The Victoria Royals, the best team in October in the Western Hockey League, welcomed November with the same gusto with a 2-1 victory Friday night over the Rockets before 4,007 fans at Prospera Place in Kelowna.
Victoria goaltender Braden Holt’s shutout bid was ended with just 45 seconds remaining in the third period by Washington Capitals NHL-prospect Andrew Cristall. Holt had just moments before foiled Cristall on a breakaway. The 20-year-old WHL-veteran Holt finished with 27 saves, including a penalty shot, to be named the game’s first star. Jari Kykkanen of Kelowna made 18 saves.
“We’re proud of Braden Holt for his preparation and performance tonight. He was rock solid,” said Price.
The Royals (8-6-1) have earned points in nine of their last 11 games. Tanner Scott, with his sixth goal, recorded his team-leading 19th point of the season. Logan Pickford scored his first goal of the season, also in the second period, and it stood as the winner.
The Royals’ penalty kill was key in holding the Rockets (7-7-1) to 0-4 on the Kelowna power play. Victoria went 0-3 on the power play and has not scored overall in its last 19 odd-man opportunities.
“Tonight’s game all came down to the players’ commitment to each other and to winning,” added Price. “We had to get through late penalty kills and a long stretch holding the fort when Kelowna pulled their goalie for an extra attacker, and what got it done was the players just being completely bought in and playing for each other.”
The Royals make their first-ever visit to Wenatchee Saturday night to play the Wild (9-6-1), formerly the Winnipeg Ice. The team was relocated over the summer to Washington state. Wenatchee picked up a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Giants on Friday night.
