2020-21 WHL Season Review: Victoria Royals
Prior to the Pandemic
Having been in the mix for the B.C. Division lead at the halfway point of the 2019-20 campaign, the Royals elected to go all-in at the trade deadline as they acquired Anaheim Ducks first round pick Brayden Tracey from the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Despite that move, the Royals ended up hovering around the .500 mark after the trade as they dealt with a number of injuries in the final two months. They were set to face the Vancouver Giants in an intriguing opening round matchup before COVID-19 brought everything to a halt.
Daniel Tetrault said he feels he has the team to win a championship.
The Rapid City Rush head coach is beginning his fourth season at the helm, and through several signings during an extended and somewhat unpredictable offseason, has put together a smorgasbord of a 23-man roster, composed of knowledgeable veterans, familiar returners and aspiring rookies who battled months upon months without hockey, and underwent unique journeys to end up in the Black Hills.
For Tetrault, itâs a group that has all the weapons.
âWe have a great team on paper,â he said. âNow itâs time to put it to action on the ice.â