The Victoria Royals are missing one star and will likely be without another, but the absences are good things.
The Royals are currently without rookie star Cole Reschny, away with Team sa国际传媒 Red in the World Under-17 Challenge taking place in Prince Edward Island. They will also probably be without goals leader Robin Sapousek over Christmas, as the 2023 world junior championship silver medallist is almost certain to be selected again for the 2024 Czech team.
But the absent players are a source of pride, as junior hockey teams covet and brag about their internationals as a positive sign that the franchise is producing top-level players.
“It’s a good thing,” said Royals head coach Dan Price. “We hope that in the coming seasons that becomes a real trend that our players are away,” representing their nations at international tournaments.
Sapousek, who has nine goals this season for Victoria, won’t be too displeased if he has to spend Christmas in Gothenburg and Frolundaborg, Sweden, at the 2024 world juniors.
“It is the best thing to play for your country and represent your country,” said Sapousek.
From club to country, he’s done a good job at both levels.
“I’ve improved my spots to shoot from and to find rebounds,” said Sapousek.
He works at his game on and off the ice.
“When you hear the stickhandling ball up and down the concourse of the arena, that’s Robin,” said Price.
Meanwhile, Sapousek and the Royals, minus Reschny, made their first visit to Wenatchee on Saturday night to play the Wild (10-6-1), which were the former Winnipeg Ice and moved over the summer to Washington state.
The Wild beat the Royals 6-3. Austin Zemlak, Reggie Newman and Tanner Scott scored for Victoria while Sapousek added two assists.
The Royals (8-7-1) will return home Tuesday night to Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre to face the Red Deer Rebels.
