21 Saturday, Sept. 22 Friday, Sept. 28 Sunday, Sept. 30 Wednesday, Oct. 3 Friday, Oct. 5 Saturday, Oct. 6 Sunday, Oct. 7 Wednesday, Oct. 10 Friday, Oct. 12 Saturday, Oct. 13 Thursday, Oct. 18 Tuesday, Oct. 23 Friday, Oct. 26 Saturday, Oct. 27 Friday, Nov. 2 Saturday, Nov. 3 Wednesday, Nov. 7 Friday, Nov. 9 Saturday, Nov. 10 Friday, Nov. 16 Saturday, Nov. 17 Tuesday, Nov. 20 Friday, Nov. 23 Saturday, Nov. 24 Tuesday, Nov. 27 Friday, Nov. 30 Saturday, Dec. 1 Wednesday, Dec. 5 Saturday, Dec. 8 Tuesday, Dec. 11 Friday, Dec. 14 Saturday, Dec. 15 Friday, Dec. 28 Saturday, Dec. 29 Wednesday, Jan. 2 Friday, Jan. 4 Saturday, Jan. 5 Wednesday, Jan. 9 Friday, Jan. 11 Saturday, Jan. 12 Tuesday, Jan. 15 Wednesday, Jan. 16 Friday, Jan. 18 Saturday, Jan. 19 Friday, Jan. 25 Saturday, Jan. 26 Tuesday, Jan. 29 Thursday, Jan. 31 Friday, Feb. 1 Saturday, Feb. 2 Tuesday, Feb. 5 Wednesday, Feb. 6 Friday, Feb. 8 Sunday, Feb. 10 Wednesday, Feb. 13 Friday, Feb. 15 Saturday, Feb. 16 Sunday, Feb. 17 Friday, Feb. 22 Saturday, Feb. 23 Wednesday, Feb. 27 Friday, March 1 Saturday, March 2 Tuesday, March 5 Wednesday, March 6 Friday, March 8 Saturday, March 9 Sunday, March 10 Tuesday, March 12 Friday, March 15 Saturday, March 16

Victoria @ Vancouver, 7:30 p.m.

Vancouver @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Kamloops @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Kamloops @ Victoria, 1:05 p.m.

Medicine Hat @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Spokane, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Tri Cities, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Vancouver, 4 p.m.

Victoria @ Kamloops, 7 p.m.

Kelowna @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Kelowna @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Calgary @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Brandon @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Vancouver, 7:30 p.m.

Victoria @ Kamloops, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Portland, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Portland, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Lethbridge, 6 p.m.

Victoria @ Calgary, 6 p.m.

Victoria @ Medicine Hat, 6:30 p.m.

Everett @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Regina @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Saskatoon @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Prince George @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Prince George @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Moose Jaw @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Prince George, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Prince George, 7 p.m.

Vancouver @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Swift Current @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Seattle, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Red Deer, 6:30 p.m.

Victoria @ Edmonton, 6 p.m.

Prince George @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Prince George @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.

Tri Cities @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Tri Cities @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Everett, 7:35 p.m.

Victoria @ Seattle, 7:05 p.m.

Kamloops @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Kamloops @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Vancouver, 7:30 p.m.

Victoria @ Kamloops, 7 p.m.

Vancouver @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Vancouver @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Prince Albert @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Prince George, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Prince George, 7 p.m.

Seattle @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Seattle @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Tri Cities, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Spokane, 6:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Kootenay, 6 p.m.

Victoria @ Red Deer, 6:30 p.m.

Victoria @ Calgary, 6 p.m.

Victoria @ Edmonton, 3 p.m.

Kelowna @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Kelowna @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Lethbridge @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Spokane @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Spokane @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Kamloops, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.

Vancouver @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Vancouver, 7 p.m.

Portland @ Victoria, 5:05 p.m.

Portland @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Everett @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Everett, 7:05 p.m.

ROYALS LAUNCH SECOND SEASON The Victoria Royals are poised to embark on their second season, with exhibition play getting under way in Kamloops Aug. 30.

Following four games on PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE: the road in Kamloops, Maple Friday, Aug. 31 Kamloops @ Victoria, Maple Ridge, 7:05 p.m.

Ridge and Kelowna, fans will Kelowna @ Victoria, Maple Ridge, 7:05 p.m. get to see their boys in blue Friday, Sept. 7 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Saturday, Sept 8 Victoria @ Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Vancouver, 5 p.m.

Centre Sept. 15, in a home- Friday, Sept 14 and-home series with the Saturday, Sept. 15 Vancouver @ Victoria, 2:05 p.m.

Vancouver Giants.

After starting their 2012-13 season in Vancouver Sept. 21, the Royals will kick off their 2012-13 home schedule Sept. 22 when they host the Vancouver Giants at Save-On-Foods. can. The team will also face Spokane, Kootenay, The longest home stretch for the Royals will run Red Deer and Calgary before ending the trip on from Nov. 16 to 27 when the team hosts six games on Feb. 17 in Edmonton. the Island.

Among the season highlights will be the reThe Royals will embark on their longest road trip of turn of the Subway Super Series Nov. 15 when the season Feb. 8, kicking off the nine-day, seven-game the WHL’s best take on the Russians in a crossjourney in Kennewick, Wa. versus the Tri-City Ameri- Canada series.

Don Denton photo

Other dates to note: Magnet Schedule giveaway, Sept. 28; Skate with Players, Sept. 30; Winter Driving Awareness, Nov. 16; Marty’s Birthday, Nov. 17; Teddy Bear Toss, Dec. 8; Pink in the Rink, Jan. 26; Canadian Forces Appreciation, Feb. 23; Skate with Players, March 10; Fan Appreciation Night, March 15.

Season 2 looks bright for boys in blue New coach and GM bring NHL experience and passion for the game

By Jennifer Blyth Victoria’s WHL team is poised to launch its second season with a hockey leadership hat trick: knowledge and experience matched by a love for the game.

Joining the Victoria Royals in the off-season was general manager Cameron Hope, who comes to the Royals after seven years with the New York Rangers’ management team, serving as Assistant General Manager since 2007. The Edmonton native obtained his law degree from the University of Alberta in 1988 and – of interest to local racing fans – has also spent time as a professional race car driver and a performance-driving instructor.

“We are very pleased to have been able to attract an experienced and

quality person such as Cam,” says Royals owner Graham Lee. “I believe he will be a very strong addition to our team and will bring his NHL experience at the highest level in developing players and providing an environment for players to succeed.”

The 48-year-old will oversee the day-to-day management of team operations, all player personnel decisions as well as the team’s scouting department.

“I am excited for the opportunity and happy to be here. Graham’s vision for junior hockey in Victoria, and his commitment to creating a culture of excellence with the Royals, is impressive. I’m honoured to have been given the chance to join the team and I look forward to the challenge,” Hope says. “(Lee) wants to create a model franchise, an orga-

nization that’s a really important part of the community.”

Among Hope’s first moves was selecting Dave Lowry as the second head coach in the team’s history.

Lowry has spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames, working under Brent Sutter and helping guide the team to a 118-90-38 record over that span.

Before the Flames, the 47-yearold was the head coach of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen in 2008-09 when he led the team to a WHL-best 122 points with a 59-9-3-1 regular season record. The team won the Eastern Conference Championship that season before bowing out in six games to the Kelowna Rockets in the Ed Chynoweth Cup finals.

“There were many accomplished and qualified candidates for this position,” Hope says, “but Dave was our clear choice after our first meeting. His experience coupled with

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For goalie Markus Daly, the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft day was full of wonderful surprises.

The Victoria Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ďŹ rst local draft pick was in class at Spectrum Community School when a friend following the draft on his phone Markus Daly suddenly saw Dalyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name appear.

For his name to be associated with the home-town Royals made the moment all the sweeter, says the quiet-spoken goaltender, who spent his 2011-12 year with the Victoria Racquet Club Bantam Team 1.

One of three B.C.-born players chosen among the Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 10 selections, the ďŹ fth-round pick was selected 93rd overall. The 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11, 165 lb netminder, who until last year played with the Victoria Ice Hawks, posted a 1.73 goals against average and was named team MVP at the 2011 Rick Lapointe Memorial Bantam Showcase Tournament. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also been shortlisted for Team BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U16 team.

Though Daly began as a skater in novice, when players were rotated through goaltending to give them a taste for the position, â&#x20AC;&#x153;no one wanted to play, so I just stayed,â&#x20AC;? he remembers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then, by second-year Atom, I was a full-time goalie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like being on the ice the whole time, and the responsibility.â&#x20AC;?

His focus and skills were highly regarded by the Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; scouting staff, said Director of Scouting Garry Pochipinski following the draft. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is a very sound goaltender in all areas that competes hard to make every save.â&#x20AC;?

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SEASON 2 Cont. from previous page

ticular itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s different. The players at that age are young men who was the right person for the posiare growing as people,â&#x20AC;? Hope extion.â&#x20AC;? plains, adding itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also essential Lowry enjoyed a 19-year playfor the Royals to create a proing career that began when he was gram that players want to be a drafted by the Vancouver Canucks part of. in the sixth round (110th overall) of â&#x20AC;&#x153;In professional hockey, winthe 1983 NHL Entry Draft. ning is the goal; in junior hockFor his career, Lowry played for ey, winning is a byproduct of a five NHL teams (Vancouver, St. good program,â&#x20AC;? Lowry says.

Louis, Florida, San Jose and Calâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to get to work and gary) amassing 1,084 games and there are certain things in talkrecording 351 points (164g-187a). ing to the coaches we want to He captained the Calgary Flames make sure we address early. One during the 2001-02 season. thing we can control is the conLowry also played in 111 Standitioning of our hockey team ley Cup playoff games, notching and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to get to work 36 points (16g-20a). As a member early and get our systems in of the 1995-96 Florida Panthers, place,â&#x20AC;? he notes, confident in the Lowry led the team in post-season season ahead.

Don Denton photo scoring with 17 points (10g-7a) and â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a good group of Royals GM Cam Hope brings management guided the Panthers to the Stanley experience with the NHLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New York Rangers and forwards and when I say a good Cup final. a life-long love of the game to his new role in group, I mean that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at the The opportunity to take on a right age â&#x20AC;&#x201C; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re young but Victoria. head coaching role again was apwith experience. pealing after several seasons as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also have young guys at velop kids and hopefully have a positive assistant coach with the Flames. the back end who are going to be expected influence on their lives and career paths,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The timing seemed right,â&#x20AC;? he says. to take the next step,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The prospect of returning to the WHL Lowry says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a development league and â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will be an exciting time for us and in Victoria was an opportunity I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re preparing and developing players hopefully we will take strides in the right pass up. This organization is committed to that hopefully will become NHL players.â&#x20AC;? direction.â&#x20AC;?

That development role is an important doing things properly, and I am looking With the honeymoon phase of the first one for the management staff. forward to the opportunity to work with season over, fans will be expecting more â&#x20AC;&#x153;In junior hockey in parboth Graham and Cam and cononthis year, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just fine with coachtinuing the development of the es and management. franchise to the highest levels. s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our expectation is that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going â&#x20AC;&#x153;This team has a collection on to win,â&#x20AC;? and to do that the team will be of talented players returning ng expected to battle hard each and every and I am eager to start the seaanight. son,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the hockey â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when the players Hope canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward That emphasis on the playyare on the ice in training camp, at practice, in to the first game in the arena, when the ers is key to Lowryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coaching ng games and in the playoffs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best part place is full. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to the philosophy. of it,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The very ďŹ rst thing I did in New first puck drop and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward Coaching at the WHL level evel York was join a menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s league. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a life-long to the first goal.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;provides an opportunity to ded love affair with hockey.â&#x20AC;?

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WHL VICTORIA ROYALS â&#x20AC;˘ 3

VICTORIA NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ OAK BAY NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ SAANICH NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE â&#x20AC;˘ PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, August 31, 2012

Two Royals get noticed in NHL Entry Draft

By Jennifer Blyth Two U.S. NHL teams had Royal Blue in their sites during this summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft in Pittsburgh, Penn., and for two Victoria players, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just fine.

Centre Steven Hodges was selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round with the 84th overall pick while Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; centre Logan Nelson was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round, 133rd overall.

Hodges, a Delta, BC native who made franchise history last Sept. 23 when he scored the Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first goal against Vancouver, compiled 46 points (21g-25a) over 72 games Royals centre during the 2011-12 season, his second in the WHL. He Logan Nelson was was the 17th player drafted from the WHL and the 37th selected by the Canadian-born skater selected in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s draft.

Buffalo Sabres in â&#x20AC;&#x153;I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be happier right now,â&#x20AC;? Hodges said following the fifth round of the draft. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The amount of hard work and dedication that the NHL entry draft had to be put forth by my family and teammates throughearlier this year. out the years to help put me in this position is amazing.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just so thrilled to be drafted by the Florida Panthers.â&#x20AC;?

Don Denton photo His 46-point year landed him seventh in team scoring in the regular season before going on to record four assists in four games during the 2012 WHL Playoffs. The 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11, 167lb forward joins the Panthersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organization after being ranked 85th among North American Skaters in NHL Central Scoutingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final rankings.

Hodges earlier attended a development camp with Florida that had brought together the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s draft prospects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a really cool experience and it humbles you because you realize thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a huge opportunity out there,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Selected by the Chilliwack Bruins in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft with the ninth overall pick, the 18-year old made his WHL debut in 2009-10 when he appeared in five games tallying two assists with the Bruins. He was also a member of Team Pacific at the 2011 World Under-17 Challenge, bringing home a bronze medal.

Nelson, an 18-year-old Rogers, MN native, enjoyed a rookie WHL season that saw the centre notch 62 points (24G-39A) over 71 games, numbers that placed him third in team scoring and forget. The Buffalo Sabres are a first-class organization and I am fourth in scoring amongst WHL rookie skaters. The 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;1, 178 lb excited to be a part of their program.â&#x20AC;?

Nelson joins the Sabresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organization after becoming the first forward would go on to record four assists in four games during Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; player to earn an invitation to the NHL Scouting Combine the 2012 WHL Playoffs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is just a special day for my family and me,â&#x20AC;? Nelson said earlier this summer. He had also garnered an invite to the 2012 following the draft. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To see the emotion and reactions on the faces United States National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, of families and friends when I was chosen is a moment Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never New York.

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Joe Hicketts:

one to watch Hoping to secure a place on the Victoria Royals roster as a 16-year-old this year will be Joe Hicketts, the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst draft pick, selected 12th overall in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WHL Bantam Draft.

A defenceman who spent last season with the Okanagan Hockey Academy Midget Prep team, Hicketts had been hoping to be drafted to Victoria or Vancouver, so was thrilled when the Royals called his name, he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when the hard work began.â&#x20AC;?

The Kamloops native got a taste for the WHL when he was called up to play with the team for a game against Kelowna last year, and his dad and grandpa were able to see him in action. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a great experience â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we won the game, too!â&#x20AC;?

It was just one of many experiences the game has offered him.

Named the Captain of Team Canada for the 2012 Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria, Hicketts recorded assists in six games at the Youth Olympics, leading Canada to a Bronze Medal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just like the thrill and excitement of it,â&#x20AC;? he says of his love for the game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a tonne of opportunities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gone to Austria, Russia and Sweden for hockey; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve met people from across the country and the United States and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made friendships.â&#x20AC;?

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For goalie Markus Daly, the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft day was full of wonderful surprises.

The Victoria Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ďŹ rst local draft pick was in class at Spectrum Community School when a friend following the draft on his phone Markus Daly suddenly saw Dalyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name appear.

For his name to be associated with the home-town Royals made the moment all the sweeter, says the quiet-spoken goaltender, who spent his 2011-12 year with the Victoria Racquet Club Bantam Team 1.

One of three B.C.-born players chosen among the Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 10 selections, the ďŹ fth-round pick was selected 93rd overall. The 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11, 165 lb netminder, who until last year played with the Victoria Ice Hawks, posted a 1.73 goals against average and was named team MVP at the 2011 Rick Lapointe Memorial Bantam Showcase Tournament. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also been shortlisted for Team BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U16 team.

Though Daly began as a skater in novice, when players were rotated through goaltending to give them a taste for the position, â&#x20AC;&#x153;no one wanted to play, so I just stayed,â&#x20AC;? he remembers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then, by second-year Atom, I was a full-time goalie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like being on the ice the whole time, and the responsibility.â&#x20AC;?

His focus and skills were highly regarded by the Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; scouting staff, said Director of Scouting Garry Pochipinski following the draft. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is a very sound goaltender in all areas that competes hard to make every save.â&#x20AC;?

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SEASON 2 Cont. from previous page

ticular itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s different. The players at that age are young men who was the right person for the posiare growing as people,â&#x20AC;? Hope extion.â&#x20AC;? plains, adding itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also essential Lowry enjoyed a 19-year playfor the Royals to create a proing career that began when he was gram that players want to be a drafted by the Vancouver Canucks part of. in the sixth round (110th overall) of â&#x20AC;&#x153;In professional hockey, winthe 1983 NHL Entry Draft. ning is the goal; in junior hockFor his career, Lowry played for ey, winning is a byproduct of a five NHL teams (Vancouver, St. good program,â&#x20AC;? Lowry says.

Louis, Florida, San Jose and Calâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to get to work and gary) amassing 1,084 games and there are certain things in talkrecording 351 points (164g-187a). ing to the coaches we want to He captained the Calgary Flames make sure we address early. One during the 2001-02 season. thing we can control is the conLowry also played in 111 Standitioning of our hockey team ley Cup playoff games, notching and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to get to work 36 points (16g-20a). As a member early and get our systems in of the 1995-96 Florida Panthers, place,â&#x20AC;? he notes, confident in the Lowry led the team in post-season season ahead.

Don Denton photo scoring with 17 points (10g-7a) and â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a good group of Royals GM Cam Hope brings management guided the Panthers to the Stanley experience with the NHLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New York Rangers and forwards and when I say a good Cup final. a life-long love of the game to his new role in group, I mean that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at the The opportunity to take on a right age â&#x20AC;&#x201C; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re young but Victoria. head coaching role again was apwith experience. pealing after several seasons as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also have young guys at velop kids and hopefully have a positive assistant coach with the Flames. the back end who are going to be expected influence on their lives and career paths,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The timing seemed right,â&#x20AC;? he says. to take the next step,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The prospect of returning to the WHL Lowry says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a development league and â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will be an exciting time for us and in Victoria was an opportunity I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re preparing and developing players hopefully we will take strides in the right pass up. This organization is committed to that hopefully will become NHL players.â&#x20AC;? direction.â&#x20AC;?

That development role is an important doing things properly, and I am looking With the honeymoon phase of the first one for the management staff. forward to the opportunity to work with season over, fans will be expecting more â&#x20AC;&#x153;In junior hockey in parboth Graham and Cam and cononthis year, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just fine with coachtinuing the development of the es and management. franchise to the highest levels. s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our expectation is that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going â&#x20AC;&#x153;This team has a collection on to win,â&#x20AC;? and to do that the team will be of talented players returning ng expected to battle hard each and every and I am eager to start the seaanight. son,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the hockey â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when the players Hope canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward That emphasis on the playyare on the ice in training camp, at practice, in to the first game in the arena, when the ers is key to Lowryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coaching ng games and in the playoffs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best part place is full. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to the philosophy. of it,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The very ďŹ rst thing I did in New first puck drop and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward Coaching at the WHL level evel York was join a menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s league. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a life-long to the first goal.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;provides an opportunity to ded love affair with hockey.â&#x20AC;?

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WHL VICTORIA ROYALS â&#x20AC;˘ 3

VICTORIA NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ OAK BAY NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ SAANICH NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE â&#x20AC;˘ PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, August 31, 2012

Two Royals get noticed in NHL Entry Draft

By Jennifer Blyth Two U.S. NHL teams had Royal Blue in their sites during this summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft in Pittsburgh, Penn., and for two Victoria players, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just fine.

Centre Steven Hodges was selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round with the 84th overall pick while Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; centre Logan Nelson was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round, 133rd overall.

Hodges, a Delta, BC native who made franchise history last Sept. 23 when he scored the Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first goal against Vancouver, compiled 46 points (21g-25a) over 72 games Royals centre during the 2011-12 season, his second in the WHL. He Logan Nelson was was the 17th player drafted from the WHL and the 37th selected by the Canadian-born skater selected in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s draft.

Buffalo Sabres in â&#x20AC;&#x153;I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be happier right now,â&#x20AC;? Hodges said following the fifth round of the draft. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The amount of hard work and dedication that the NHL entry draft had to be put forth by my family and teammates throughearlier this year. out the years to help put me in this position is amazing.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just so thrilled to be drafted by the Florida Panthers.â&#x20AC;?

Don Denton photo His 46-point year landed him seventh in team scoring in the regular season before going on to record four assists in four games during the 2012 WHL Playoffs. The 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11, 167lb forward joins the Panthersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organization after being ranked 85th among North American Skaters in NHL Central Scoutingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final rankings.

Hodges earlier attended a development camp with Florida that had brought together the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s draft prospects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a really cool experience and it humbles you because you realize thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a huge opportunity out there,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Selected by the Chilliwack Bruins in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft with the ninth overall pick, the 18-year old made his WHL debut in 2009-10 when he appeared in five games tallying two assists with the Bruins. He was also a member of Team Pacific at the 2011 World Under-17 Challenge, bringing home a bronze medal.

Nelson, an 18-year-old Rogers, MN native, enjoyed a rookie WHL season that saw the centre notch 62 points (24G-39A) over 71 games, numbers that placed him third in team scoring and forget. The Buffalo Sabres are a first-class organization and I am fourth in scoring amongst WHL rookie skaters. The 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;1, 178 lb excited to be a part of their program.â&#x20AC;?

Nelson joins the Sabresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organization after becoming the first forward would go on to record four assists in four games during Royalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; player to earn an invitation to the NHL Scouting Combine the 2012 WHL Playoffs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is just a special day for my family and me,â&#x20AC;? Nelson said earlier this summer. He had also garnered an invite to the 2012 following the draft. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To see the emotion and reactions on the faces United States National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, of families and friends when I was chosen is a moment Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never New York.

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Joe Hicketts:

one to watch Hoping to secure a place on the Victoria Royals roster as a 16-year-old this year will be Joe Hicketts, the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst draft pick, selected 12th overall in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WHL Bantam Draft.

A defenceman who spent last season with the Okanagan Hockey Academy Midget Prep team, Hicketts had been hoping to be drafted to Victoria or Vancouver, so was thrilled when the Royals called his name, he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when the hard work began.â&#x20AC;?

The Kamloops native got a taste for the WHL when he was called up to play with the team for a game against Kelowna last year, and his dad and grandpa were able to see him in action. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a great experience â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we won the game, too!â&#x20AC;?

It was just one of many experiences the game has offered him.

Named the Captain of Team Canada for the 2012 Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria, Hicketts recorded assists in six games at the Youth Olympics, leading Canada to a Bronze Medal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just like the thrill and excitement of it,â&#x20AC;? he says of his love for the game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a tonne of opportunities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gone to Austria, Russia and Sweden for hockey; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve met people from across the country and the United States and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made friendships.â&#x20AC;?

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Season tickets start art at just $414 for 36 games, plus first right ht of refusal for playoff off Last year the games, making this his Victoria Royals recorded seven an ideal option for fans sell-out games, looking to save on games ames beginning with and secure favourite seats.

In addition, season ticket opening night! holders enjoy exclusive gifts and invites to team functions, team updates, early entrance to home games and raincheck nights for unused tickets.

Other ticket options, including mini-packs, vouchers and individual game tickets are now on sale. “We’re building on the success of last season’s ticket packages,” Mazur explains, pointing to the Prospects Pack as an example. This popular package includes a series of games featuring teams with some of the league’s hot prospects, as well as the Subway Super Series game between the WHL stars and their Russian counterparts, hosted at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre Nov. 15.

“We like to say we have a ticket package to suit the needs of any hockey fan.” For details, visit www.victoriaroyals.com or call 250-220-7889.

Major Midgets join the Royals family Vancouver Island’s South Island Major Midget team has made a Royal connection, signing a three-year agreement with BC Hockey and the Victoria Royals.

The former South Island Thunderbirds will be renamed and rebranded as the South Island Royals this season, allowing the Royals to develop players in the Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island region for future participation in the WHL. “We are very pleased to have partnered with BC Hockey,” said General Manager Cameron Hope. “Helping in the development of hockey

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Friday, Sept. 21 Saturday, Sept. 22 Friday, Sept. 28 Sunday, Sept. 30 Wednesday, Oct. 3 Friday, Oct. 5 Saturday, Oct. 6 Sunday, Oct. 7 Wednesday, Oct. 10 Friday, Oct. 12 Saturday, Oct. 13 Thursday, Oct. 18 Tuesday, Oct. 23 Friday, Oct. 26 Saturday, Oct. 27 Friday, Nov. 2 Saturday, Nov. 3 Wednesday, Nov. 7 Friday, Nov. 9 Saturday, Nov. 10 Friday, Nov. 16 Saturday, Nov. 17 Tuesday, Nov. 20 Friday, Nov. 23 Saturday, Nov. 24 Tuesday, Nov. 27 Friday, Nov. 30 Saturday, Dec. 1 Wednesday, Dec. 5 Saturday, Dec. 8 Tuesday, Dec. 11 Friday, Dec. 14 Saturday, Dec. 15 Friday, Dec. 28 Saturday, Dec. 29 Wednesday, Jan. 2 Friday, Jan. 4 Saturday, Jan. 5 Wednesday, Jan. 9 Friday, Jan. 11 Saturday, Jan. 12 Tuesday, Jan. 15 Wednesday, Jan. 16 Friday, Jan. 18 Saturday, Jan. 19 Friday, Jan. 25 Saturday, Jan. 26 Tuesday, Jan. 29 Thursday, Jan. 31 Friday, Feb. 1 Saturday, Feb. 2 Tuesday, Feb. 5 Wednesday, Feb. 6 Friday, Feb. 8 Sunday, Feb. 10 Wednesday, Feb. 13 Friday, Feb. 15 Saturday, Feb. 16 Sunday, Feb. 17 Friday, Feb. 22 Saturday, Feb. 23 Wednesday, Feb. 27 Friday, March 1 Saturday, March 2 Tuesday, March 5 Wednesday, March 6 Friday, March 8 Saturday, March 9 Sunday, March 10 Tuesday, March 12 Friday, March 15 Saturday, March 16

Victoria @ Vancouver, 7:30 p.m.

Vancouver @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Kamloops @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Kamloops @ Victoria, 1:05 p.m.

Medicine Hat @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Spokane, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Tri Cities, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Vancouver, 4 p.m.

Victoria @ Kamloops, 7 p.m.

Kelowna @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Kelowna @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Calgary @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Brandon @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Vancouver, 7:30 p.m.

Victoria @ Kamloops, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Portland, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Portland, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Lethbridge, 6 p.m.

Victoria @ Calgary, 6 p.m.

Victoria @ Medicine Hat, 6:30 p.m.

Everett @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Regina @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Saskatoon @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Prince George @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Prince George @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Moose Jaw @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Prince George, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Prince George, 7 p.m.

Vancouver @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Swift Current @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Seattle, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Red Deer, 6:30 p.m.

Victoria @ Edmonton, 6 p.m.

Prince George @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Prince George @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.

Tri Cities @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Tri Cities @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Everett, 7:35 p.m.

Victoria @ Seattle, 7:05 p.m.

Kamloops @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Kamloops @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Vancouver, 7:30 p.m.

Victoria @ Kamloops, 7 p.m.

Vancouver @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Vancouver @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Prince Albert @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Prince George, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Prince George, 7 p.m.

Seattle @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Seattle @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Tri Cities, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Spokane, 6:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Kootenay, 6 p.m.

Victoria @ Red Deer, 6:30 p.m.

Victoria @ Calgary, 6 p.m.

Victoria @ Edmonton, 3 p.m.

Kelowna @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Kelowna @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Lethbridge @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Spokane @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Spokane @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Kamloops, 7 p.m.

Victoria @ Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.

Vancouver @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Vancouver, 7 p.m.

Portland @ Victoria, 5:05 p.m.

Portland @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Everett @ Victoria, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Everett, 7:05 p.m.

ROYALS LAUNCH SECOND SEASON The Victoria Royals are poised to embark on their second season, with exhibition play getting under way in Kamloops Aug. 30.

Following four games on PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE: the road in Kamloops, Maple Friday, Aug. 31 Kamloops @ Victoria, Maple Ridge, 7:05 p.m.

Ridge and Kelowna, fans will Kelowna @ Victoria, Maple Ridge, 7:05 p.m. get to see their boys in blue Friday, Sept. 7 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Saturday, Sept 8 Victoria @ Kelowna, 7:05 p.m.

Victoria @ Vancouver, 5 p.m.

Centre Sept. 15, in a home- Friday, Sept 14 and-home series with the Saturday, Sept. 15 Vancouver @ Victoria, 2:05 p.m.

Vancouver Giants.

After starting their 2012-13 season in Vancouver Sept. 21, the Royals will kick off their 2012-13 home schedule Sept. 22 when they host the Vancouver Giants at Save-On-Foods. can. The team will also face Spokane, Kootenay, The longest home stretch for the Royals will run Red Deer and Calgary before ending the trip on from Nov. 16 to 27 when the team hosts six games on Feb. 17 in Edmonton. the Island.

Among the season highlights will be the reThe Royals will embark on their longest road trip of turn of the Subway Super Series Nov. 15 when the season Feb. 8, kicking off the nine-day, seven-game the WHL’s best take on the Russians in a crossjourney in Kennewick, Wa. versus the Tri-City Ameri- Canada series.

Don Denton photo

Other dates to note: Magnet Schedule giveaway, Sept. 28; Skate with Players, Sept. 30; Winter Driving Awareness, Nov. 16; Marty’s Birthday, Nov. 17; Teddy Bear Toss, Dec. 8; Pink in the Rink, Jan. 26; Canadian Forces Appreciation, Feb. 23; Skate with Players, March 10; Fan Appreciation Night, March 15.

Season 2 looks bright for boys in blue New coach and GM bring NHL experience and passion for the game

By Jennifer Blyth Victoria’s WHL team is poised to launch its second season with a hockey leadership hat trick: knowledge and experience matched by a love for the game.

Joining the Victoria Royals in the off-season was general manager Cameron Hope, who comes to the Royals after seven years with the New York Rangers’ management team, serving as Assistant General Manager since 2007. The Edmonton native obtained his law degree from the University of Alberta in 1988 and – of interest to local racing fans – has also spent time as a professional race car driver and a performance-driving instructor.

“We are very pleased to have been able to attract an experienced and

quality person such as Cam,” says Royals owner Graham Lee. “I believe he will be a very strong addition to our team and will bring his NHL experience at the highest level in developing players and providing an environment for players to succeed.”

The 48-year-old will oversee the day-to-day management of team operations, all player personnel decisions as well as the team’s scouting department.

“I am excited for the opportunity and happy to be here. Graham’s vision for junior hockey in Victoria, and his commitment to creating a culture of excellence with the Royals, is impressive. I’m honoured to have been given the chance to join the team and I look forward to the challenge,” Hope says. “(Lee) wants to create a model franchise, an orga-

nization that’s a really important part of the community.”

Among Hope’s first moves was selecting Dave Lowry as the second head coach in the team’s history.

Lowry has spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames, working under Brent Sutter and helping guide the team to a 118-90-38 record over that span.

Before the Flames, the 47-yearold was the head coach of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen in 2008-09 when he led the team to a WHL-best 122 points with a 59-9-3-1 regular season record. The team won the Eastern Conference Championship that season before bowing out in six games to the Kelowna Rockets in the Ed Chynoweth Cup finals.

“There were many accomplished and qualified candidates for this position,” Hope says, “but Dave was our clear choice after our first meeting. His experience coupled with

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