By all accounts the first-ever WHL pre-season games held at Kerry Park Arena in Mill Bay and the Cowichan Arena in Duncan were a success — and though they were thrilling competitions, it wasn't just about the hockey.
The games not only brought WHL hockey to the Cowichan Valley for the first time, but also gave the community an opportunity to support important local charities.
The Royals were proud to partner with Island Savings and the Cowichan Minor Hockey Association to help raise more than $10,000 for local charities.
Prior to the game on Sept. 13 at the Cowichan Arena, the Royals donated $5,000 each to the Clements Centre Society and the Cowichan Valley Basket Society.
"With the significant increase in food insecurity among our friends and neighbours, many are turning to food banks to help meet their needs," said Cowichan Valley Basket Society manager Henry Wikkerink.
"This donation plays a crucial role in addressing a fraction of that demand. CVBS is currently facing a situation where the need has surpassed our capacity to respond, and we are incredibly grateful for this generous contribution."
The Royals kicked off their WHL season with a bang on Friday, Sept. 19 at the Save-on-Foods Centre in Victoria, when they handed the visiting Penticton Vees a 5-0 loss in Penticton's first-ever WHL game.
Victoria's next game is 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26 against the Vancouver Giants in Langley.
They'll return home on Sept. 27 to meet Vancouver in the back-half of a home-and-home series. The puck drops on that game at 6:05 p.m.
