The Victoria Royals secured a 3–0 victory over the Tri-City Americans in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Friday night, energizing a spirited crowd at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
The win gives the Royals a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The game remained scoreless through the first period, with both teams cautiously testing each other. The Royals managed nine shots on goal compared to the Americans’ three, but neither side could find the back of the net.
Midway through the second period, tensions escalated following a high hit on Royals’ forward Nolan Stewart by Americans’ Austin Zemlack, resulting in a kneeing penalty.
Capitalizing on the power play, Brandon Lisowsky broke the deadlock at 13:30, assisted by Cole Reschny and Justin Kipkie, giving Victoria a 1-0 lead.
In the third period, Lisowsky struck again at 10:26, extending the Royals’ advantage to 2-0 with assists from Kipkie and Nate Misskey. The momentum continued as Reschny netted a goal at 16:44, with an assist from Reggie Newman, sealing the 3-0 victory.
Goaltender Johnny Hicks was instrumental in the shutout, stopping all 22 shots he faced in his first career WHL playoff start.
The Royals’ penalty kill was also effective, neutralizing both of the Americans’ power play opportunities, while Victoria converted one of their three.
The teams will meet again tonight , Saturday March 29th at 6:05 p.m. at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre for Game 2 before the series shifts to the Toyota Center in Kennewick, Washington.
See the highlights from tonight’s Game 1 win!#WHLPlayoffs | #FeedingTheFuture | #OurTimeToReign pic.twitter.com/JB00hsL3lD
— xy – Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals) March 29, 2025
Make sure to grab your tickets online.
Round 1 Playoffs: Victoria Royals vs. Tri City Americans
- Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When:
- Friday, March 28th, puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
- Saturday, March 29th, puck drops at 6:05 p.m.
