Smarts On And Off The Ice
Royals defenceman Justin Kipkie was named the B.C. Division Scholastic Player of the Year.
He also collected a pair of Royals’ team awards, being named the Jo-Ann Thompson Foundation Scholastic Player of the Year and the team’s Rookie of the Year.
“Very honoured to receive those awards, pretty cool and very proud of that. I can’t thank my teammates enough.
Kipkie earned an overall average of 93% in his core subjects, including 95% in Biology 20-1 and 93% in Math 30-1.
“On the Scholastic side, Tammy Renyard (Education Advisor) and Dara Festinger (Hockey Operations) did a lot for me, and I also can’t thank them enough.”
The winner of the WHL Scholastic Player of the Year will be announced Monday, May 8th.
Kipkie reflects on his first full season with the club, after only appearing in 8 games last year and was considered at rookie at the age of 17.
“This organization really gave me a chance this year, and I appreciate that.
The season started off slow, but started to build on it and gain confidence and I can’t wait to build on it next year.”
Kipkie plays on the top pairing with Kalem Parker who is ranked 113th among North American Skaters for the up coming NHL draft. He longs heavy minutes, and plays like a senior rearguard.
“Playing with Parker has been really good this year, I owe him a lot – he’s been a really good leader.”
Victoria’s Captain and last season’s BC Division Defenseman of the Year, Gannon Laroque only managed to suit up for 4 games this season, but has made his presence felt at the rink and around the players.
“He’s been a big voice for us…He’s been a really good leader and that mentor that we’ve needed.”
Overlooked thus far by NHL Central Scouting rankings in his draft year, Kipkie went about his business, and started to make some noise – especially offensively.
33 points in 67 games, including 57 penalty minutes would raise the eyebrow of many an NHL scout.
He has the size that’s coveted at the professional level of 6’3 195 lb.
Victoria Head Coach and General Manager Dan Price believes that Kipkie, along with multiple Royals, could hear their name called in Nashville in June.
“There could be quite a few, Kipkie and Parker are two primary among those. Both are averaging high 20’s or low 30 per night as far as minutes…(Especially when others are injured).
“They play in every situation, 5 on 5, special teams, and they do a great job defending and also creating offense.”
For every player, the dream his to hear their named called at the NHL Draft.
“It’s definitely exciting, obviously it’s not the end of the world either (if not drafted). I can’t wait to see what happens.”
– Marlon Martens
