Royals season comes to an end

By Lee Griffi

They fired everything they had against a hot goalie but, in the end, the hot goalie proved to be the difference.

Tavistock bowed out of the Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) playoffs in a five-game, first-round series despite having home-ice advantage. Tavistock outshot Saugeen Shores 44-25 in Game 5 including a 17-7 shooting record in the third period.

After a scoreless first, the visiting Winterhawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead with 2:45 remaining in the second period, but Nicholas Thibodeau and Tyler Reid scored late to give the Royals momentum heading into the locker room. Saugeen Shores would again pot the first two goals of the third period to take a 4-2 lead. Matt Zilke gave the Royals a chance with a goal just inside the one-minute mark but the Winterhawks would score an empty net marker to seal the win.

Tavistock battered Saugeen goalie Clayton Fritsch with nearly 140 shots on goal in the last three games of the series, but the 34-year-old from Desboro was the difference in the series. Fritsch had a mediocre regular season with a 4.14 goals against average and a .849 save percentage in 13 games but, during the series, posted a 3.21 goals against with a .921 save percentage while playing all five games.

Erik Robichaud led the Royals with seven points in the series while Drew Gerth and Sean Kienapple added five each.

“(Fritsch) was definitely a big factor in the series,” said coach Tyson Zehr. “We threw everything we had at him, especially in that third period with 17 shots, but he stood tall. He made key saves at crucial moments in each game and, in a series this tight, those big-time performances swing the outcome.”

Despite the early postseason loss, Zehr explained he couldn’t be prouder of his team’s competitiveness.

“The effort from our group was outstanding right to the final buzzer. There’s a lot of pride in that room. People might have their perceptions about the league, but anyone who watches these games knows how hard these guys battle. It’s fast, physical hockey and every player is out there competing to win.” 

Zehr added it is an absolute privilege to coach the team.

“This is a group that works hard, pushes each other and sticks together. The mix of experience and young talent created a great dynamic in the room and it made for a special season. It’s clear that it means something to put on that Royals jersey and the guys showed that with the way they fought all series.”  

At the end of every season in senior hockey, teams take stock of who’s staying and who’s deciding to hang up the skates. Zehr explained the search for new talent is already underway and he’s confident the team will compete again next season.

“Some guys are thinking about their next steps, but those decisions will come over the next few weeks. Recruiting starts right away. We’re really close and it’s about adding a few pieces here and there to build on the strong core we already have. The goal is to keep pushing forward and putting ourselves in a position to win.”

A successful on-ice product can’t happen without an equal or better performance off the ice. Team president Kyle Wynette said the team’s volunteers deserve a lot of credit.

“While not the result we had hoped for on ice, I’m proud of how our executive worked together this past year to keep Royals hockey alive in the community. It’s because we all care so much that a quarterfinal exit stings so much.  I think we all believed we were going to make it through to the semi-finals, but the hockey gods had other plans for us this year.”  

He added the executive grew this year, adding Grant Meadows, Marti van Griensven, Tracy Medhurst and Chris Traynor. 

“As the saying goes, many hands make light work. Each new member brings a new, unique skillset and experience that helps strengthen our team and I’m looking forward to working with them all over the offseason.”  

Zehr also took time to thank the team’s many sponsors.

“Your support all season has been incredible. The energy you bring fuels our team and the backing from our sponsors makes it all possible. It means a lot to the players, coaches and everyone involved with the Royals. We’re proud to represent this community and we’re already looking forward to next season.”