Royals Win in Spruce Grove

The Edmonton Royals travelled to the newly built Heavy Metal Place in Spruce Grove Friday night to take on the Regals in the Royals first of two preseason games on the schedule. Royals second year centre, Michael Borrelli got the party started in the first period by notching a goal past Regals goaltender Elijah Sarumora to make it a 1-0 game. The Regals later tied it up on a powerplay goal from Justin Kaye who wired the puck past a screened Luke Kristiansen for the lone goal for the Regals.

The Royals would then add to their lead in the second period when Royals second year winger Andrew Bender-Yantha was in front of the net and deposited the loose puck past Sarumora to make it 2-1. In the third period, it was all Royals. Royals rookie forward, Conlan Van Oene scored his first and second goals of the preseason to make it 4-1, then Royals second year forward Hunter Delf put the cherry on top with a beautiful bar down tuck to make it 5-1. 

Royals goalie Tanner Thomas came in at the 10:21 mark of the second period and stopped all 16 shots he faced, while Luke Kristansen stopped 15 of 16 shots. Michael Borrelli lead the way with a goal and two assists, his linemates Andrew Bender-Yantha also had a goal and two assists. Second year forward Carson Devlin had two points in the winning effort. Royals out shot the Regals over all 35-32. 

The Royals finish their preseason schedule Sunday night at home at Confederation Arena as they welcome the Ponoka Stampeders of the Heritage Junior Hockey League for some exhibition interleague action. Puck drop from Confederation is at 7:45 PM. 

*Photo Credit: James Maclennan Photography