Royals head into WHL playoffs looking to 'change the narrative'

Victoria Royals defenceman Justin Kipkie pointed to beyond the glass doors at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre on Wednesday and noted it is springtime and the Royals are still playing hockey.“It’s the first step to changing the narrative,” said the Arizona Coyotes NHL-drafted blue-liner, who was named to the B.C. Division first all-star team.

The 2020 playoffs, for which Victoria had qualified, and 2021 playoffs, for which the Royals would not have based on their last-place showing in the bubble season, were cancelled due to the pandemic. The Royals then failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2023 playoffs. Victoria has only four players who have performed previously in the WHL playoffs, none in Royals colours, as they were all acquired in trades.

The second game of the series is Saturday evening in Portland. The third and fourth games will be played Tuesday and next Wednesday nights, and if needed the fifth game on Friday of next week, at the Memorial Centre.“But that doesn’t change the fact that the lower seed still has to win at least one game on the road in the other building.”

How different this post-season experience will be for Patrick, who last year coached the WHL regular-season champion Winnipeg Ice to the league final with a roster loaded with first-round NHL draft picks.“But individually, how each guy handles it , is different. I don’t even want to call it pressure. It’s opportunity and excitement. I have talked to our team about embracing the challenge and enjoying the experience.

“A lot of times it’s someone you don’t expect. Sure, I’ve seen the greats, like Messier, put a team on their back and carry it. But a lot of times in the playoffs it’s not always your top players. Last year , our third line won a series against Moose Jaw for us.”

Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

WHL roundup: Thunderbirds edge Americans 6-5 in WHL goal festSEATTLE — Simon Lovsin's goal at 14:05 of the third period snapped a 5-5 tie and lifted the Seattle Thunderbirds to a 6-5 Western Hockey League win over the visiting Tri-City Americans on Sunday night.
Source: BurnabyNOW_News - 🏆 14. / 77 Read more »

WHL roundup: Thunderbirds edge Americans 6-5 in WHL goal festSEATTLE — Simon Lovsin's goal at 14:05 of the third period snapped a 5-5 tie and lifted the Seattle Thunderbirds to a 6-5 Western Hockey League win over the visiting Tri-City Americans on Sunday night.
Source: PGCitizen - 🏆 65. / 51 Read more »

WHL roundup: Thunderbirds edge Americans 6-5 in WHL goal festSEATTLE — Simon Lovsin's goal at 14:05 of the third period snapped a 5-5 tie and lifted the Seattle Thunderbirds to a 6-5 Western Hockey League win over the visiting Tri-City Americans on Sunday night.
Source: SooToday - 🏆 8. / 85 Read more »

Royals close out regular season looking ahead to WHL playoffsRoyals will make their first post-season appearance since 2018-19
Source: timescolonist - 🏆 15. / 75 Read more »

Vipers take two-game lead; Kensington hosts Game 3 on March 22Explore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Source: SaltWire Network - 🏆 45. / 63 Read more »

I Watched This Game: Demko leaves game as Canucks ground JetsThe Vancouver Canucks dismantled the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night but Thatcher Demko left the game in the second period.
Source: BurnabyNOW_News - 🏆 14. / 77 Read more »