With the inaugural season right around the corner for the newest Western Hockey League (WHL) team, the Victoria Royals, there’s a definite hockey buzz picking up throughout the capital region.
Over 3,000 season ticket holders have secured their spots in the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre for the 36 home games the Royals will play. And the buzz around town is exciting for the players as well.
“It feels great, with cameras and media everywhere,” says veteran forward Kevin Sundher, a Surrey native. “It’s a lot different from playing in Chilliwack. It really feels like the city is behind us. We’re hoping for a big fan base and a big part of that will be getting out in the community and getting people behind us.”
The transition to the new city from their former home in Chilliwack, where they were known as the Bruins, will be challenging for the Royals. But the most important focus for the team, and the best way to attract fans, is winning games, says Sundher. “It’s pretty simple. People want to see winners.”
And winning is something this team has a serious potential for, with head coach and general manager Marc Habscheid, a former NHL player, at the helm. Habscheid’s coaching resume is padded with a Memorial Cup in 2003, a run as head coach of the Canadian World Junior Team, and time spent as an assistant coach at the Turin Olympics for the Canadian men’s team, just to name a few.
“He’s changing the culture of the team,” says Sundher. “We know we’re not the biggest or the strongest team, but if everyone buys into the system then we’re going to have a good chance at winning each time we go out on the ice.”
Keeping the team game and playing a gritty, hardworking style will be essential, especially after losing some key offensive players last year to the majors.
“Guys are going to have to step up and fill those offensive roles,” says Sundher, “But it’s not about the best five players on the team. It’s about hard work and playing a team game where everyone knows their role.”
The recipe is here for a great hockey team: an excited city, an experienced head coach, a blue-collar work ethic, and a desire to win. Now just put it in the oven for about 72 games and hope the Victoria Royals can take the heat.