The Royals Roundup Podcast

On the most recent episode of the Royals Roundup Podcast, we were joined by blueliner Keaton Verhoeff. The 15-year-old from Fort Saskatchewan, AB, had a year to remember: drafted fourth overall in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, participating in his first WHL Training Camp, first WHL Game on December 2nd against the Seattle Thunderbirds, a standout season with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U18, representing Canada at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea while wearing an "A", registering his first WHL Point on March 2nd against the Portland Winterhawks, and playing WHL Playoffs games for the Royals. We chatted about all of this and much more on episode #19!

Joining us for episode #18 of the Royals Roundup Podcast was long-time Royals assistant coach, Jeff Compton. During this week's episode, we tested Jeff's memory over his years in Victoria as he recalled memories from Royals past and recounted his journey to where he is now. Throughout the episode, we recapped the Royals' 2023-24 season from start to finish, exploring the highs and lows that come with playing junior hockey.

Joining us for episode #17 of the Royals Roundup Podcast were two members of the 2023-24 roster, Cole Reschny and Reggie Newman. During the episode, we chatted about team chemistry, hometowns, milestone memories, while also putting them to the challenge of two drafts. Starting with 16-year-old Cole Reschny, the third overall selection in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, he has been a player to watch in his rookie campaign. The 2025 Draft Eligible forward is currently sixth amongst rookie scorers across the Western Hockey League with 21 goals and 32 assists for 53 points in 55 games so far this season. His strong play has been recognized across the league, as he was named the November Rookie of the Month and Rookie of the Week on two occasions. He also carried a staggering 14-game point streak between October 9th and November 25th. Eighteen-year-old Reggie Newman has also been having a career year with the Royals. In 62 games so far this season, Newman has earned 18 goals and 21 assists for 39 points. The towering forward is continuing momentum in his third season in Victoria, and his growth was recognized last summer as he was invited to participate in the Arizona Coyotes development camp.

On episode #16 of the Royals Roundup podcast, we were thrilled to host the talented local band, 3 Sailing Wait. The episode commenced with an electrifying live performance of our theme song by the band, setting the perfect tone for the engaging 40-minute podcast. Throughout the episode, we delved into the captivating origin story of 3 Sailing Wait, discussed their upcoming projects and future songs, explored their deep connection and affection for the city, and even conducted a lively draft of bands. Additionally, hockey enthusiasts will find plenty of excitement as we dove intohockey talk. Tune in for a dynamic and multifaceted conversation with 3 Sailing Wait as we explore the depths of their musical journey and share in their passion for both music and our beloved city.

For the first time in the history of the Royals Roundup Podcast, we were joined by a Stanley Cup Champion. Andrew Ference made his way over to the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre to chat about a wide variety of topics revolving around hockey. Currently, Andrew is the Director of Youth Strategy for the National Hockey League. One of his biggest projects is NHL Street, which is designed to provide kids and their families the best of what youth sports can be: having fun, staying active, making friends, and creating great memories. Outside of his main job, Andrew also continues to offer his hockey expertise coaching at Shawinigan Lake School. Ference played 17 seasons in the NHL, playing over 900 games and lifting the Stanley Cup in 2011 with the Boston Bruins.

On episode #14 of the Royals Roundup, we were delighted to host two special guests who shared insights on the upcoming Pink in The Rink/Hockey Fights Cancer event at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. Patti Andrews, Manager from the Canadian Cancer Society's Vancouver Island Cancer Lodge, joined us to discuss the profound relationship between the Cancer Lodge and the Royals. The Cancer Lodge plays a pivotal role by offering reasonably priced accommodations, amenities, and services to out-of-town patients undergoing cancer assessment or treatment in Victoria. Their services encompass three daily meals, internet access, a library and resource room, on-site laundry facilities, and access to a wig and breast prosthesis bank. With staff available 24/7, they provide unwavering support and information to guests, who stay in shared rooms with ensuite washrooms. Turning our attention to the Royals' perspective, Director of Marketing & Community Relations, Joel Rinne, shed light on the flourishing community aspect of the organization during the 23/24 season. Hailing from Finland, Rinne also shared his personal journey and transition into the city after relocating from Europe to North America. For those eager to participate, you can bid on our Hockey Fights Cancer jersey by following this link: https://fans.winwithdash.com/event/65a71258f46c8900070680ca. To donate towards the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative, click below. https://fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=5264#:~:text=Through%20our%20Pink%20in%20the,those%20bravely%20fighting%20against%20cancer.

We were joined by Royals' forward Ben Riche and netminder Jayden Kraus during episode #13 of the Royals Roundup Podcast. Kraus is in his first season with the Royals after spending the past two season with the U18 AAA Prince Albert Mintos (SMAAAHL). The 17-year-old from Prince Albert was originally drafted 46th overall in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft. To this point in the season, Kraus has posted a 8-8-0-1 record with a 3.98 GAA and a 0.872 save percentage through 20 games during the 23/24 campaign. While Ben Riche is also in his first season in Victoria after being acquired via trade earlier this season from the Moose Jaw Warriors. The 18-year-old from Bethune, SK, has notched 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points this season through 44 games played. Prior to his time in the WHL, Riche suited up for the U18 AAA Regina Pat Canadians. During the episode, we chatted about the East Division road trip, hometowns, a couple of drafts and much more!

This week we were joined by a hockey broadcasting legend, Ron MacLean! With over three decades of acclaimed experience, MacLean is well known for his role as host for Hockey Night in Canada Renowned for his profound knowledge and unwavering passion for hockey, MacLean has become one of the nation's most celebrated broadcasters. His broadcasting journey commenced in 1978 at CKRD Radio in Red Deer, Alberta, evolving to become the host of the Calgary Flames television broadcasts on CFAC in 1984. Following a stint as a sports anchor on the local evening news, MacLean joined CBC in 1986, initially hosting the Toronto Maple Leaf broadcasts on Hockey Night in Canada.In 1987, MacLean ascended to the national host position for Hockey Night in Canada, a role that included hosting the iconic Coach's Corner alongside Don Cherry. Throughout his tenure with CBC, MacLean not only helmed 10 Olympic Games but also presided over the Commonwealth Games, IAAF World Championships, World Cup Hockey, the Calgary Stampede, and the Queen's Plate. MacLean's contributions to Hockey Night in Canada were acknowledged in 2015 when he received a Canadian Screen Award for Best Host in a Sports Program or Series, adding to his collection of 10 Gemini Awards. These include Best Host/Broadcaster in a Sports Program (1992, 1994, 1998, 2001, and 2007) and Best Host for Hockey Day in Canada (2004, 2006, and 2008). He is a two-time recipient of the George Gross Award, honoring excellence in sports broadcasting.During our chat, we talked the exciting week ahead as Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada (Jan. 17 - 20) gears up to takeover Victoria as well as many other stories about connections to our city!

Happy New Year! Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Royals Roundup Podcast. In episode #11, we have the dynamic duo, Braden Holt and Nate Misskey, sharing insights and stories about their experiences with the Royals. As we ushered in 2024, our conversation revolved around the team's collective achievements and the outstanding performances of these two players in the ongoing 23/24 campaign. In their second seasons with the Royals, both Holt and Misskey have played pivotal roles in propelling the team to an impressive second-place standing in the competitive B.C. Division. During our discussion, we subjected the players to two rounds of drafts, questions about their off-season routines, future aspirations, hometowns, and a myriad of other intriguing topics. Let's start with the 20-year-old goaltender, Braden Holt, who has showcased his prowess in the net with a commendable 15-6-0-1 record in 23 games played. Holt boasts a 3.14 goals-against average (GAA) and an impressive .904 save percentage. Hailing from Bozeman, MT, Holt was acquired by the Royals on December 27th, 2022, from the Everett Silvertips, and has quickly become a key asset for the team. Switching our focus to 18-year-old Nate Misskey, the emerging star has firmly established himself in his second season with the Royals. Drafted in the third round of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft, Misskey has been making waves with 6 goals and 25 assists, accumulating an impressive 31 points in 38 games played. His stellar performance ranks him eighth among blueliners for scoring across the entire WHL.

Episode #10 of the Royals Roundup is here! We are joined by our first active members of the Royals as Teydon Tremebcky and Tanner Scott make an appearance on the podcast. We kicked off the episode talking about what the two forwards have seen to this point in the season for Victoria as they currently sit 14-11-0-2 which is good for second place in the B.C. Division.Both Scott and Trembecky come from Sherwood Park, AB, which led to some questions about differences they have seen in moving to the B.C. Capital city. We also learned that the two see each other frequently throughout the summer via the old school method of running into each other in a small town.Throughout the episode, we got to see their personalities shine through as the two forwards went through two different drafts which included their top five artists and movies of all time. They also showcased their style and fashion as we ended the episode with a fit check that illustrated their interest in local shops within the city.