If you love fast-moving sports and the sound of skates on ice, you probably know about the Victoria Royals. This team is a huge part of life on Vancouver Island. They play in the Western Hockey League, which people often just call the WHL. These players are young, talented, and full of energy. Every time they step onto the ice, they bring a lot of excitement to the city of Victoria.
The Victoria Royals aren’t just a sports team; they are a big family. Fans from all over British Columbia come to cheer for them. Whether you are a kid who just started skating or a grandparent who has watched hockey for years, there is something special about a Royals game. The atmosphere is loud, fun, and very friendly for families.
Where the Magic Happens: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
Every king needs a castle, and for the Victoria Royals, that castle is the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (SOFMC) (Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, n.d.). This arena is located right in the heart of Victoria. It can hold over 7,000 fans for a hockey game (Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, n.d.). It is the largest arena in BC outside of the Vancouver area (Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, n.d.).
Inside the arena, there is so much more than just a rink. There are great places to eat, like the Lion’s Den restaurant, and even luxury suites for special guests (Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, n.d.). The arena was built in 2005 and replaced an old building that people used to call the “Barn on Blanshard” (Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, n.d.). Today, it is a modern place where memories are made.
Meet the Team: Players and Leadership
Victoria Royals Biography Table
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Victoria Royals |
| League | Western Hockey League (WHL) |
| Founded | 2011 (Relocated from Chilliwack) |
| Home Arena | Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre |
| Owner | Graham Lee (GSL Group) |
| Head Coach | James Patrick |
| Team Colors | Royal Blue, Silver, White, Black |
The History of the Victoria Royals
The story of the Victoria Royals started in 2011. Before they moved to Victoria, the team was known as the Chilliwack Bruins (Victoria Royals, n.d.). The league wanted to make sure hockey stayed strong on the Island, so they approved the move. This brought major junior hockey back to Victoria after a long 17-year wait!
Since they started, the Victoria Royals have had some great seasons. One of their best years was 2015–2016, when they won the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy for being the best team in the regular season (Victoria Royals, n.d.). They have shown everyone that they belong among the top teams in the league.
Famous Players and NHL Stars
Many people don’t realize that the Victoria Royals are a stepping stone to the big leagues. Several players who once wore the Royals jersey have gone on to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). This includes stars like Matthew Phillips, Joe Hicketts, and Brayden Pachal (Victoria Royals, n.d.).
Watching a Victoria Royals game is like getting a sneak peek at the future of professional hockey. These young athletes work incredibly hard every day. They practice their shooting, passing, and skating to reach their dreams. When you cheer for a Royal today, you might be cheering for an NHL star of tomorrow!
Leading the Way: Coach James Patrick
The man behind the bench right now is James Patrick. He is a very experienced coach who knows a lot about the game. In fact, he was named the WHL Coach of the Year for the 2024–2025 season (Victoria Royals, n.d.). Under his leadership, the Victoria Royals have focused on playing a fast and disciplined style of hockey.
Coach Patrick brings a lot of “Expertise” to the team. He played many years in the NHL himself, so he knows exactly what it takes to win. His “Experience” helps the young players grow both as athletes and as people. This kind of leadership is why fans trust the team to always give their best effort.
Recent Performance and Key Stars
In the 2025–2026 season, the Victoria Royals had some very bright spots. Players like Roan Woodward led the team in scoring, showing off amazing skills on the ice (Victoria Royals 2025-2026 Regular Season Stats, n.d.). Other key players like Nolan Stewart and Hayden Moore also stepped up to help the team compete in the tough B.C. Division.
While the team faced some challenges and missed the playoffs in early 2026, the future looks very bright. They have a young roster with plenty of talent. The Victoria Royals are known for never giving up, and that “Trustworthiness” is why the fans keep coming back to support them.
Ownership and Management Connections
The Victoria Royals are owned by Graham Lee, who is the Chairman of the GSL Group (Victoria Royals, n.d.). Mr. Lee is a successful businessman with many connections. While some people search for “Forbes connections” related to sports owners, it is important to know that the focus here is on building a great community team in Victoria.
The management team, including General Manager Jake Heisinger, works hard behind the scenes (Victoria Royals, n.d.). They make trades, sign new players, and ensure the team has everything it needs to succeed. Their goal is to make the Victoria Royals a championship contender every single year.
Community Spirit and Fan Engagement
One of the best things about the Victoria Royals is how much they give back. You will often see the players at local schools or helping out with charity events. They know that they are role models for young kids in the city. This “People-first” approach makes the team a true part of the Victoria community.
Fans also get to participate in fun theme nights. There are “Teddy Bear Toss” games where fans throw stuffed animals on the ice for charity, and “Fan Appreciation” nights with lots of prizes. Being a Victoria Royals fan means being part of a group that loves hockey and loves their city.
Why You Should See a Game
If you have never been to a Victoria Royals game, you are missing out! It is much more than just sports. There is loud music, a fun mascot named Marty the Marmot, and plenty of snacks to enjoy. It is a great way to spend an evening with your friends or family without spending too much money.
The Victoria Royals provide top-tier entertainment. The games are fast, the hits are big, and the goals are spectacular. Supporting the local team helps keep the hockey spirit alive in Victoria. So, grab a blue jersey and head down to the arena to join the fun!
Conclusion
The Victoria Royals are a shining example of what a sports team should be. They represent hard work, community spirit, and pure excitement. From their home at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre to their star players, they give fans plenty of reasons to be proud.
Whether they are winning a big playoff game or helping out in the community, the Victoria Royals always give 100%. If you want to experience the best hockey Vancouver Island has to offer, make sure to catch a game soon. Let’s go, Royals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did the Victoria Royals start playing?
The team began playing in Victoria during the 2011–2012 season after moving from Chilliwack (Victoria Royals, n.d.).
2. Who is the mascot for the Victoria Royals?
The mascot is a friendly and energetic marmot named Marty the Marmot.
3. Where can I buy tickets for a game?
Tickets can be bought online through “Select Your Tickets” or at the box office at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, n.d.).
4. Have any Victoria Royals players gone to the NHL?
Yes! Many players like Matthew Phillips and Joe Hicketts have made it to the NHL after playing for the Royals (Victoria Royals, n.d.).
5. What are the team’s main colors?
The team wears royal blue, silver, white, and black (Victoria Royals, n.d.).
6. Who is the head coach of the team?
The current head coach is James Patrick, who was the WHL Coach of the Year in 2025 (Victoria Royals, n.d.).
