The Victoria Royals gave up the only three goals in the third as the Spokane Chiefs doubled their visitors 6-3 Saturday night.
Victoria had held 1-0 and 2-1 leads, before tying the game at 3-3 heading into the final frame, where Spokane scored three unanswered including one into an empty net.
“It’s extremely disappointing, probably one of the most disappointing games I’ve ever coached…we kinda tried at times, & kinda didn’t.
I don’t think we fought through the fatigue, game density & travel, & I thought Spokane wanted it more in the 3rd.
I take very personally as a coach, I take full responsibility, it’s my job to make sure that never happens again.” – HC/GM Price
The Royals were missing 5 regulars, Captain Gannon Laroque, 20 year old Alex Thacker, Brayden Schuurman, Carter Dereniwsky and Austin Zemlak.
Royals forward Jake Poole had a goal and assist, with singles coming from Marcus Almquist and Teydon Trembecky who also had the hit of the night, followed by a fight with Hayes.
Matthew Hodson added 2 helpers to extend his point streak to 5 games and 10 points. Poole’s streak reaches 6 games and 12 points.
Trembecky tied the game at 3-3
Netminder Nicholas Cristiano allowed 5 goals on 34 shots in the defeat, while Dawson Cowan made 28 saves for the victory.
“That was a huge opportunity for a much needed two points..” – added Price
Both clubs went 1 for 4 on the power play.
Both teams had played on the road the night before, Victoria was in Portland and Spokane in Everett.
The Royals are winless in 3 games (0-2-1-0) on their 4 game in 5 night trek.
It started with a 5-4 loss to the Americans Wednesday where they gave up a 4-0 lead, edged 7-6 in overtime Friday night against the Winterhawks where they led 6-4 in the third, and came up empty handed when heading to the final frame against the Chiefs.
Victoria will wrap up 3 in less than 3 as they visit Kelowna Sunday afternoon at 4 pm.
– Marlon Martens
Victoria Royals 3 at Spokane Chiefs 6 – Status: Final
Saturday, January 21, 2023 – Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena – Spokane, WA
Victoria 2 1 0 – 3
Spokane 1 2 3 – 6
1st Period-
1, Victoria, Almquist 8 (Scott), 5:48.
2, Spokane, Cheveldayoff 17 (Gudelj, De Luca), 9:05.
3, Victoria, Poole 24 (Hodson), 10:39 (PP).
Penalties-Wadsworth Spo (tripping), 10:12; Misskey Vic (delay of game), 18:26; Scott Vic (hooking), 19:33.
2nd Period-
4, Spokane, Bertholet 20 (Wiles, Catton), 0:13 (PP).
5, Spokane, Streek 10 (Lane, De Luca), 4:28.
6, Victoria, Trembecky 3 (Hodson, Poole), 7:48.
Penalties-Kipkie Vic (holding), 2:23; Brinson Spo (interference), 12:12; Trembecky Vic (major-fighting), 18:13; Hayes Spo (unsportsmanlike cnd., major-fighting), 18:13.
3rd Period-
7, Spokane, Gross 6 (De Luca, Cheveldayoff), 1:41.
8, Spokane, Hayes 8 (Bertholet, Catton), 9:36.
9, Spokane, Hayes 9 16:18 (EN).
Penalties-McIsaac Spo (interference), 11:06; Scott Vic (high sticking), 18:46.
Shots on Goal-
Victoria 8-14-9-31.
Spokane 13-11-11-35.
Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 1 / 4;
Spokane 1 / 4.
Goalies-
Victoria, Cristiano 4-10-0-0 (34 shots-29 saves).
Spokane, Cowan 7-9-1-0 (31 shots-28 saves).
A-8,649
Referees-Adam Bloski (16), Bryan Bourdon (45).
Linesmen-Anthony Guzzo (165), Rance Hughes (137).
