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 Beat Panthers On Friday
The Markham Royals got themselves into the Win Column on Friday night, bringing themselves back on track just in time for the OJHL Governor’s Showcase this week.
Owen Ibbotson opened the scoring for Markham just six minutes in, and then doubled up with a powerplay tally a few minutes later. Pickering responded with a pair of goals not long after, but before the period could close, Owen Fergusson restored the Royals’ lead with his first Ontario Junior Hockey League goal.
The Royals added some insurance in the second period, getting goals from Ashton Miwa and Andrew Lanni to put the game out of reach. Sebastian Monaco was steady between the pipes, stopping 24 of 26 shots on the evening.
Seney Joins & Lanni Returns
The Royals completed the acquisition of Jack Seney from the Hamilton Kilty B’s this week, paying a player development fee for the defenceman.
The team also welcomed back third-year Royal Andrew Lanni on Friday. Lanni was one of five players who played in all 60 regular season and playoff games for the Royals last season, producing 13 points. The 2005-born defenceman made an instant impact, picking up a goal and assist in his return to the team.
Royals Play Twice In Showcase
While Markham will take the first day of the Governor’s Showcase to prepare, the team has two games in their sights across Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Tuesday night, the Royals will take on the host Niagara Falls Canucks, who are familiar foes in this environment. Last year, the two teams also faced off at the Showcase in their lone matchup of the season, with Markham winning 7-4.
On Wednesday night, Markham will take on the Oakville Blades, also for the first time in roughly a calendar year. In their lone game against each other last season, the Royals cruised to a 6-3 victory at Oakville’s Sixteen Mile Arena.
The Governor’s Showcase gives fans an opportunity to see all of the OJHL’s 24 teams over the course of three days at Niagara Falls’ Gale Centre, and gives scouts from collegiate programs and NHL teams an opportunity to watch and meet some of the league’s top talent.
