Royals Bump The Slump In Dramatic Fashion
“We owed them one, I think they hadn’t seen our best yet this year – and we were close to that tonight.” – Assistant Coach Morgan Klimchuk.
The Victoria Royals came from behind with a pair of goals in the final minute to force overtime and eventually edge the Prince George Cougars 7-6 in a shootout Saturday night at the CN Centre.
Schuurman scored the lone goal in the 3 round shoot out on Ty Young.
Brayden Schuurman tied the game late with his second of the night, and then scored the lone goal in the skills competition.
“It’s crazy to be part of it, it feels really good…everyone stayed so calm, and put pucks on net and we cashed on it.” said Schuurman,
“Guys really fought hard, especially when we got down, and pushed really hard.”
Netminder Nicholas Cristiano stopped 28 of 34 through overtime and all three Cougars shooters to seal the win.
“It’s a great feeling…for a second there, it was looking a bit bleak but the boys rallied hard – and we just got it done in the shoot out.” mentioned Cristiano,
It was a back and forth affair, and after the Royals took a 4-2 lead to the third, the Cougars responded with the next four to take a two goal lead.
“For us to come out and battle like that, overcome the deficit in the third after having the lead was huge for our group…”
With the netminder pulled, and with Zach Funk in the box for a high sticking double minor, Teague Patton struck to pull within one, before Schuurman evened it with just 6.8 seconds left.
“Poise and composure is especially important, and confidence in your ability…I thought they showed that, especially late.” added Klimchuk.
The Royals earn the split in the two game set after a contentious 7-1 setback one night earlier, on a night that garnered 120 minutes in penalties.
“The response from yesterday to today, the physicality that we expected, and handled quite well…” on what pleased Klimchuk in the bounce back effort.
Victoria snapped a winless in 12 skid, and ended Prince George’s run of points in 8 games.
The Royals power play made a difference, going 3 for 6 on the night, while the penalty kill shut down the 2nd most dangerous man advantage all 4 times.
Victoria also got singles from Nate Misskey, Riley Gannon and Luke Rybinski, his first in the WHL, in career game number 66.
“That was amazing, I had some much adrenaline after that – it was great.” beamed Rybinski.
16 year old affiliate Deegan Kinniburgh assisted on the play to earn his first point in the league.
The match concluded the season series, with the Royals earning their first win against the Cougars in 9 tries.
Victoria will conclude the regular season with a home and home beginning in Everett Friday night.
“Hopefully provides some confidence going into the last weekend series with Everett.” – Klimchuk
– Marlon Martens
Victoria Royals 7 (SO) at Prince George Cougars 6 – Status: Final SO
Saturday, March 18, 2023 – CN Centre – Prince George, BC
Victoria 1 3 2 0 – 7
Prince George 1 1 4 0 – 6
1st Period-
1, Prince George, Brown 17 (Dezainde), 13:36.
2, Victoria, Misskey 4 (Parker, Scott), 18:39 (PP).
Penalties-Thacker Vic (high sticking), 2:29; Samson Pg (cross checking), 10:39; Hodson Vic (roughing), 14:22; Kipkie Vic (roughing), 14:22; Becher Pg (roughing), 14:22; Eastman Pg (elbowing, 10-minute misconduct), 17:46.
2nd Period-
3, Victoria, Rybinski 1 (Kinniburgh, Newman), 1:17.
4, Prince George, Ziemmer 39 (Wheatcroft, Heidt), 7:17.
5, Victoria, Schuurman 14 16:03.
6, Victoria, Gannon 18 (Parker), 19:57.
Penalties-Kipkie Vic (roughing), 1:49; Ross Stanley Pg (holding), 10:01; Scott Vic (hooking), 13:27.
3rd Period-
7, Prince George, Dumanski 2 (Funk, Dezainde), 0:45.
8, Prince George, Funk 25 (Ziemmer, Dowhaniuk), 4:27.
9, Prince George, Heidt 24 (Funk, Dowhaniuk), 7:33.
10, Prince George, Ziemmer 40 (Heidt), 9:24.
11, Victoria, Patton 14 (Newman, Kipkie), 19:15 (PP).
12, Victoria, Schuurman 15 (Parker, Kipkie), 19:54 (PP).
Penalties-Samson Pg (tripping), 10:03; Funk Pg (high sticking, high sticking), 18:04.
OT Period- No Scoring.Penalties-No Penalties
Shootout –
Victoria 1 (Patton NG, Schuurman G),
Prince George 0 (Wheatcroft NG, Ziemmer NG, Heidt NG).
Shots on Goal-
Victoria 11-15-11-3-1-41.
Prince George 8-14-10-2-0-34.
Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 3 / 6;
Prince George 0 / 4.
Goalies-
Victoria, Cristiano 5-15-0-0 (34 shots-28 saves).
Prince George, Young 14-13-3-1 (40 shots-34 saves).
A-2,836
Referees-Nick Panter (70), Adam Bloski (16).
Linesmen-Michael McGowan (41), Blair Scott (174).
