The Victoria Royals are expected to release their roster for the upcoming Western Hockey League season soon, after wrapping up training camp.
Returning players and rookies were vying for a spot on the major junior team during the main camp, which wrapped up Sept. 7 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre and followed a four-day rookie camp. Twenty-one players from the 37 invited to rookie camp earned a spot in main camp.
Each day started with fitness testing and on-ice practices before scrimmages in the afternoons. The final day saw the 43 players split into two teams for an intrasquad scrimmage – the last chance for hopefuls to show they deserved a spot on the team.
Forward Igor Zborovskiy, 17, was among the leading scorers in rookie and main camp scrimmages, recording four goals and three assists.
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The Royals begin preseason play with a Friday-Saturday doubleheader Sept. 17 and 18 against the Rockets in Kelowna. In their final tune-up game, the Royals host Prince George Cougars on Sept. 25.
The Royals will start the 2021-22 campaign at home on Oct. 2 when they’ll welcome the Vancouver Giants.
In terms of public health protocols, beginning with the Sept. 25 game Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre will require all guests, staff and employees to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to entering the arena for events, including Royals games.
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