The Victoria Royals have clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2020.
Coming into the season, Victoria aimed to bounce back from a 17-43-6-2 record in the 2022-23 season, which saw the team fall 16 points out of the last playoff spot.
After a rocky start this year, the team has bounced back and currently sit fifth in the WHL’s Western Conference with a record of 28-25-5-4, including 13 wins over the last 20 contests.
The club touts key additions such as Ben Riche, Dawson Pasternak, Jaren Brinson and Tyson Laventure and a record-breaking season from 16-year-old Cole Reschny. Additionally, career years from Justin Kipkie, Reggie Newman, Tanner Scott, Braden Holt and Nate Misskey have played a huge factor in the charge to postseason.
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Individual stats aside, Victoria showed their home fans that staying in their seats until the end of the game pays off. The Royals notched six come-from-behind victories on home ice and has gone to overtime or a shootout on 15 occasions.
With a playoff spot secure, six regular season games remain for the Victoria club. That stretch starts on the road Friday (Mar. 8) against the Everett Silvertips. The Royals close out the regular season with five consecutive home games starting with a Silvertips rematch Saturday. The club hosts Prince George two nights, March 15 and 16 then Wenatchee March 20 and 22 as the teams jockey for playoff positioning in the WHL’s Western Conference standings.
Playoff tickets go on sale March 16. Visit chl.ca/whl-royals for details.
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