The Tri-City Americans fell at home on Friday 5-1 to the Victoria Royals. Robin Sapousek led the way with a three-point night for the Victoria Royals, and Braden Holt stopped 19 of 20 shots for Victoria.
Tri-City came out of the gates swinging, scoring two minutes in after Max Curran banged home a rebound from a Lukas Dragicevic shot. Things were looking sweet early, but that would be the only positive on the night for Tri-City.
Just a minute later, Victoria began their unanswered goal run and tied the game up after Robin Sapousek banged home a rebound after the puck was left at Sapousek’s feet while Lukas Matecha had sprawled out.
With just under six minutes left in the first period, Victoria would get their first lead of the night by way of Ben Riche. Cole Reschny, off the draw, was able to glide into the slot and patiently hold onto the puck while Ben Riche crashed the net. Riche received a cross-crease feed from Reschny and banged it home, making it 2-1 Victoria.
Shots after one period of play were 15-8 in favor of Victoria.
Robin Sapousek would get his second goal of the night five minutes into the second period on the powerplay. Sapousek was able to get his rebound off his own shot and go five hole on Lukas Matecha, making it 3-1 Victoria.
Every time Tri-City attempted to get back into the game, they shot themselves in the foot with penalties, such as a terrible penalty for too many men on the ice.
Shots after two periods of play were 27-13 in favor of Victoria.
With it only being a two-goal game going into the third, Tri-City fans were still very confident as the Americans have been almost perfect at home. However, Cole Reschny would quickly change everyone’s mind. Reschny received a cross-crease pass from Dawson Pasternak one minute into the third.
Victoria would also get an empty net goal with two minutes left in the game which was the final nail in the coffin, and sent the paratroopers out of the building early. The empty netter was scored by Victoria’s Tanner Scott.
Northwest Sports Desk 