CALGARY 5 VICTORIA 2
The Victoria Royals continued zero-for-the-road Friday night in Calgary, dropping the sixth consecutive game of what has become a benighted seven-game away swing.
The Calgary Hitmen (13-4-3) won their fifth consecutive game in dropping the Royals 5-2 in a Western Hockey League fixture before 8,179 fans.
"We've lost all six games of this road trip to date, and that wears on you," Royals GM Cam Hope admitted.
"But we've got to put it behind us and look at the farther horizon."
The Royals (9-10) conclude the road trip tonight in Medicine Hat against the Tigers.
Alex Roach led Calgary with two goals. Captain and blueliner Tyler Stahl, on the power play with his first goal of the season, and Florida Panthers draft pick Steven Hodges scored for Victoria.
Victoria, meanwhile, has settled on Czech import Patrik Polivka and rookie Coleman Vollrath as its two goaltenders. Veteran goalie Jared Rathjen was sent Friday to the Whitecourt Wolverines of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
Vollrath drew the start Friday, making 21 saves.
The Royals forced Calgary's Chris Driedger into 27 saves.
Meanwhile, the Royals also announced defence-man Kolton Dixon was shipped to the Okotoks Oilers of the AJHL.
Victoria returns to Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre on Friday to host the Everett Silvertips and 2012 No. 2 overall NHL draft pick Ryan Murray.
