Kai Matthew scored his first Western Hockey League goal but the Kamloops Blazers were doubled up 6-3 by the Victoria Royals in a Sunday afternoon matinee at Sandman Centre.

Matthew, the Blazers’ newest signing, scored in the final minute of the fourth consecutive game between the Blazers and the Royals. The Royals took the mini playoff-like series three games to one.

Goals from Justin Kipkie, Tanner Scott and Kamloops native Reggie Newman had the Royals up 3-0 early in the second period, before a Connor Levis power play goal at 6:18 of the second gave Blazers fans some temporary respite in what was a largely one-sided game.

WHO ELSE BUT LEVIS? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/66OAIERjzD

— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) December 3, 2023

The Royals scored another three unanswered through Escalus Burlock, Austin Zemlak, and Kipkie’s second of the game to lead 6-1 before Levis’ second of the night at 18:10 of the third period.

Matthew then found the back of the net at 19:35 of the third period in what was the Blazers’ last home of the season before the WHL Christmas break.

FIRST CAREER WHL GOAL FOR COBRA KAI! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/X0gnJZ1Ljp

— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) December 4, 2023

Blazers’ starter Jesse Sanche was pulled in the second period after allowing five goals on 22 shots. Dylan Ernst made three saves on four shots in relief. Victoria’s Jayden Krause turned aside 25 of 28 shots to pick up the win.

The Blazers dropped to 7-16-3-2 on the season, leaving them in last place in the WHL’s Western Conference. The Royals improve to 16-11-0-2, which has them second in the B.C. Division.

Kamloops will hit the road for a five-game road trip to Saskatchewan and Manitoba, which gets underway starting on Friday night against the Regina Pats.

Their next home game will be on Dec. 27 against the Kelowna Rockets.