Thanks For The Memories
The Victoria Royals have been in a freefall of late, losers of 12 of their last 13.
The one bright spot for the Royals has been the play of Kevin Sundher, seventh in WHL scoring with 64 points.
Sundher’s play this year led to a contract with the Buffalo Sabres earlier this season ensuring that this would be his final season in the WHL.
With Victoria clinging to a playoff spot and allowing a league high 212 goals, it became clear heading into tomorrow’s trade deadline that moving Sundher made the most sense for both parties.
The Brandon Wheat Kings made the winning bid with a package of 18-year-old defenceman Jordan Fransoo, 17-year-old left winger Dakota Conroy and a 2012 1st round pick in the Bantam Draft.
Fransoo is a 7th-round pick of the Ottawa Senators and has 2 goals and 11 points this season.
The 6’3″ 190 lb defenceman has 105 PIM in 104 career games.
Kevin Sundher, seventh in WHL scoring with 64 points traded this week.
Conroy is a 2009 3rd round Bantam pick who has 4 goals and 8 points in his rookie season in the WHL. He should project as a top-six forward for the Royals.
Kevin Sundher will leave Victoria as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, dating back to their days as the Chilliwack Bruins. He was also just three games away from being the franchise’s leader in all-time games played.
Despite the Royals giving up a CHL worst 212 goals in the year, Sundher was just -3.
The Wheat Kings are already one of the highest scoring teams in the WHL and were expected to use the deadline to dress the blueline or add a goaltender.
The Wheat Kings are currently eighth in the Eastern Conference but are just six points out of third in a tightly packed race.
With Sundher off the market, the biggest name still thought to available is North Vancouver’s Jordan Weal, currently playing for the Regina Pats.
Weal has 69 points so far this year, and 267 in his WHL career.
About Richard Hodges
