Royals back on track after four-point weekend

Finlann Lichti and Jaxson McGeoch took home brand-new scooters. Photo courtesy of Tavistock Royals

By Lee Griffi

The Tavistock Royals snapped a four-game losing skid with a pair of victories over two teams above them in the Ontario Elite Hockey League’s (OEHL) Southern Division.

After dropping a 6-5 decision to Elora at home last weekend, the Royals bounced back with a 6-2 road win over the Rocks on Friday night.

After the teams exchanged first-period markers, Tavistock exploded for five third-period goals. John McDonald, Drew Gerth, Callan Christner, Issac Westlake, Jeromy Munro and Michael Capicotto scored for the Royals while Mitch Atkins added three assists. Atkins, the Kitchener native with several years of semi-professional hockey under his belt, leads the team with 19 points in 12 regular-season games.

Joseph Clark kicked out 29 of the 31 shots he faced to earn the victory between the pipes.

On Saturday, Tavistock hosted Petrolia and downed the Squires 7-4, thanks in large part to a two-goal, one-assist performance by Deven Kropf.

The Royals jumped out to a 4-1 lead after 20 minutes as the teams traded goals the rest of the way. Matt Zilke, Lucas Bast, Andrew Van Boekel, Christner and Capicotto scored single markers in the win, while Andrew Sauder, Luke Robichaud and Luke Fanjoy chipped in with a pair of assists each.

Zach Shompe and Clark combined to stop 30 of 34 shots to share the win.

Tavistock coach Tyson Zehr said the difference over the weekend was the team’s competition level and attention to detail.

“After four straight losses, we really challenged the group to get back to doing the little things right – managing the puck, winning battles and playing a full 60 minutes. Beating two teams ahead of us in the standings shows what we’re capable of when we commit to our structure.”

In senior hockey, it’s not easy for any team to ice a full, consistent lineup, something that has challenged the Royals this season.

“We’ve had some challenges getting a full lineup at times, whether it’s injuries, work commitments, or availability. That said, no one’s used it as an excuse. The guys who’ve been in the lineup have stepped up, and our depth has been important during that stretch.”

Zehr added the win on Elora was huge heading into Saturday night’s home game.

“It was huge. Losing to them the weekend before didn’t sit well with our group. I thought we played well enough to win, but that’s how good the league is now; sometimes a good effort isn’t enough. Getting that win in their building set the tone for the weekend and gave us some confidence back.”

Tavistock has had some injuries in the goaltending ranks, but Zehr said he is confident one of the three netminders on the roster will step up and take over the number one job. He added the play of Tavistock native and veteran Deven Kropf has been outstanding.

“His consistency and leadership have been huge and has been for the Royals for years now. Not many guys in the league can match his skill, but more than that, he sets the standard in terms of effort. Having a guy you can rely on every game is invaluable.”

The Royals held a Kids Night promotion on Saturday and gave away three prizes while, at the same time, raising money for the Tavistock Assistance Program (TAP).

“Four-hundred dollars in cash was raised for TAP which will surely come in handy as they fill their Christmas Hampers this month,” said team president Kyle Wynette.