Dig out the Salmon Kings jerseys, Victoria!
The Victoria Royals will embark on their annual eastern road trip this weekend before returning home later this month for the first-ever Salmon Kings night at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
The road swing opens with back-to-back games against the Brandon Wheat Kings and Regina Pats, followed by additional matchups across Saskatchewan next week. All away games will be streamed live on Victory+ and broadcast on Royals Hockey Live.
Ahead of the opening game of the trip, the Royals remain firmly in the playoff picture.
Victoria enters the weekend sitting eighth in the Western Conference, just four points back of third place. Within the BC Division, the Royals are fifth, only three points behind third, underscoring how tightly packed the standings remain as the season enters its final stretch.
Brandon presents an immediate challenge. The Wheat Kings hold a 22-16-1-0 record and sit second in the East Division, powered by one of the league’s most productive offences.
Despite entering the week on a four-game losing streak, Brandon ranks fifth league-wide in goals and relies heavily on a high-end power play.
Regina follows on the schedule with a different look. The Pats, who are fifth in the East Division, have benefited from balanced scoring throughout their lineup and enter the weekend on a two-game winning streak, including a 6–3 victory over Brandon.
The matchup offers another early test as Victoria looks to establish momentum on the road.
Off the ice, the WHL trade deadline has come and gone with the Royals choosing continuity. Victoria did not make any moves, signalling confidence in its current roster as it prepares for the push toward the postseason.
The club has also drawn attention from NHL evaluators. Defenceman Timofei Runtso and forward Nolan Stewart were both listed on the NHL Central Scouting mid-term rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Runtso, a rookie blueliner, currently leads the WHL in rookie defenceman scoring, while Stewart sits among the team’s top scorers in his second season with the Royals.
Victoria will return home at the end of January for a milestone night celebrating the past. On Saturday January 31st, the Royals will host the Red Deer Rebels in the first-ever Salmon Kings night at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, with puck drop set for 6:05 pm.
The team will wear Salmon Kings throwback replica jerseys for the game, with alumni expected to be in attendance and throwback music featured throughout the night. The jerseys will be auctioned off following the game, with bidding opening January 21st.
With 11 home games remaining in the regular season, the Royals’ return from the road marks the beginning of a busy and meaningful stretch at home as the playoff race tightens.
Make sure to grab your tickets to the January 31st game!
