The Victoria Royals earned a point in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Saskatoon Blades on Tuesday night at the SaskTel Centre.
Royals’ forward Gary Haden and Blades’ defenceman Scott Walford played against their former teams for the first time since being traded in the summer. Haden, along with teammate Riley Gannon, were acquired from Saskatoon for Walford in August. The 20-year-old Haden played in 55 games for the Blades (2018-19) and recorded 62 points (30g-32a), while the 2002-born Gannon was an unsigned prospect for Saskatoon and did not play for the team.
Royals’ affiliated player Matthew Hodson played in his first career WHL game tonight. The 2003-born forward was recalled from the Saskatoon Contacts of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League (SMHL). Hodson leads the Contacts in assists with 31 and is second in team scoring with 43 points (12g-31a) in 38 games.
Catching Fire: Tonight, Royals’ forwards Gary Haden and Brayden Tracey both extend their point streaks to four games. Over the course of those games, Haden tallied four goals and two assists, while Tracey posted four points (1g-3a).
The Royals are 6-3-0-0 against the Blades since moving to the island in 2011-12. Prior to tonight’s game, Victoria had not lost at the SaskTel Centre since the team’s inaugural season in 2011-12.
Victoria continues their six-game road trip tomorrow night against the defending WHL Champion Prince Albert Raiders. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. PST.
Home Sweet Home: The Royals return home on Friday, February 7th and Saturday, February 8th for a two-game set against the BC Division leading Kamloops Blazers. Friday’s contest is Eco Night. Puck drop for both games is at 7:05 p.m.
