VICTORIA 2
PORTLAND 1 (OT)
Rarely, if ever, has the opposing goaltender received a standing ovation at the Memorial Centre. But that’s what happened when Joel Hofer of the Portland Winterhawks received a shiver-inducing reception when spotlighted before the WHL game Friday in a classy move by the Victoria Royals.
Hofer backstopped Canada to the gold medal last weekend at the 2020 IIHF world junior championship in the Czech Republic.
But the cheering disappeared for Hofer by the end of the night. Hofer and the Winterhawks disputed the winning overtime goal in Victoria’s 2-1 victory. Hofer did not come out to receive his second-star accolade after making 29 saves as Portland, No. 3 in the CHL top-10 poll, went to 28-6-5. The Winterhawks have not lost in regulation time since Nov. 15.
There was quite a storyline in the other crease, too.
The No. 1 Shane Farkas Winterhawks jersey, worn among the visiting Portland fans in attendance, was a clue this wasn’t just any game for the netminder.
Farkas was acquired in the off-season by the Royals from Portland. You become expendable when the other goalie is Hofer. Farkas has answered with an outstanding season for the Royals, including two shutouts and only three goals allowed in his last five games, all wins. He was again brilliant Friday with 42 saves to be named first star.
“I’ve faced old teammates on individual basis here and there, but never an entire roster of old teammates,” said Farkas.
Among them Winnipeg-native Hofer.
“You grow up in Canada dreaming about playing in the world juniors. That was a high-profile moment and I’m really happy for Joel,” said Farkas.
Adding to the surreal nature of the night for Farkas was that goaltender Adam Evanoff, acquired Thursday by Victoria from Moose Jaw, backed-up Farkas. The two grew up together in Penticton and are good buddies.
Reece Newkirk gave Portland the first period lead before Swiss-import Keanu Derungs leveled for Victoria late in the third period.
Anaheim Ducks’ 2019 first-round draft pick Brayden Tracey, acquired from Moose Jaw on Thursday, scored the overtime winner in his Royals debut.
The Royals and Winterhawks meet again tonight on Blanshard.
