This was the first of three meetings this weekend when the Royals met with the Lions on Friday night. The Royals clinched a playoff berth after a powerful 6-2 victory over the Lions.
The First period was strong and fast right out of the gate. Both teams opened with a goal and penalty each for both teams. To open up the scoring was Colin Felix with a rocket shot, assisted by Solag Bakich. Bakich also made a dent with a hit in the attack zone. He made his mark early in
his time with the Royals. The next goal was scored by Brett Stapley of the Lions, assisted by Cole Gallant. Only a handful of minutes apart, Gerard and Stapley both got tagged for tripping penalties. The period did end in a 1-1 tie.
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What a second period though as it showcased All-Star competition. The Royals scored two goals back-to-back.
To make the game 2-1, it was newly signed Ryan Finnegan to Charlie Gerard, straight to Max Newton for his first of two goals in the period. Finnegan gained his first point as a Royal. After that it was Alec Butcher who netted his 21st goal of the season, assisted by Evan Barratt and Jacob Gaucher. The Lions then received three penalties: Anthony Beauregard for too
many men, William Lemay for hooking which led to the Royals having a two-man advantage. However, the Royals did not capitalize on that particular advantage. But, they did however snag a power play goal on Matthew Barron’s hooking call, thanks to Max Newton, which was assisted by Garrett McFadden and Gerard. The Lions got on the board for a second time with a power play goal by Cole Gallant on the Butcher high-sticking call. With fast action and the clock ticking down, the Royals were hungry for an insurance goal. Luckily Gaucher was fed by captain McFadden and Evan Barratt, as that goal ended the period 5-2 in favor of the Royals. Garratt McFadden ended the period with two assists, Gaucher with two points (1g,1a), and Newton with two goals.
Felix gets his second of the game which was his eighth of the season, assisted by Newton and Gerard. Cedric Lacroix received a handful of penalties late in the third. Two minutes for cross checking, two minutes for instigating, five minutes for fighting, and a ten minute game misconduct. Anthony Beauregard served both of the two minute penalties, which were killed by the Lions. James Phelan and Felix got into an old school style battle with five seconds to spare in the game. Both received five minutes for fighting, however only five seconds were served. It was a multi-point night for Newton.
Newton is in his first year with the Royals for those that do not know. He said, “It feels great to clinch a playoff spot
and get that out of the way.” The Royals and Lions tee off again on Saturday evening.
Let’s go Royals fans, it’s time to paint the town purple
