The sunsets are getting earlier, mornings feel a little cooler, and back-to-school chatter is everywhere.
Labour Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and for hockey fans on Vancouver Island, it signals something exciting too.
The Victoria Royals are back and the next few weeks are full of chances to get in on the action.
Victoria’s WHL team is ready to hit the ice with training camp this week, a pair of up-Island pre-season games, and a home opener that will go down as one for the history books.
Here’s what fans can look forward to:
Training Camp opens the door for fans
The Royals open camp at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Thursday and fans are invited to watch for free. The four-day camp runs through the weekend and wraps up with the Showcase intra-squad game on Sunday, August 31st at 10 a.m.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m., so grab a coffee and catch some early hockey.
Players will be split into four teams and hit the ice for practices and scrimmages as they fight for a spot on the roster. It is the perfect way to get a first look at who might become a household name this season.
Hockey Fest brings the Royals up island
Next on the calendar is pre-season, and this year the Royals are taking the fun outside the city. Friday, September 12th will see Mill Bay light up as Kerry Park Recreation Centre hosts Hockey Fest. Fans can expect giveaways, activities and that Royals game-day atmosphere.
Tickets are just $20, but with limited seating, they will not last long.
The team stays up Island the next day for an afternoon game in Duncan at the Cowichan Community Centre against Everett. Pre-season is about more than tune-ups for the players. It is a chance for fans to connect with the team before things get serious.
The countdown to a historic home opener
Friday, September 19th will be the night Royals fans have been waiting for. The team opens the 68-game regular season at the SOFMC against the expansion Penticton Vees in what will be their first-ever WHL game.
Expect the building to be loud as Victoria looks to make an early statement.
That is only the beginning. October brings one of the biggest storylines in junior hockey when Eli McKamey, Victoria’s exceptional status forward, faces Everett’s Landon DuPont for the first time.
Big nights you will not want to miss
There is no shortage of games worth circling this season. Here are a few highlights:
- November 7th – Military Appreciation Night against Kelowna
- December 12th – The Teddy Bear Toss is back against Vancouver
- February 28th – Pink in the Rink Night against Portland
December is also rivalry month with every game against BC Division opponents.
Whether it is free training camp scrimmages, pre-season fun up Island or a home opener that feels like a playoff game, the next few weeks are the perfect time to get behind the Royals.
Tickets for the pre-season up-island games are already moving and the SOFMC will be rocking for the homeopener on September 19th. Do not miss your chance to be part of it.
Check the full schedule and get your tickets at victoriaroyals.com.
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