Here we go, Royals fans—buckle up.
The Victoria Royals are in Spokane to open their second-round playoff matchup against the high-flying Chiefs, with a spot in the WHL’s Western Conference Final on the line.
Game one goes tonight, Sunday, April 13th at 6:05 p.m. PT, with a 2-3-2 series format set to unfold over the next two weeks.
While the Royals earned home ice in round one by clinching the BC Division, it’s the Spokane Chiefs who hold that advantage this time. Thanks to their 93-point regular season, they edge out Victoria’s 91 and will host the first two games—and games 6 and 7 if necessary.
This marks just the third time these two teams have met in the postseason, and this edition could be their most thrilling yet.
Tale of the tape
Victoria and Spokane each handled business in the opening round with 4-1 series wins, and both enter round two well-rested. Spokane steamrolled the Vancouver Giants with 28 goals in five games—an eye-popping 5.6 goals per game—while the Royals showed off their depth by getting goals from 12 different players and a blue line that showed up big in crunch time.
Despite the Royals winning their division, the Chiefs took the regular-season series 3-0-1-0, including two wins in Victoria. But the playoffs are a different beast, and Victoria’s defensive group—led by NHL prospects Justin Kipkie (Utah) and Nate Misskey (San Jose), plus standout rookie Keaton Verhoeff—will be counted on to tighten the screws against Spokane’s elite top line.
Firepower vs. depth
There’s no sugar-coating Spokane’s offensive juggernaut. WHL Player of the Year nominees Andrew Cristall (7G, 5A) and Berkly Catton (4G, 10A) are joined by Shea Van Olm (4G, 7A) to form what’s arguably the most dangerous line in junior hockey. Together, they’ve racked up 37 points in five games and show no signs of slowing down.
But Victoria has quietly built one of the deepest and most balanced squads in the league. Cole Reschny leads the way with 12 points and has yet to be held off the scoresheet in the playoffs. Teydon Trembecky, Kenta Isogai, and Brandon Lisowsky add experience and scoring punch, while goaltender Johnny Hicks has been lights out, boasting a 1.58 GAA, .949 save percentage, and two shutouts.
The coaches’ chess match
This series also features a battle behind the bench between two of the WHL’s best. Victoria’s James Patrick and Spokane’s Brad Lauer are both nominated for WHL Coach of the Year, while GMs Jake Heisinger (Royals) and Matt Bardsley (Chiefs) are up for Executive of the Year.
Both clubs have been meticulously built to contend, and it shows—Victoria’s power play is clicking at 31.6% (3rd best), and their penalty kill is second overall. Spokane’s special teams are nothing to scoff at either, ranking 6th and 4th respectively.
What to expect
Expect goals, speed, and playoff intensity from puck drop. Spokane has the edge in top-end scoring, but Victoria’s depth and defence make them a threat to grind down the Chiefs over a long series. With evenly matched special teams and standout goaltending on the Royals’ side, don’t be surprised if this one goes the distance.
Game one will take place in Spokane on Sunday, April 13th at 6:05 p.m., followed by game two the next night, Monday, April 14th, at 7:05 p.m., also in Spokane.
The series then shifts to Victoria for game three on Wednesday, April 16th at 7:05 p.m., and game four on Friday, April 18th at 7:05 p.m. If necessary, game five will also be played in Victoria on Saturday, April 19th, with puck drop at 6:05 p.m., so make sure to grab your tickets.
Should the series extend beyond five games, it will return to Spokane for game six on Tuesday, April 22nd at 7:05 p.m., and game seven on Wednesday, April 23rd at 7:05 p.m.
All games are free to stream on Victory+.
