It was the start of something brand new when the Douglas College Royals kicked off against the Quest Kermodes - the start of a brand new season of hopes and dreams. That glamour lasted about six minutes. That's when the Kermodes scored their first goal. Yassin Nayei would add another goal for the Kermodes to put the Royals in hot water.
Needing an answer back, Stefan Kamner came up with a huge solo effort, lobbing the Kermodes keeper to get one back for the Royals. However, Nick Park would put the pressure back on them with a goal off of a battle in front of the Royals net. Down 3-1 at halftime, the Royals needed a hearty effort to come back into it.
Inspired by the halftime talk from coaches Robby and Paul, the team came out in the second half determined to win. They would fall short of the goal of winning, but goals from David Suh, and Nawaf Binsaleh would ensure the team salvaged at least one point for the effort. Joel Webb, who came in a halftime, made some crucial saves to keep the Royals in the game at 3-3.
Next up, the team faced the VIU Mariners. After thrashing the Langara Falcons 7-0 the night before, the Mariners were riding a high streak and looking to solidify their position as league giants. However, the Royals were more than game.
Joel Webb and the Royals backline kept the Mariners off the scoreboard in the first half, but David Turkstra and the VIU defense did the same. In the second half, the Royals drew first blood off of a David Suh strike. However, the Mariners found their feet and Chris Merriman scored the equalizer 12 minutes later. 13 minutes later, Jamie Taylor notched another goal for the Mariners to seal the game. Despite the loss, goalkeeper Joel Webb made 9 saves to keep the Royals in the game.
The loss means the Royals start the season 0-1-1. Next week will bring the greatest challenge of the early season when the team faces of with the Capilano Blues in a Gold medal rematch.
