Game played 1/29/2025.
General Game Notes: The visiting Victoria Royals took full advantage of a team that did not have a lot of pushback on this night and easily defeated the hometown Kelowna Rockets 11-1. The Royals pretty much did what they wanted, especially on the powerplay where they scored on 5 of 6 opportunities and went up 9-0 early in the third. They were led by the speedy, skilled trio of Cole Reschny (2G 3A), Teydon Trembecky (3G 1A) and Kenta Isogai (1G 3A).
Johnny Hicks (G, L, 5’11”, 155, Victoria Royals, 09/11/2005)
Grade: A
Comments: Goaltender Hicks has made an impressive transition to the WHL from the BCHL, showcasing his elite compete level and sound skill set despite his smaller stature at 5’9′. His high-end work ethic is evident in his lightning-quick feet and exceptional lateral movement, allowing him to maintain control of his body and stay in position to make critical saves. Hicks excels in rebound control, with pucks often sticking to him, and his ability to keep his hands and upper body up when going down enables him to cover a significant portion of the net. His combination of agility, composure, and determination make him a high end prospect with the potential to be a go to guy at the university level.
Cole Reschny (C, L, 5’11”, 183, Victoria Royals, 04/04/2007)
Grade: A
Comments: Reschny is a highly skilled forward known for his impressive versatility as both a playmaker and a scorer. The reality is, he does many things at a very high level. His high hockey IQ and strong work ethic enable him to excel in various situations, particularly during power plays where he showcases remarkable poise with the puck. Positioned on the flank, he effectively receives passes and demonstrates a quick, deceptive shot, as evidenced by a powerful release over the goalie’s blocker for one of his goals. Additionally, he contributes as a setup man as he knows where his teammates are prior to pucks getting to him. His skating technique is very good as he is quite solid and sturdy making him tough to handle when he has puck possession, with that, he has good top end speed but it is not elite. He is dependable in defensive responsibilities, displaying a strong understanding of his duties in down low coverage. With his agility and commitment to the two-way game, Reschny is a valuable asset who has the potential to make a significant impact at higher levels of play.
Keaton Verhoeff (D, R, 6’4″, 207, Victoria Royals, 06/19/2008)
Grade: A-
Comments: Verhoeff is an elite talent who showcases a veteran-level skill set reminiscent of a seasoned WHL player. His proficiency is evident at both ends of the rink, where he excels in puck retrievals, demonstrating excellent pre-scanning to anticipate plays and consistently make smart decisions in conjunction with his defensive partner. In the neutral zone, he plays a tight game, effectively stifling opposing offenses before they can mount an attack. Verhoeff is a strong outlet passer, delivering hard, flat passes that facilitate quick transitions. Defensively, he combines physicality with finesse, using his strong stick to disrupt plays and effectively defend against attackers. Offensively, his mobility and vision make him a significant threat in the offensive zone, as he adeptly orchestrates plays and creates scoring opportunities for his teammates. Overall, Verhoeff’s blend of intelligence, skill, and competitive edge marks him as a standout player with a very bright future ahead.
Teydon Trembecky (LW, L, 5’11”, 182, Victoria Royals, 04/28/2005)
Grade: A-
Comments: Trembecky showcases a high-end, multifaceted game, especially on the offensive side of the puck, that sets him apart from his peers. His exceptional top speed and agility are complemented by a very quick set of hands, allowing him to navigate through tight spaces and create scoring opportunities for his skilled linemates. His hockey IQ and vision were prominently displayed during the game, particularly when he recorded the primary assist on Victoria’s first power-play goal, sliding a slick 10 foot cross crease pass to Liskowsky for an easy tap in, demonstrating his ability to read plays and find open teammates. On the third goal, Trembecky exhibited a fine individual effort, utilizing his speed to the outside, before executing an excellent crossbody pull to his backhand to beat the goaltender. Additionally, he is reliable on the defensive coverage coverage, effectively making smart plays along the wall in his own zone, showcasing his well-rounded skill set and commitment to both ends of the ice. He will be a very effective player at the university level and warrants another look at the pro level.
Reggie Newman (RW, R, 6’2″, 200, Victoria Royals, 06/08/2005)
Grade: A-
Comments: Newman is a presence on the ice, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic and a clear understanding of his role within the team. His combination of size and smooth ability skating make him a formidable opponent, as he effectively engages in the hard game, using his body to create space and disrupt defenses. Newman possesses impressive puck-handling skills, allowing him to carry the puck through the neutral zone with confidence, but he also recognizes the importance of getting the puck deep and forechecking aggressively. His ability to drive to the net with his stick on the ice creates significant challenges for opposing defensemen, particularly evident in his performance against Kelowna, where he made his presence felt in front of the net all night. Defensively, Newman will play the 200 foot game consistently backchecking with determination and utilizing his stick and body to block shots and disrupt plays. Overall, his combination of size, skill, and high end effort will make him a valuable asset at the next level and is definitely worth another look for the pro level.
Kenta Isogai (LW, L, 5’9″, 175, Victoria Royals, 08/28/2004)
Grade: A-
Comments: Isogai is an impressive player who is thriving alongside two high-level line mates, showcasing his ability to elevate his play and those around him. His exceptional skating ability, highlighted by both high-end speed and agility, consistently forces defenders to retreat from the blue line, creating space for offensive opportunities. Isogai’s puck skills are notable, as he demonstrates a keen vision for the game, making smart plays in the offensive zone and effectively finding open spaces. His role as a playmaker was particularly evident during the power play, where he displayed his passing prowess, including one moment where he executed a precise cross-body, cross-ice pass while attacking, to set up Trembecky for a one-timer goal. He backchecks hard and was dependable with his positioning in the defensive zone. Overall, Isogai’s combination of speed, skill, and hockey IQ makes him a valuable asset and will thrive at the university level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
