WELCOME! Regular Season Schedule
HOME PLAY STARTS SEPT. 16
While Victoria will get its first look at its brand new WHL team during August training camps, the @Vancouver real action for fans will start with exhibition play, vs. Vancouver Sept. 16. @Prince George The Victoria Royals will play in five exhibition @Prince George games, all against B.C. Division opponents, begin@Kamloops ning on the road in Kamloops Sept. 2. The team will vs. Medicine Hat then travel to Kelowna to meet the Rockets Sept. 3. vs. Medicine Hat The Royals will take on the Vancouver Giants in @ Seattle a pair of games the following weekend with the Gi@Vancouver ants hosting the Friday, Sept. 9 tilt in Ladner and vs. Kelowna the Royals hosting the Saturday night rematch in vs. Kelowna Maple Ridge. @Vancouver The final game of the exhibition season will of@Kelowna fer Victoria fans the first chance to see the Royals @Tri-City @Spokane in action at home as the Rockets come to the Savevs. Seattle on-Foods Memorial Centre Sept. 16. The puck will vs. Seattle drop at 7:05 and ticket inforvs. Vancouver mation will be released a r Int ls vs. Vancouver a y closer to the date. o R he vs. Edmonton The Royals’ 2011-12 Watch t uad Game vs. Red Deer sq regular season starts vs. Red Deer in Vancouver Sept. 23, ESDAY @Vancouver WEDN with the first regular vs. Kootenay season home game Sept. 24
HOME GAMES Friday, Sept. 23 Saturday, Sept. 24 Friday, Sept. 30 Saturday, Oct. 1 Sunday, Oct. 2 Thursday, Oct. 6 Friday, Oct. 7 Saturday, Oct. 8 Monday, Oct. 10 Friday, Oct. 14 Saturday, Oct. 15 Friday, Oct. 21 Saturday, Oct. 22 Tuesday, Oct. 25 Wednesday, Oct. 26 Friday, Oct. 28 Saturday, Oct. 29 Friday, Nov. 4 Saturday, Nov. 5 Tuesday, Nov. 8 Saturday, Nov. 12 Sunday, Nov. 13 Friday, Nov. 18 Saturday, Nov. 19 Friday, Nov. 25 Saturday, Nov. 26 Tuesday, Nov. 29 Wednesday, Nov. 30 Friday, Dec. 2 Saturday, Dec. 3 Tuesday, Dec. 6 Wednesday, Dec. 7 Friday, Dec. 9 Saturday, Dec. 10 Wednesday, Dec. 14 Friday, Dec. 16 Saturday, Dec. 17 Wednesday, Dec. 28 Friday, Dec. 30 Tuesday, Jan. 3 Friday, Jan. 6 Saturday, Jan. 7 Friday, Jan. 13 Saturday, Jan. 14 Tuesday, Jan. 17 Wednesday, Jan. 18 Friday, Jan. 20 Saturday, Jan. 21 Friday, Jan. 27 Saturday, Jan. 28 Tuesday, Jan. 31 Wednesday, Feb. 1 Friday, Feb. 3 Saturday, Feb. 4 Tuesday, Feb. 7 Wednesday, Feb. 8 Wednesday, Feb. 15 Friday, Feb. 17 Saturday, Feb. 18 Wednesday, Feb. 22 Friday, Feb. 24 Saturday, Feb. 25 Tuesday, Feb. 28 Wednesday, Feb. 29 Saturday, Mar. 3 Sunday, Mar. 4 Wednesday, Mar. 7 Friday, Mar. 9 Saturday, Mar. 10 Sunday, Mar. 11 Wednesday, Mar. 14 Friday, Mar. 16
@ Kamloops @Kelowna vs. Kamloops vs. Kamloops @Kelowna @Kamloops vs. Tri-City vs. Tri-City vs. Lethbridge @ Seattle @Edmonton @Lethbridge @Medicine Hat @Portland @Portland vs. Calgary vs. Kelowna vs. Kelowna @Regina @Brandon @Swift Current @Moose Jaw @Prince Albert @Saskatoon vs. Kamloops vs. Kamloops vs. Prince George vs. Prince George @Spokane @Tri-City vs. Everett vs. Everett vs. Calgary vs. Prince George vs. Prince George @Kamloops @Prince George @Prince George vs. Spokane vs. Spokane vs. Vancouver vs. Vancouver @Everett @Kelowna @Everett @Vancouver vs. Portland vs. Portland
31 AUGUST
when the Giants visit the Save-OnFoods Memorial Centre. The Royals’ longest home stretch will be Oct. 28 to Nov. 13 when the team hosts seven games, welcoming the Seattle Thunderbirds Oct. 28 and 29, the Vancouver Giants Nov. 4 and 5, the Edmonton Oil Kings on Nov. 8 and the Red Deer Rebels for two games Nov. 12 and 13. The team travels east for their longest roadtrip of the year in January. The Royals kick off the 13-day, six-game journey in Regina on Jan. 13, moving on to Brandon, Swift Current, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert before ending the trip on Jan. 21 versus Saskatoon. In all, the boys in blue will play a 72-game regular season schedule, with their final game at home March 16 against Portland.
A ROYAL CONTEST Who is the Victoria Royals mascot? Send your answer to promo@vicnews. com by Aug. 15 and be entered to win a Royals prize package, including hat, t-shirt and two tickets to a game!
FROM FROZEN PONDS TO CENTRE ICE:
Royals coach & GM skates into Victoria By Jennifer Blyth Growing up in Swift Current, Sask., Victoria Royals coach and GM Marc Habscheid lived the Canadian hockey story. His parents had moved to Canada from Luxembourg, and as a boy, Habscheid would spend his spare time playing hockey on frozen ponds. “I just played for the love of the game,” he says. Those six words – “for the love of the game” – were key to his success in Royals coach and GM Marc Habscheid. the sport, and he encourhe got the call to come skate, he got ages others with athletic aspirations a jersey and was told, “go ahead, show to hold close a similar passion. us what you can do, kid,” he recalls. Back in the ‘60s, without internet However the drive that makes or video games as distractions, those players truly successful at the sport lucky enough to have a pair of skates remains constant, notes the father would find a place to use them. of two, including Royal Zach HabHabscheid would hone his talents scheid. “It’s called passion; it’s called through Swift Current minor hockey love for the game. I don’t think that before getting the call to join the Sashas changed.” katoon Blades. He would go on to By no means new to the dual rolee play 345 NHL games with Edmonof coach & GM, Habscheid held thee ton, Minnesota, Detroit and Calgary position with the Chilliwack Bruinss over his 15 professional seasons. for the past two seasons, where he led d The road to the WHL then was a lot the club to the WHL playoffs in both h different than many of today’s players seasons. take, as is the sport itself. There was no During his 13-year coaching caBantam draft, for example, so when
reer, Habscheid led the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets to their only Memorial Cup Championship in 2003-04 and that season was named the CHL and WHL Coach of the Year. “The last two years in Chilliwack we saw a marked improvement on the ice with this franchise, and I look forward to continuing to build this team and program in Victoria,” says Habscheid, 48, who also spent time as the associate coach for the Boston Bruins during their 200607 campaign. At the national level, Habscheid was named an assistant coach for Canada’s Under-20 World Junior team in 2001, becoming head coach in 2003, leading Canada to a silver medal at
QU
2011-2012
Special Feature Friday July 29, 2011
HI ICK TS
the World Junior Hockey Championships. He coached Canada to gold medals in consecutive World Hockey Championships (2005 and 2006), and was a member of the coaching staff for Canada’s 2006 Olympic squad in Turin, Italy. Habscheid won a gold medal as the assistant coach for Canada’s 1999 National U-18 Team and became the first person in Canadian hockey history to both play and coach for the National World Junior team. Excited to be coming to Victoria, with “the city, the ownership, the building – everything – there’s a lot of upsides, a lot of potential,” Habscheid says. While it’s been a bit of a whirlwind since it was announced he and the team were moving to the capital, “the (Victorians) I talk to say they’re excited to have the WHL back. “The ECHL is a good league and good entertainment value but it is an older group. These (players) still have that road ahead of them so they’re still trying to live their dream.”
MARC HABSCHEID: M F Favourite NHL team? A traditionalist, any of the Original S Six teams. FFavourite hockey memory? Habscheid counts himself llucky to have made many hockey memories over the years. W Who do you look up to as a coach/GM? “All of them, rreally. I played with a lot of different owners and many ccoaches and I learned something from each of them.” Quote: “It’s called passion; it’s called love for the game.”
JOIN OUR ROYAL FAMILY | VICTORIAROYALS.COM | 250.220.7889
Alliance
For Your Real Estate Dream
RonNeal
com
2 • WELCOME WHL VICTORIA ROYALS
Friday, July 29, 2011 - VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW
EJC Developments is pleased to welcome the Royals to Victoria! By Jennifer Blyth Growing up playing hockey in Winnipeg and Vernon, Victoria Royals equipment manager Matt Auerbach has continued to enjoy considerable success in the sport...off the ice. Starting first with the Vernon Vipers, helping the team organize gear and prepare for practices and games, Auerbach decided that if he was going to make a career as an equipment manager, a little education to back up his experience was a good idea. Sports Administration studies at Calgary’s Mount Royal College led to a position with the college’s men’s team – and two national championships. Fast forward several years, Auerbach was there from the
beginning when the Chilliwack Bruins joined the Western Hockey League as a brand new organization, and he’s now w thrilled to be bringing the excitement to Victoria. “I enjoy the game and over the years I’ve just had a real passion coming to work every day,” he says. “Not everyone gets to do something they love and I’ve been fortunate to be able to do that.” Even better, as his wife is from Port Alberni, being able to work in the WHL right here on the Island “is the best of both worlds for us.” While each day is different depending on what the schedule has in store, Auerbach is responsible for making sure the players and staff are taken care of, ordering supplies, sharpen-
QU
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE ROYALS: EQUIPMENT 101 HI ICK TS MATT AUERBACH Hockey Hero: Rod Brind’Amour Favourite Team: The Vancouver Canucks Hockey Highlight: When Rod Brind’Amour won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes. Favourite Hockey Song: Martin Zellar’s I Wanna Drive the Zamboni
ing skates, and preparing the dressing rooms before games with towels, Gatorade, tape and other essentials for both teams, a measure he appreciates in return. “When I’m going on the road from town to town, the less stuff I have to take the better.” Then there’s the laundry. Lots of laundry. In fact, on a game day, Auerbach estimates he and his assistants might wash and dry between 10 and 12 loads. And there’s the challenge
of keeping the dressing room smelling respectable – especially when some players prefer not to wash their gear in case it changes the way it feels and works! Getting to know the players is essential to helping practices and games run smoothly, as each person will have their own preferences, from stick blades to skate sharpenings. “I have everything on file but if I can memorize it, it just makes my life a lot easier,” he says. Over the years, “there’s been
Jennifer Blyth photo
Matt Auerbach in the equipment room. But before that, Auerbach a lot of great moments,” including the two national cham- has another milestone to reach pionships with Mt. Royal and first. This month, he’s off to the “the first game in Chilliwack Czech Republic to serve as the – starting off a new organiza- equipment manager for the Cation,” Auerbach recalls. “And nadian U18 team – sounds like I’m assuming the first game the makings for some brand new hockey memories! here will be just as special.”
ON ICE: Royals’ medical co-ordinator keeps the skates flying sport, Hermann looked to where he could make a difference, recalling an experience as a teen when a shoulder injury threatened to sideline him for many months. A visit to an athletic therapist had him back on the field much quicker, and “when I saw what the field could do for people, I was hooked,” Hermann says. A growing field that shares some similarities with physiotherapy, “it’s basically getting people moving.” For the young athletes of the Royals, “my responsibility will be the health and well-being of the 22 players in the room,” says Hermann, who will help co-ordinate the various medical specialists who work with the team. In addition to the usual bumps and bruises that come with a contact sport, concussions are front and centre on the medical radar and the Royals are able to take advantage of the latest information and procedures – even computer software – to ensure the safety of the players. Hermann takes pride in a job well done, in helping players who
Dylan Hermann
have had an injury return to play – “seeing your work out there on the ice and seeing them do what it is they’re supposed to be doing,” he says. “The whole staff of the Royals is a team.” On game days, “we’re here at 7 in the morning and we’re here until 11 p.m. at night.” But then again, “watching hockey for a living’s not bad!”
QU
While the flying feet and quick sticks may draw much of the attention with the WHL coming to town, in fact many components work together to make the team a success. Dylan Hermann serves as the head of medical operations for the Royals, a role he embarked upon two years ago with the Salmon Kings. “Obsessed with sports,” Hermann is no stranger to competition, having played high-level soccer on the Island and in Europe. But “being a Canadian kid,” he’s also a huge hockey fan. Knowing he wanted a career in
HI ICK TS DYLAN HERMANN: Hockey Hero: Trevor Linden Favourite NHL Team: The Canucks If he wasn’t working in hockey: Lacrosse Favourite Hockey Song: The Tragically Hip’s Lonely End of the Rink
JOIN OUR ROYAL FAMILY | VICTORIAROYALS.COM | 250.220.7889 Fire Fighters are proud to support Victoria Royals STEVE DRANE HARLEY-DAVIDSON® Exclusive Harley-Davidson and Buell Dealership
STEVE DRANE
2940 Ed Nixon Terrace
Victoria, BC V9A 0BA SteveD@SteveDraneHarley.com
Tel 250-475-1345
Fax 250-475-2346 www.SteveDraneHarley.com
Victoria
Nanaimo
3501 Saanich Rd. (at Blanshard) 250-382-5269 Toll Free 1-877-452-5269
3200 N. Island Hwy (Country Club Mall) 250-756-4114 Toll Free 1-866-756-4114
3095 Cliffs Road, Duncan, BC • • • • •
1 Level Ranchers 2 Storey Homes with Master on the main Spacious Townhomes 6 Appliances, Blinds Built Green Homes, lower fuel and energy cost, healthier for you and the environment
• • • •
Gas fireplaces From 1265 to 2020 sq.ft. Double garage Fenced flat yards Starting at $269,000 HST included
Shirley Zailo 250.478.4828 shirleyzailo.com
Ryan Zailo
1.877.553.9601 Camosun C
VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, July 29, 2011
WELCOME WHL VICTORIA ROYALS • 3
Don Barnes Insurance Broker Email: donbarnes@brownbros.com Direct: 250-294-7229 Cell: 250-812-2588
SINCE 1918
BROWN BROS. AGENCIES LIMITED 1125 Blanshard Street, Victoria, B.C. V8W 2H7
KEEPING SCORE:
HOCKEY TALK:
Off-ice officials keep the game going
One-on-one with Marty the Marmot
T 250-385-8771 F 250-381-7090
mail truck with the radio turned up to catch the acVictoria’s future hockey stars won’t be the only tion in Ontario. ones lacing up their skates in the Save-on-Foods ds You can’t run a hockey Another time, down Memorial Centre dressing room this September. game without officials – in the penalty box, player Marty the Marmot will be back, and when he’s not from on-ice referees to Archie Henderson – later providing intermission entertainment, you’re sure ure to goal judges to scorekeepa Cougars coach himself – hear him banging the drum in the stands, rallyingg fans ers. Luckily for the Victolamented taking a penalty, and players alike. ria Royals, when it comes thinking he’d catch it from Victoria first met the 240lb, 6’2� marmot on Oct. 25, to off-ice officials, they the coach. Sanderson told 2006, when the Victoria Salmon on Kings’ have it covered! him not to worry, just mascot drove onto the icee on an For 30 years, Bill SandJonathon Howe photo go out and score ATV, the Star Wars theme blaring erson has been a key figst Home a goal when the in the background. “We are ecstatic to have signed Marty to be the Royure in the Victoria sports Catch the 1n Game gate opened...and als mascot,� says Royals president Dave Dakers. “Marty was the top free scene, scorekeeping and Shannon and Bill Sanderson Exhibitio he did! “He came agent mascot available and this signing will keep him in a Royals jersey co-ordinating the officials, FRIDAY for many years to come. Marty’s work at the games as well as in the comother than referees, not only for the city’s origi- skating over to us and waving – ‘I did it!’� When Bill’s daughters were younger, they munity is unparalleled, and we are proud to have him as part of the Royals’ nal WHL team, the Victoria Cougars, but also for family. � Shamrocks lacrosse, the Salmon Kings, the Victo- were fortunate enough to visit the rink often. Black Press recently chatted with Marty about work, sports and of course, the Royals! ria Cougars Junior Bs, the Juan de Fuca Grizzlies One day Shannon was needed to fill in for a goal judge who was off sick. Then, when computers Junior As and now, the Royals. BP: If you could participate in any event in Black Press: What is your official title A friend with the original Cougars introduced became part of the recording process, that was hockey history, what would it be? with the Victoria Royals? perfect fi t for the IBM employee. Since then, “I’ve Bill to the work three decades ago and he hasn’t MtM: Same answer as the last one!! Marty the Marmot: Official title – Maslooked back. Back then, when everything was done done just about every job, except the time clock,� cot, but I prefer: “Driver of the Marty-Train� on paper, the scorekeeper asked Bill to follow the says Shannon, currently the only female on the BP: Favourite hockey song? play, recording every time someone touched the off-ice officials team. MtM: Favourite pump-up song – Frontline BP: As a marmot pup, who was your hockey Typically, “people start as a goal judge, then puck, as a way of tracking assists, he remembers. by Pillar; favourite “hockey song� – Zombie Nahero? move into the penalty box and up.� Bill notes. Today, Bill shares the scorekeeper’s booth with MtM: Mario Lemieux – a player who had tion’s Kernkraft 400...hmmm, isn’t that our goal Though “just one of the guys,� Shannon recalls his daughter Shannon, who uploads the game inall the given talent in the world and showed it song?? Ironic or what??? one timekeeper who, when Shannon was running formation via computer, just one example of how throughout his career, calmly and controlled, the game has changed over the years. “She’s made the penalty box, made a point to keep the players’ BP: Favourite sport other than hockey? language in check “as there was a lady present,� she who had the strength and determination to it so much easier for me,� Bill says. MtM: Football – North American, both Cabattle through Hodgkin’s disease, back injuries, “I’m a sports fanatic; it’s all I watch at home,� laughs. nadian and American. knee injuries and stayed with the same team his Then there was the time she and the referees he says. And while “I’ve never played hockey, I’m entire career! That says grit and strength to me! good with figures – that’s the kind of thing I like were at the rink until close to midnight, trying to BP: What are your favourite sports teams? doing. I could feel lousy going to a game but once make sense of hundreds of penalty minutes in one MtM: Toss-up between Vancouver Canucks BP: What do you like best about your job Salmon Kings game – so many minutes that the the game starts I feel 1,000 times better,� partly be& Seattle Seahawks. with the Victoria Royals? cause of the focus required, he suggests. “I have to older computer system wouldn’t take it. “It cleared MtM: Seeing the potential of the next genconcentrate more than anyone else in the build- the bench, we had so many penalties.� BP: If you weren’t Victoria’s hockey mascot, Over the years, the ability to work with the eration of NHLers! ing!� what would you be doing? Exciting times have included fierce rivalries teams – and with each other – have made the MtM: I think I would love to be the first marBP: Favourite hockey memory? with New Westminster and the Portland Win- work fun and kept both father and daughter commot named as a Goodwill Ambassador to the MtM: Olympics 2010 – Canada wins gold, terhawks, and the Cougars’ run for the Memorial ing back. “We enjoy the work we do, we enjoy the but a Victoria Royals Memorial Cup will top it! World! But failing that, flag man for NASCAR Cup in 1980-81, when he remembers driving his sports and we enjoy the people we work with.� would be pretty cool!!
By Jennifer Blyth
SEPT. 16
JOIN OUR ROYAL FAMILY | VICTORIAROYALS.COM | 250.220.7889
EFFORT=CONCRETE RESULTS
Welcome Victoria Royals!
STEVE MANN 250-479-8283
Locally Owned and Operated
s 2EADY -IXED #ONCRETE s #ONCRETE !CCESSORIES s s 'RAVITY 7ALL "LOCKS s 'RAVEL -ART s 6ICTORIA S Only ,IQUID #OLOURING 3YSTEM
Open Mon-Sat 250-478-0555 )NDUSTRIAL 7AY s WWW ICONCRETE CA
1SFGFSSFE (SBQIJD %FTJHOFS PG UIF 7JDUPSJB 3PZBMT
Cell Fax
250-480-0568 250-479-9552
4QFDJBMJ[JOH JO TQPSUT BOE FWFOU QSJOU DPMMBUFSBM
DON MANN EXCAVATING LTD. 4098 Lochside Dr. Victoria, B.C. V8X 2C8
ORKA GRAPHIKS
#FTU PG MVDL JO ZPVS JOBVHVSBM TFBTPO
PSLBHSBQIJLT!TIBX DB XXX PSLHSBQIJLT DPN
OfďŹ cial carrier of Victoria Royals! 100% local family owned and operated company, with over 40 years experience operating in Victoria, BC, Canada.
580 Ardersier Road, Victoria, BC V8Z 1C7 C: 250.882.4062 P: 250.475.3235 or 800.567.3288 F: 250.475.2911 or 800.975.8687 E: john@wilsonstransportation.com
www.wilsonstransportation.com
John Wilson Vice President
“If you need a bus just call us!�
score SIDES - $576 s t a e CORNERS $504 s r u o y UPPER CORNERS $396 ! y a d to SENIOR/STUDENT - $396 CHILD - $180
CLUB - $856 KING CLUB - $1136 All prices include HST and convenience charges.
BBEING EIN A SEASON TICKET HOLDER MEANS... – A guaranteed seat for all 26 home games – Savings off our walk-up prices – Exclusive gifts and invites to team functions – Team updates & roster sheets via email – Early entrance to home games – 4 Raincheque nights for unused tickets
CLUB SEASON TICKET HOLDER MEANS ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS... – Access to our Club Lounge – A padded, wider seat and a club gift
KING CLUB SEASON TICKET HOLDER MEANS ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS... – Access to Section 109 – Pre-Buy SOFMC Buy for for all all S OFMC Concerts Concer ts & EEvents vents
6 • WELCOME WHL VICTORIA ROYALS
Friday, July 29, 2011 - VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW
o d lum b r ow n . c o m
t r u st
vision
•
i n ve st m e n t i n t e g r i t y
Proud to Support the Victoria Royals
Bruce McFarlane Portfolio Manager, Director, Branch Manager
Tel 250 952 7778 Toll Free 1 888 293 0744 bmcfarlane@odlumbrown.com Suite 710 - 880 Douglas Street, Victoria Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund
•
Odlum Brown Limited has been providing disciplined investment advice and objective research with a singular focus on clients since 1923. As an independent, BC-based, full-service investment firm, investing in our community is an integral part of our corporate philosophy.
Working with you to achieve your investment GOALS! For all of your investment needs, contact Bruce today.
WHERE THE NHL STARS OF TOMORROW PLAY TODAY!
In its first-ever Bantam Draft, held in Calgary in May, the Victoria Royals selected defenseman Joe Hicketts with their 12th overall pick in the first round. The Kamloops native spent his 2010-11 season as captain of the Kamloops Jardine Blazers Bantam AAA team, where he recorded 59 points (18g-41a) and 54 penalty minutes in 51 games. Hicketts also topped his team with 300 hits and 33 shot blocks. Hicketts and the Blazers took home the Okanagan Mainline Amateur Hockey Association regular season and playoff championship, before winning the provincial championship. But just what is the Bantam Draft?
Q. What is the Bantam Draft? A. During the annual WHL Bantam Draft, Western Hockey League clubs select players who have graduated from bantam. The draft’s order of selection depends on where the team finishes in the league standings, with clubs missing the playoffs placed into a lottery for the first round only. In subsequent rounds, clubs select in order from fewest to most regular season points.
Q. Who is eligible for the draft? A. Graduating bantam players – 1996-born players for 2011 – from the four western provinces and the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming are eligible to be selected.
Q. How does the draft work? A. The draft consists of 15 rounds with each of the 22 member teams receiving one pick per round. The Royals owned 14 picks for the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft, including four in the first three rounds at #12, #34, #55 and #56 (from a trade with Brandon). The draft is broadcast live at www.whl.ca.
Royals’ Island draft prospect stands tall between the pipes By Jennifer Blyth The Victoria Royals have truly become the Island’s team for at least one Comox Valley family after selecting goalie Michael Herringer in Round 9 of this year’s Bantam Draft. A goalie with the Comox Valley Chiefs since age nine, “Ever since I was two, I wanted to be a goalie,” he says, recalling how the Canucks’ Dan Cloutier was a popular figure at the time. Coming off last year with the Comox Bantam A team, Michael hopes to play the coming season with the North Island Major Midget team. Also a soccer player in earlier years, the 6’0” 160-pound goaltender appreciates the goalie’s unique ls role within hockey’s team Visit the Roysae environment. “You do Open Hou your own thing,” explains. SATURDAY When not on the ice, Jennifer Blyth photo Michael spends time hanging out with friends and “workMichael Herringer looks forward to the Royals’ draft camp this August. ing out a tonne,” filling a few extra minutes here and there with extra sleep and a few draft players and other hopefuls at Royals nior A options, should those possibilities video games. camp in August, allowing him time to get open up. A few people had indicated to Michael Taking this next step toward the ultimate to know the coaching staff, before heading how this year’s Bantam draft might play out, hockey goal, “it’s pretty much every kid’s off to his regular season team. but the day itself was still nerve-wracking. It He may also look at Team Pacific or Ju- dream.” was a school day, but knowing studies would be the last thing on his mind, Michael stayed home with his mom and kept himself disHI ICK TS tracted until the news he was waiting for came through on the computer. “It was a MICHAEL HERRINGER long day!” Hockey Hero: Carey Price His reward? “I had to walk to school to Favourite NHL Team: The Vancouver Canucks pick up my homework, so that was the rest Favourite Hockey Memory: The 2011 WHL Bantam Draft! of my night,” he says. The next day, however, Favourite Hockey Song: Stomping Tom Connors’ Hockey Song was reserved for a celebration with friends! Looking ahead, Michael will join his fellow
SEPT. 17
QU
Royals look to bantam ranks during first draft
JOIN OUR ROYAL FAMILY | VICTORIAROYALS.COM | 250.220.7889
Good Luck Royals! 2 CAN DINE FOR $14.99 This coupon entitles you to 2 Classic Quarter Chicken Dinners for the price of $14.99*! Enjoy! EXPIRES: August 15, 2011 Dining Room Only * White meat or up-grade of side extra. Dining Room only. Valid at participating locations. Applicable taxes extra. May not be used in combination with any other offer. ®Reg. Trademark of Cara Operations Ltd.
so good ALWAYS
FOR SO LITTLE®
Victoria and Nanaimo only. Nanaimo - 3290 Island Hwy • 250.729.7120 Victoria - 3233 Douglas St • 250.475.0334
VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW - Friday, July 29, 2011
WELCOME WHL VICTORIA ROYALS • 7
Williams Scrap Iron & Metals Inc. We sell: Anchor Chain • Shackles • Anchors • Steel
We buy: Copper • Brass • Aluminum • and more
Lloyd Williams I 2690 Munns Road I 250.479.8335 I cel: 250.361.7658 I Fax: 250.727.0993 I email: williamsscrapmetal@telus.net
FANZONE FAN ZONE
Why are you excited about the Royals coming to town?
Get ready to show your spirit when the Royals come to town!
Joel Devlin, 9, Saanich Minor Hockey
“I really like watching the Memorial Cup on TV, so hopefully I can watch the Royals!”
Connor Fenton, 13, Victoria Minor Hockey
“Having the WHL in town will add to the diversity of hockey in Victoria.”
WATCH FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE
ROYALS’ KIDS CLUB Photos courtesy the WHL
victoriaroyals.com
WHL mom’s words of wisdom – and experience For many Victoria Royals, this may well be their first time away from home and family, a role that while here will be filled by a billet family. It’s an experience Kathy Newman, mom to Geoff, Russ and Bruce Courtnall, can appreciate. While she was lucky enough to have her children play locally for the WHL’s Victoria Cougars, they also spent time away at school and left early on to join their next teams – two both leaving on the same day, she recalls. In addition, Newman was also a billet for the
Cougars, welcoming additional players and providing them a home away from home during their time in Victoria. “I enjoyed it because it kept me busy and they were really good kids,” she recalls. “You have to be a mother to them. With their busy training schedule, paired with school responsibilities, “when you have billets, they love to eat,” Newman laughs. “I said, ‘This is your home, you eat if you’re hungry.’ Maintaining their school work was essential, as was minding the team rules. “Coaches would
phone at 11 p.m. for curfew,” Newman remembers, and she told the boys “don’t ever stay out because I will not lie to the coach if he phones.” And whether your own children or billets, “you never interfere with the coach, she advises. Watching her own three boys come through the WHL, “It’s been exciting,” Newman says. “It is a thrill when your child is doing that well, but you have to go with the flow. You have to help them realize you have to work hard, train hard, do as you’re told and get your schooling.”
Jack Swinten, 7, Peninsula Minor Hockey
“It’s exciting because these players are trying to get drafted into the NHL to play with big guys.”
Hallie Holland, 10, Saanich Minor Hockey
“I get to watch some of the best junior players in the country!”
JOIN OUR ROYAL FAMILY | VICTORIAROYALS.COM | 250.220.7889
Welcome and Good Luck Royals! 894 Cloverdale Ave.
(250) 480-5030 0 5030
www.kirbyssports.com ki b t
8 • WELCOME WHL VICTORIA ROYALS
Friday, July 29, 2011 - VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW
Catch every NHL Game and any televised WHL Game on 22 TVs! 7806 East Saanich Rd. Saanichton, BC
250-652-1575
Eyes on the Prize The ultimate goal for Victoria’s players – as well as the major junior players from across the Canadian Hockey League – is to hoist the Memorial Cup at the end of the season. Donated by the Ontario Hockey Association in 1919, the cup honours the young men who sacrificed their lives in the First World War. On the road to the Memorial Cup, WHL players set their sights first on the Ed Chynoweth Cup, presented to the Western Hockey League Champions. Ed Chynoweth was appointed the first full-time WHL president in 1973, soon after becoming the first president of the Canadian Hockey League, positions he held for Ed Chynoweth more than 20 years. Honouring his significant contributions to major junior hockey, Cup, presented the WHL renamed their championship tro- to the Western Hockey League phy The Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2007. In addition to the league’s two biggest priz- champions. es, the WHL also honours a number of players, coaches and staff who work hard each year to make their teams and league a success: • WHL Player of the Year • Four Broncos Memorial Trophy – WHL Scholastic Player of the Year • Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Trophy – WHL Top Scorer • Bob Clarke Trophy – WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player • Brad Hornung Trophy – WHL Top Defenseman • Bill Hunter Trophy – WHL Rookie of the Year • Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy – WHL Top Goaltender • Del Wilson Trophy – WHL Coach of the Year • Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy – WHL Executive of the Year • Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy – WHL Regular Season Champion • Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy – WHL Humanitarian of the Year • Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy – WHL Top Official • Allen Paradice Memorial Trophy – WHL Marketing/Public Relations Award • WHL Plus-Minus Award • WHL Playoff MVP Award
Training Camps welcome players Aug. 20 to 31 The Victoria Royals’ inaugural training camp will begin on Aug. 20, featuring three camps spanning 12 days. Watch for a detailed itinerary for Royals’ Training Camp closer to the opening. • Royals’ Draft Camp, Aug. 20 to 23, will welcome players selected by Victoria during the 2011 Bantam Draft. Players will skate in the morning with members of the Royals’ hockey staff and then explore the city in the afternoon with their families. • During the Royals’ Rookie Camp, Aug. 24 to 28, roughly 160 players, born in 1995 or 1996, will be split into teams with each team playing seven games over 3 1/2 days. A select number of these players will earn an invite to Main Camp. • Royals’ Main Camp opens Aug. 29 with about 80 players who will be split into four teams for scrimmages over the three days of camp, which will conclude Aug. 31 with the Black vs. White intra-squad game.
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE! One of the hottest tickets in town this fall will be centre ice for the Victoria Royals. In fact, just about any seat in the Save-onFoods Memorial Arena promises a great view of the on-ice action. Season ticket prices for the coming season will be tiered: • Adult season tickets in any of the six corner or end sections will be $504 for the year – or just $396 for a season ticket in the top four rows of any corner or end section! Season ticket pricing in standard bowl seating between the goal lines is $576. • Senior, student and child season tickets are available for just $396. Season tickets for children 12 and under are available for $180. • Upgrade to Club and King Club seats. Club seats offer a padded seat and exclusive access to a Club lounge for $856. King Club seats – $1,136 for the season – offer all the benefits of a Club seat plus exclusive pre-buy rights to their seat for all events or concerts taking place at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. For more information, visit the Select Your Tickets Box Office at www.selectyourtickets. com/vicwhl, e-mail tickets@vicwhl.com or call 250-220-7789.
The puck drops the Home Openeon r
THE PUCK STOPS HERE:
Follow the Royals’ play on The Zone @ 91.3 Can’t make the game in person? Tune in to the Zone @ 91.3 to hear the play-by-play for the WHL’s Victoria Royals. Each broadcast will also include a pre- and post-game show, with all home pre-game shows broadcast live from the Kings Feast Restaurant inside the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Spend Sunday nights with the team during the Zone’s week-
SATURDAY
SEPT. 24
ly 30-minute show, boasting special features, analysis and previews of coming contests. “The Zone and RG Sports and Entertainment have had a strong partnership in the past and this is just an extension of that relationship,” team president Dave Dakers says. “Fans in Victoria can now catch all their WHL action on the local airwaves.”
JOIN OUR ROYAL FAMILY | VICTORIAROYALS.COM | 250.220.7889 T: (250) 812-3548 F: (250) 480-0670
GORDON
heinmoes@invis.ca www.heinmoesmortgages.com
GORDON
INVIS - Chatterton Way
100-4420 Chatterton Way,Victoria, BC V8X 5J2 H Hein Moes Mortgage Consultant
POWER UNLIMITED
‘N’
Interiors Ltd. STEEL STUDS & DRYWALL 2821 Jacklin Road, Victoria, BC V9B 3X8 Phone (250) 474-2100
Power Skating Dennise Bowles Director/Coach
www.powerunlimited.ca (250) 598-0845 powerunlimited@shaw.ca “WHERE THE EDGE CAN BE YOURS!”
ELLINGTON & ELLINGTON Robert C. Ellington, Notary Public
• Real Estate • Powers Of Attorney
• Affidavits • Mortgages
• Wills & Estate Planning • Wide Range Of Other Notarial Services
204-1006 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3K4 (250) 388-4484 Fax: (250) 384-4048 E-mail: rob.ellington@shawcable.com