It’s been a busy off-season so far for the Victoria Royals.
From a new regular season schedule and several roster changes to NHL Draft success and significant league-wide rule changes, the club will look noticeably different when it takes the ice this September.
The Royals officially released their 2026-27 schedule this week, opening the season on the road against the Kamloops Blazers on Saturday, September 19th before returning to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre for their home opener against the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, September 26th.
But the schedule is just one of several changes fans will notice this season.
WHL extending the season
The biggest league-wide change is a longer regular season calendar.
While teams will still play 68 games, the Western Hockey League has extended the schedule by one week in an effort to reduce travel demands, provide more recovery time and give players additional opportunities for practice, strength training and academics.
The league says the move is part of a broader effort to improve the player experience and adapt to the rapidly changing junior hockey landscape, particularly as NCAA programs continue to recruit more CHL players.
Beginning this season, WHL clubs will also be permitted to take one flight for qualifying out-of-conference road trips that would otherwise involve more than 10 hours of bus travel.
Overtime could look very different
Fans may also notice a new overtime format.
The WHL will test a new “No Return” three-on-three overtime rule throughout the 2026 preseason.
Once an attacking team crosses the offensive blue line, they won’t be allowed to deliberately carry or pass the puck back into the neutral zone to regroup. If they do, play will be stopped and the opposing team will receive an offensive-zone faceoff with no line change permitted.
League officials hope the rule creates more scoring chances and reduces the conservative style that has become common during three-on-three overtime.
Following the preseason, WHL general managers will vote on whether the rule should remain for the regular season.
Shorter first-round playoff series
In addition to an extended season and overtime changes, there will be another notable change coming next spring.
Beginning with the 2027 playoffs, the opening round will move from a best-of-seven to a best-of-five format.
The adjustment allows the league to keep the overall playoff schedule intact, despite the longer regular season, while ensuring the WHL champion remains on schedule for the Memorial Cup.
Royals add international talent
Victoria has also been actively building next season’s roster.
The Royals selected Russian goaltender Vladimir Proskurin with the 123rd overall pick in the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. The St. Louis Blues prospect was chosen in the fourth round of last week’s NHL Draft.
Victoria also drafted 6’4” Czech forward Marek Peroutka, filling both of the club’s European roster spots.
The additions come after veteran goaltender Ethan Eskit announced he will play NCAA hockey with the University of Massachusetts Minutemen this fall.
Defenceman Timofei Runtso is also heading south to join the Miami RedHawks after being selected 57th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL Draft.
Strong showing at the NHL Draft
The organization had plenty to celebrate during last week’s NHL Draft.
Former Royals standout Keaton Verhoeff became a top-10 NHL selection after being picked ninth overall by the San Jose Sharks.
Runtso was selected in the second round by Montreal, while Victoria products Gio Pantelas and Noah Kosick were also drafted by the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks, respectively.
Key dates on the calendar
Some of the marquee home games for the Victoria Royals this season include:
- September 26th: Home opener versus Vancouver Giants
- November 7th: Military Appreciation Night
- November 27th: Teddy Bear Toss
- January 23rd: Hockey Day in Victoria against the Penticton Vees
- February 19th: Country Fest
- February 26th: Pink in the Rink
- March 26th: Fan Appreciation Night
Victoria will also host several Eastern Conference opponents including the Swift Current Broncos, Brandon Wheat Kings, Moose Jaw Warriors, Regina Pats, Prince Albert Raiders and Saskatoon Blades during the season.
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