November 16-18

The official total for the Thursday snowfall was six inches, about four more than was expected. It's the earliest snowfall in our area since a 4.5-inch job back in October of 2011 which I happen to remember very well. It was much warmer on Friday, my usual morning run was accomplished without issue. Stopped by the rink in the morning and found it almost completely snow-covered, on Saturday it was half-and-half and by Sunday it was almost completely bare save for a thin crust along the side that never gets any sun. I shoveled that off with no problems and ran the Billy-Goat as well (an interesting combination to say the least), had there been games scheduled for the evening we could and would have played. The Royals were at home on Friday and Saturday for a doubleheader with the Newfoundland Growlers, the weekend's results would prove to be an exercise in frustration. In the opener on Friday the Royals trailed 2-0 early in the second period, goals by Steven Swavely and Josh MacDonald a minute apart drew the club even. Later in the period Swavely struck again to put the Royals up 3-2, early in the third the Growlers scored back-to-back to take the lead 4-3. With two minutes left in regulation MacDonald lit the lamp to tie the score but in overtime Newfoundland got a break into the zone and netted the OTGWG for the 5-4 decision. On Saturday the visitors from Atlantic Canada took a quick lead, Steven Swavely continued with the hot hand to knot it 1-1 at the first intermission. Newfoundland responded with two in the second and one in the third. Nick Luukko drew the Royals within two but that was as close as they would come as a Growler empty-netter brought the final to 5-2. Newly-acquired Austin Lotz was the goaltender of record in both games, in '16-17 he played briefly for the Royals on loan from the Arizona Coyotes so he is no stranger to the organization. The club's mark stands at 5-4-6 (2-4-3 at home) with the next home date on Black Friday against Adirondack. Take care, thanks for reading.