2013 - 2014 WHL Preview - Victoria Royals

Victoria Royals Preseason Roster

OVERAGERS:

In the Royals case, there isn't much of a debate on who will be playing as the overagers next season. Three spots are available, and three 93 born players are on the squad in Buffalo Sabres draft pick Logan Nelson, Minnesota native Ben Walker and defenseman Jordan Fransoo. Bringing back all three of those guys, will bring in some leadership and some top players for the Royals. Expect Nelson and Walker to be up there in terms of points and Fransoo to be one of the top defenseman for the Royals.

2014 ELIGIBLES TO WATCH

Joe Hicketts - Representing Canada multiple times in his short hockey career, Joe Hicketts has been depended on in key situations for Hockey Canada, although short in stature, he plays much bigger then he is. His skating, offensive ability and poise are what sets him apart from many others, positioning and ability to shut down teams top lines will be huge for Joe coming into this draft year. 

Ryan Gagnon - As someone who flies under the radar on the Royals blueline, Gagnon plays a hard-nosed game, an extremely solid defenseman who can play the body and isn't noticeable. Which is a good thing because he rarely makes mistakes. Someone to definitely watch for for all you wanting a draft sleeper.

Jack Walker - Brother of Ben, Jack was a defenseman coming in to the Royals camp this year, throughout the season he transitioned into a forward and on the rare occasion is put on defense. An excellent skater who can move the puck up ice quickly and create plays, he's not the biggest guy but his game is suited for the forward position and with a good year could get a look from NHL scouts.


Brandon Fushimi - Coming basically out of nowhere, Fushimi landed a spot on the Royals after after playing midget in the states, the Colorado native throughout the season adapted to the WHL and will be looking for a bounce-back season with the club.

Luke Harrison - After being injured early into the season, Luke Harrison is looking to make a name for himself, a big body who is willing to throw his weight around and has underrated offensive talent. Look for him to play a role on the Royals success. 

GRADES

Offense: B

Although a great team offensively depth wise, the Royals do not have that one player to key on to produce outstanding numbers, with Gogolev gone. Over Steven Hodges and Brandon Magee will be looking to have career years, as well as overagers Nelson and Ben Walker. Austin Carroll, Trent Lofthouse along with young-guns Tyler Soy and Matthew Campese providing secondary scoring to go along with draft eligibles Fushimi, Jack Walker and Harrison. Also Taylor Crunk, Regan Nagy and Logan Fisher having defensive roles on the team who can chip in offensively. Adding Landon Welykholowa just puts even more depth on the young Royals franchise.

Defense: B+

A bit of everything comes from the Royals crop of defenseman this season, Hicketts, Fransoo and Brett Cote will be key offensive producers. With the massive defenseman in Kolton Dixon, Isaac Schacher and Keegan Kanzig taking care of the back-end, Dixon and Kanzig are also not afraid to throw the fisticuffs. Ryan Gagnon and Chaz Reddekopp will names you will be hearing much more this season.

Goaltending: B

With the European goalie Patrick Polivka coming back for another season after proving himself the playoff series against Kamloops, Coleman Vollrath is determined to get the number one spot from the Czech, in the wings is 17 year old Michael Herringer, who performed well in his WHL stint.

Overall: B

An obvious playoff team in my opinion, they should be fighting for a top four seed and a home ice advantage in the Western Confrence, the future is something even better to look forward to for these young men.