Victoria hires NHL veteran as an Assistant Coach.

For Immediate Release

Friday, September 2, 2016

Victoria, BC- The Victoria Royals are proud to announce that Doug Bodger has joined the team’s coaching staff as an assistant coach.

A product of Chemanius, BC, Bodger spent last season as an assistant coach for the Shawingan Lake Bantam Prep Team of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League.

“Doug brings so much experience and knowledge to our organization,” Royals’ General Manager Cameron Hope said. “His agreeing to come on strengthens our coaching staff.”

Prior to his time with Shawnigan Lake, Bodger served an assistant coach for the Cowichan Capitals of the BC Hockey League for two seasons (2003-04 & 2005-06).

The 50-year-old enjoyed a 16-year professional playing career that began when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, ninth overall, at the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. During his career, Bodger played for six NHL teams (Pittsburgh, Buffalo, San Jose, New Jersey, Los Angeles and Vancouver) and recorded 528 points (106g-422a) and 1,007 penalty minutes in 1,071 games.

Bodger also played in 47 Stanley Cup Playoff games and registered 24 points (6g-18a) to go along with 25 minutes in penalties.

On three occasions Bodger suited up for Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships (1987, 1996 and 1999) and was a part of the 1996 silver medal winning side. In 28 career games with Team Canada, Bodger collected seven points (1g-6a).

Previous to his time in the NHL, Bodger played two seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Kamloops Junior Oilers. In 142 contests, Bodger tallied 190 points (47g-143a) and was named to the WHL Second All-Star Team in 1983 and WHL West First All-Star Team in 1984. During the 1983-84 campaign, Bodger helped guide his team to a league best 100 points (50-22-0) as the Junior Oilers captured the WHL Championship and finished third in the Memorial Cup. In his junior career, Bodger played in 24 WHL playoff games and amassed 22 points (2g-20a).

Victoria will begin their pre-season schedule tonight with three games in three days. They are in Kamloops to take on the Blazers with puck drop at 7:00 p.m. The Royals will then head Kelowna tomorrow face the Rockets at 7:05 p.m. and will conclude their trip in Everett on Sunday to play the Tri-City Americans at 3:00 p.m. as part of the Silvertips Annual Pre-Season Classic.

The following ticket packages for the Royals’ 2016-17 Regular Season are on sale now: Season Tickets, Half-Season Tickets and Five-Game Fan Pack. Guarantee yourself the best seats, prices and benefits that includes the most flexible ticket exchange policy in the WHL. Secure your spot for next season by giving the Royals’ ticket office a call at 250-220-7889 or sending an email to tickets@victoriaroyals.com to set up an appointment to view available seating.

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