Four-point weekend propels Royals into second place

By Lee Griffi

The Tavistock Royals won both weekend road games and now find themselves tied for second in the Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) standings.

The Royals earned a 4-2 win at Saugeen Shores on Friday and were led by John McDonald’s first two goals of the season. The Cambridge native split his last four years of junior hockey between the Ayr Centennials and Cambridge Winterhawks. Jeremy Munro and Erik Robichaud added two points each with Trevor Sauder adding a goal. Graham Noye kicked out 35 of 37 shots to improve his record to three wins and a loss after taking over the top spot from the injured Jensen Van Boekel. Noye has a .914 save percentage with a 2.27 goals-against average.

Assistant coach Tyson Zehr said Noye has stepped right in and performed at a high level.

“Graham's been a rock for us. He brings a calm, steady demeanor that really boosts the confidence of the whole team,” Zehr said. 

On Saturday in Erin, Tavistock downed the Outlaws 5-4 in overtime thanks to Robichaud’s third goal of the season. The Royals trailed the home team 4-1 after 40 minutes but roared back with three straight markers in the third from Deven Kropf, Callan Christner and Adam Barr. Zach Schompe stopped 30 of the 34 shot he faced for the win in his first start of the season.

“Having a full roster makes a significant difference. When everyone is available, we're able to play with more consistency and depth. It gives us flexibility in our lines and allows us to maintain energy and speed throughout the game,” said Zehr.

He added the newcomers to the team are adjusting and adapting to the higher level of play.

“They’re learning quickly and adjusting to the pace and physicality of the league. Each game, they’re showing more confidence and making key contributions on both ends of the ice. They’re just great guys who fit in well in the room, which has helped them connect with the team and settle into their roles faster.”

He added the coaching staff likes where the roster is right now and having a full lineup on the ice means team chemistry is improving. The Royals have played six of their first seven games on the road, meaning a heavy home schedule once the winter weather hits.

This Saturday is the team’s home opener, which is also the annual Minor Hockey Night as one lucky Tavistock Titan will win free registration for the 2024-2025 season.

“We're expecting great representation from our minor hockey teams at Saturday's game. With 250-plus kids registered for minor hockey in Tavistock, I'm expecting the rink to be full of youthful energy Saturday night,” said president Kyle Wynette.  “I know our guys are really looking forward to getting back in front of a home crowd after being on the road for the past five games. 

“Aside from the joint hockey registration giveaway from the Optimist Club and Royals, fans can look forward to a strong showing from our team with almost everyone healthy and ready to put on a show.”

Wynette added the team’s connection with minor hockey is critical since all these players once began as minor hockey players themselves. 

“I believe we have five former Titans on our roster right now. I feel part of our responsibility is to inspire and motivate the kids to continue enjoying and playing the game of hockey with the hope that they might one day play for their hometown junior or senior team,” he explained. 

“Of all the arenas we play in, I feel like ours has the biggest contingent of youth, many of them minor hockey players. Their energy and passion for the game, in turn, inspires our guys to play their hardest and try to win for the home fans.”