Follow along with the Royals’ season every Monday (Royals Weekly) and Friday (Royals Weekend) on MarkhamRoyals.com as we look back at the games that were and look ahead to the upcoming action!
Royals Split Weekend
After an extended losing streak, Markham made strides in the right direction last weekend, splitting their games against Wellington and Aurora.
Backed by the return of 2024 second-team All-Star Ben Lalkin, Markham played a closely contested game in their first 50 minutes against the Dukes. Wellington’s game-winning goal was challenged by the Royals bench for goaltender interference unsuccessfully, and an insurance marker was scored on the resulting powerplay seconds later.
Nevertheless, the Royals responded with strength the following evening against the Tigers. After conceding the first goal, the Miwa brothers responded with three unanswered goals. Younger brother Athan tied the game with his first OJHL goal, while older brother Ashton added his fourth and fifth of the season to put the Royals up by two. Aurora responded with fourteen minutes remaining, but Owen Fergusson, who had set up the first two Royals goals, added his third point of the night with a goal.
Royals Sign Tatarenko
Ahead of Thursday’s game, the Royals completed the signing of 2004 forward Rodion Tatarenko. Born in Stavropol, Russia, Tatarenko split last season between the AJHL, NCDC, and two games in the OJHL with the Niagara Falls Canucks, producing five points across 27 games. Tatanreko was drafted into the OHL in 2020 by the North Bay Battalion, who he played eight games with in 2021/22.
Tough Matinee In Stouffville
Following a schedule change to an afternoon matchup, the Royals took on the Stouffville Spirit on Thursday. Things immediately started off on the wrong foot, as the Spirit scored two goals in the first 43 seconds of the game. After three failed Markham powerplays, the issues snowballed, with the Spirit eventually winning the game 7-0. Shots were 32-16 in favour of Stouffville.
Border Crossing Weekend Ahead
The Royals have an opportunity to move on quickly from Thursday’s loss as they play two more games in the next three days. Tonight, they’ll take on local rivals in the Toronto Jr. Canadiens for the first time this season, hosting them at Markham Centennial Arena. Last season, the Jr. Canadiens had the slight edge in the season series, winning two of four games, while the Royals won one and the two teams split a draw. Puck drop for Friday’s game is at the usual 7:30 p.m. start time.
Following a day off on Saturday, the Royals travel down the QEW and across the border to take on the Buffalo Jr. Sabres at Lecom Haborcenter. The stingy Sabres, who are off a 7-5-1 start this year, defeated the Royals 3-2 in their lone matchup last season. Puck drop for that game is at 6:30 p.m.
