You know summer is entering its final stretch when hockey talk begins to ramp up, and the Victoria Royals just gave fans plenty to talk about.
With their highly anticipated “Clash of the Kingdoms” series against the London Knights less than two weeks away, the Royals have pulled off a major trade to add one of the Western Hockey League’s top scorers.
Victoria announced Monday that it has acquired 2007-born forward Savin Virk from the Tri-City Americans.
Virk led the Americans in virtually every offensive category last season, recording 27 goals and 38 assists for 65 points in 66 games.
The Surrey native has already accumulated 111 points, including 49 goals and 62 assists, over 116 WHL games.
“Savin has proven to be a top player in this league and we expect him to be a big part of our team,” said Royals General Manager Jake Heisinger.
“Adding a player of his calibre to our group is an important move for us.”
The Royals also received a second-round selection in the 2027 CHL Import Draft and a sixth-round pick in 2030.
In exchange, Victoria sent 2009-born forward Eli McKamey, a first-round selection in the 2027 CHL Import Draft and a third-round pick in 2030 to Tri-City.
McKamey, a Cowichan Bay native, recorded six goals and 11 assists for 17 points across 48 games with the Royals last season.
“Eli is a very good young player that has a bright career in front of him,” Heisinger said. “In making this move, Eli will have the opportunity to play an offensive role in his draft year.”
Virk’s arrival gives the Royals another proven offensive weapon ahead of what could be one of the most memorable weekends of junior hockey Victoria has ever hosted.
On Friday, September 4th and Saturday, September 5th, the Royals will welcome the defending Memorial Cup champion London Knights to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre for the “Clash of the Kingdoms.”
The two-game showcase will mark the first inter-league meeting between WHL and Ontario Hockey League clubs outside of the Memorial Cup tournament.
London will arrive in Victoria following back-to-back championship seasons in 2024 and 2025, setting up a rare opportunity for Island hockey fans to see two prominent Canadian Hockey League programs face each other.
“Hosting this series in Victoria will create an outstanding atmosphere for our players and fans while highlighting the level of talent across the Canadian Hockey League,” said Joey Poljanowski, vice-president of hockey operations for the Royals.
“This event will give our community a great platform to celebrate junior hockey and experience something truly unique. We’re looking forward to welcoming the Knights and to a very entertaining series.”
The weekend is expected to feature several top NHL prospects, along with a notable coaching matchup between London’s Dale Hunter and Victoria’s James Patrick.
Hunter and Patrick each played more than 1,200 games in the NHL before moving behind the bench, where both have played significant roles in developing some of the CHL’s top players.
The hockey will not be the only attraction. An outdoor Fan Fest is also planned on the main entrance plaza, featuring live music, games and additional activities.
The opening game takes place Friday, September 4th at 7:05 p.m., followed by the second game at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 5th.
Tickets for the “Clash of the Kingdoms” are available through Select Your Tickets.
Clash of the Kingdoms
- Where: Save on Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When:
- Game 1: Friday, September 4th, puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
- Game 2: Saturday, September 5th, puck drops at at 4 p.m.
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