2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Victoria Royals
Previewing the 2024-25 Victoria Royals' season.
Photo by Kevin Light Photo/Victoria Royals - 2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Victoria RoyalsWelcome to The Hockey News 2024-25 season preview series. From August 29 to September 20, THN's WHL duo will examine some of the biggest storylines facing each team this season. Today's edition is focused on the Victoria Royals, who are eyeing a second straight playoff appearance.
2023-24 Statistics:
Regular Season Record: 29-30-5-4, 67 Points (4th B.C. Division)
Playoffs: Defeated By Portland Winterhawks 4-0
Key Departures: Braden Holt (G), Dawson Pasternak (F), Austin Zemlak (D)
Key Additions: Vaughn Watterodt (F), Markus Loponen (F), Cosmo Wilson (D)
The Royals enter the 2024-25 season with a lot of young talent, which should thrill fans at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Victoria's management group has built a deep team that should be able to compete for a top-five spot in the conference. Rebuldiers no more; the Royals are a team on the rise that could be a matchup issue for teams around the league.
Most of the focus surrounding Victoria will be projected top-20 pick Cole Reschny. Now entering his second season, Reschny is expected to make a massive step forward and should be the teams leading scorer by the end of the season. Other players who are expected to thrive include imports Markus Loponen and Simon Pohludka, as well as Deagen McMillan and Vaugn Watterodt, who were both brought in via trade during the offseason.
On the blue line, it should be a big year for both Justin Kipkie and Nate Misskey. The two are both NHL-drafted prospects and will be leaned upon heavily to guide this young group of defenders throughout the year. Among those players is Keaton Verhoeff, who will be among the favourites to win Rookie of the Year this season.
Lastly, the goaltending battle will be intriguing to watch this year. Victoria has three 06 goaltenders listed on its roster and will most likely use a rotation split between Jayden Kraus, Spencer Michnik, and Ryan Tamelin. The hope is that one of these three can take the reigns full-time and lead the Royals back to the postseason.
Ultimately, this Victoria team has the chance to surprise many with how talented its group is. Everyone knows about Reschny and Verhoeff's skill levels, but there are hidden gems like Tanner Scott and Reggie Newman, who could have big years on the Island. With an experienced coach in James Patrick behind the bench, the Royals could be in line for an exciting campaign.
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