Victoria, B.C. — In a thrilling showdown at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, the Victoria Royals edged the Spokane Chiefs 4-3 in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series on April 16, 2025. Teydon Trembecky was the star of the night, completing a hat trick with a dramatic power play goal just 30 seconds before the final buzzer, securing a crucial victory for the Royals and giving them a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The game started off with a bang as Trembecky opened the scoring at 9:40 of the first period, with assists from Cole Reschny and Kenta Isogai. The Royals quickly doubled their lead when Cole Reschny found the back of the net on a power play at 12:16, assisted by Justin Kipkie and Trembecky. Just under a minute later, Trembecky struck again, making it 3-0 with his second goal of the night, assisted by Reschny and Logan Pickford.
Despite a strong start, the Chiefs managed to respond, with Andrew Cristall scoring at 16:18 of the first period to cut the deficit to 3-1. Cristall's goal was a crucial moment, providing the Chiefs with a spark as they entered the second period. However, neither team found the back of the net in the second frame, leaving the Royals with a two-goal cushion heading into the final period.
The third period saw a shift in momentum as the Chiefs ramped up their efforts. Cristall struck again at 6:49, netting his second goal of the game and narrowing the Royals' lead to just one goal. The tension in the arena was palpable as the Chiefs continued to push for an equalizer.
With just 4:53 remaining, Chase Harrington tied the game at 3-3, scoring off a rebound from Brayden Crampton's shot. The Chiefs had completed a remarkable comeback, erasing a three-goal deficit and sending the game into a nail-biting finish.
As the clock ticked down, the Royals found themselves on a power play after a high-sticking penalty on Will McIsaac with 1:21 left. Trembecky seized the opportunity, scoring his third goal of the night and sixth of the playoffs with just 30 seconds remaining, assisted once again by Reschny and Justin Kipkie. The crowd erupted as the Royals took a 4-3 lead.
Jayden Kraus, who made his first playoff start, was phenomenal in net for the Royals, stopping 47 of 50 shots. His performance was pivotal in maintaining the Royals' lead despite the Chiefs' relentless offensive pressure. On the other end, Dawson Cowan, returning from injury, made 29 saves for Spokane but ultimately couldn't hold off the Royals' late surge.
"We knew it was going to be a tough battle, especially after giving up that lead," said Trembecky after the game. "But we stuck together and found a way to win. It feels great to contribute like this in the playoffs."
Head coach James Patrick praised his team's resilience and Kraus's performance. "Jayden stepped up big time for us tonight. We needed that kind of effort, especially with the way things turned in the third period," he noted. "Teydon's hat trick was huge, but it was a team effort that got us this win."
With the victory, the Royals now lead the series 2-1, setting the stage for Game 4, which is scheduled for April 18, 2025, at 7:05 PM at the same venue. Game 5 will follow on April 19, 2025, at 6:05 PM. The series format is 2-3-2, meaning the next two games will be crucial for both teams. If necessary, Games 6 and 7 will take place in Spokane on April 22 and 23, respectively.
The Royals will look to build on this momentum as they aim for a commanding series lead, while the Chiefs will be eager to regroup and even the score. Fans can expect another exciting matchup as both teams fight for a spot in the Western Hockey League playoffs.
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on Teydon Trembecky and Cole Reschny, who have been instrumental in the Royals' playoff success so far. With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming games promise to deliver more thrilling hockey action.
