Royals suffer second straight loss after squandering three-goal lead

Tavistock’s U9 MD team played a game of shinny during a recent first-period intermission. Photo courtesy of Tavistock Royals

By Lee Griffi

Tavistock dropped into a three-way tie for third place in the Ontario Elite Hockey League’s (OEHL) South Division following a 6-4 home-ice loss to Elora on Saturday night.

The Royals jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the four-minute mark of the second period on goals from Michael Capicotto, Kyle Soper and Callan Christner. The Rocks roared back with four consecutive goals in an eight-and-a-half-minute span before Lucas Bast’s goal one minute into the third gave Tavistock the lead. Elora scored the last two goals of the game to move into a tie for third.

The Royals recently held their Tavistock Minor Hockey Night, where any player in attendance was entered into a draw for a free registration for the 2026-2027 season. The Royals also had a scrimmage against the U9 Tavistock Titans MD team during the first intermission. Austin Hall was the winner of next season’s hockey registration.

Team holding transportation fundraiser

The hockey team needs a new bus and is looking to the community for help. The Royals are holding a fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Memorial Hall.

“Our beloved Big Blue suffered what can best be described as a fatal heart attack on the way back from a game in Petrolia,” said team president Kyle Wynette.

“Stranded in Strathroy, the club was scrambling into the early morning to get all our players and staff safely home as Big Blue had to be towed back to Tavistock. An initial inspection has determined that the engine blew a head gasket, which in turn has destroyed the turbo and clogged the exhaust to the point that it’s unrepairable.”

Repairs to the engine would be more than $20,000, so the team has decided it’s time to replace the bus, hopefully before the next road game on Dec. 12.   

“The bus is such an important part of our players’ experience and our team identity. There’s a real sense of pride when we load up the bus each weekend and head off to face an opponent on the road,” said Wynette.

The bus saw some customization over the years, including interior LED lighting, a large table for the players in the middle, as well as designated seating for coaches to strategize and determine lines while on the way to the game. 

“The bus rides give us time to bond as a team, and organization and the layout allows the players to interact with one another while enjoying a game of cards or some late-night snacks on the way home. Our bus has been driven for many years but Royals executive member Cletus Ditner, a true professional behind the wheel, has gotten us home on many a stormy night when the weather has been less than ideal for travel.”

Wynette said the team is hoping, with a little community support, to once again have its wheels under it as it heads into a busy stretch on the road.

Lyndsay Pearson is one of the volunteers behind the fundraiser and is behind the scenes during the season, helping with social media and promotions.

“My children have been longtime fans of the Tavistock Royals and we attend as many home games as we can.” 

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. for two hours of fun for all ages.

“We will have silent auctions with items including Garmin watches, Bauer hockey sticks, mystery mini, a workout package, spa gift cards and much more. We will also have interactive games like shooting games and Royals players will be in attendance to join in the fun,” she said.

A snack bar will be open with drinks, snacks and hot dogs available for purchase. From 9 p.m. until midnight is when the event turns into an adult-only event. The bar will be open and drink tickets will be available for purchase.