One of the Victoria Royals' biggest concerns heading into this Western Hockey League season is offence.
The 1-0 loss to the host Everett Silvertips in the first preseason game Friday night appears to play right into that story line.
But there were a few caveats.
The Royals went with an inexperienced lineup loaded with rookies and hopefuls while Everett utilized a more veteran roster, including incumbent goaltender Austin Lotz for half the game.
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“We had a young team and our guys played hard,” said Victoria head coach Dave Lowry.
“[Everett] had a more veteran lineup and started a veteran goalie. I have no issues [with Friday’s Royals effort or performance].”
The Royals, displaying the defensive tenacity that earned them franchise records for wins [48] and points [100] last season, held Everett scoreless on the Silvertips' six power plays. The Royals had two power plays.
The Royals dressed 10 rookies or aspirants — goaltenders Michael Herringer and Evan Smith, defencemen Brayden Pachal and Scott Walford and forwards Jared Dmytriw, Matt Dykstra, Dante Hannoun, Regan Nagy, Matthew Campese and Braden Oleksyn.
Nagy and Oleksyn got in some decent time with the club last season with 11 and 10 games, respectively.
Defenceman Jordan Wharrie scored for Everett at 2:05 of the second period.
Comox’s Herringer got the start in net for Victoria and blocked 23 of 24 shots.
“[Herringer] made saves,” said Lowry.
“He knows he’s in a battle [with Smith for the backup role behind incumbent Coleman Vollrath].”
The Royals got 26 shots on net against Lotz and rookie Nik Amundrud.
Royals veterans Keegan Kanzig, Austin Carroll and Travis Brown didn’t make the trip to Everett. Brandon Magee is suspended while Axel Blomqvist is with the Swedish junior national team at the Four Nations tournament in Europe.
The Royals conclude the opening WHL exhibition tournament in Everett with games today against the Seattle Thunderbirds and Sunday against the Tri-City Americans.
ICE CHIPS: Two key behind-the-scenes cogs in the Royals machine, Jeff Harris and Grant Armstrong, have been elevated to assistant GM positions by the WHL club.
