In his first career WHL playoff start, Johnny Hicks delivered a performance to remember, backstopping the Victoria Royals to a 3-0 victory over the Tri-City Americans in game one of the Western Conference quarterfinals.
The 19-year-old netminder turned aside all 22 shots he faced, including 11 in the third period as Tri-City pressed for a comeback.
"He made the saves that we needed. He gave us a chance to win," head coach James Patrick said. "He has played really well since he got here. That’s what you need from a goalie."
After a scoreless first period, Victoria broke through on the power play thanks to veteran forward Brandon Lisowsky.
"That’s what he does," Patrick said. "He’s been in the league for five years and he’s been a scorer. He was a big scorer in last year’s playoffs. We knew when we brought him in that he scores goals."
Cole Reschny ➡️ Brandon Lisowsky 🫡 pic.twitter.com/x8mqLesKPQ
— xy - Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals) March 29, 2025
Hicks stood tall in the second, a frame Patrick noted can be difficult due to the long change. The Royals’ defence did their part, limiting high-danger chances and clearing rebounds effectively, but it was Hicks who made the biggest difference.
Lisowsky would add his second of the night midway through the third, giving the Royals breathing room before Cole Reschny sealed the victory with a dazzling solo effort.
Cole Reschny 👀 pic.twitter.com/aADRXomncM
— xy - Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals) March 29, 2025
In the end, Victoria outshot Tri-City 24-22 and capitalized on special teams. The Royals converted one of their three power-play opportunities while their penalty kill was flawless, shutting down all three Americans' man-advantages.
"You could feel the intensity, the nerves, the excitement," Patrick said. "A lot of guys on both teams fighting the puck. But at the end of the day, I thought we defended really well."
With game two set for Saturday night at 6:05 p.m., the Royals will look to extend their series lead to two before the series shifts to Tri-City on Tuesday, April 1.
