Royals move into third thanks to four-game win streak

By Lee Griffi

Tavistock overcame a slow start Saturday night and rallied to down Erin 7-2 in Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) play.

The visiting Outlaws led 2-1 after 20 minutes but the Royals scored four times in the second period and took a 5-3 lead. Tavistock had a balanced attack with five players earning two points each.

Tavistock hosted Minto the previous Saturday and earned a 3-2 win. Deven Kropf scored two goals including the game-winner just 16 seconds into the third period. Jeremy Munro also scored while Trevor Sauder added a pair of helpers. Goalie Graeme Noye stopped 25 of 27 shots for the win. He also earned an assist on Kropf’s first goal of the night.

“A lot of little things have come together during this run,” said head coach Tyson Zehr. “We've been disciplined, limiting penalties and staying focused for the full 60 minutes. Our special teams have been a key factor, with both the power play and penalty kill stepping up.”

The Royals last two games have been at home and, in the OEHL, that can be a big advantage with many road trips well over an hour. Zehr said playing in Tavistock is always a plus.

“Playing at home has been a big boost for us. The energy from the crowd creates a great atmosphere, and it’s been a confidence-builder for the team.”

Zehr added the home-ice advantage will be needed this Saturday as the Royals host the Seaforth Centenaires.

“Seaforth is a strong, well-coached team with a lot of talent. They play a physical and fast-paced game, and every matchup with them feels like a playoff battle. As one of our biggest rivals, we know they’ll come out hard and we’ll need to match their intensity from the start of the game.”

Deven Kropf continues to put up big numbers offensively for Tavistock, but Zehr explained they are getting a balanced attack.

“Dev has been outstanding, but what’s been really encouraging is how many guys are contributing offensively. That kind of depth makes us harder to defend and gives us options in different situations.”

Number-one goaltender Jensen Van Boekel suffered a lower-body injury earlier in the season, something that has him sidelined indefinitely. Zehr said there is no timeline for his return.

“Jensen is making progress, but we’re still taking it week by week. Right now, we’re not ruling anything out, but his health comes first. If he’s ready to return at some point, that will be a big lift for us, but we won’t rush him or the process.”