Kalem Parker fires a shot at Blazers goaltender Michael Schnattinger on Dec. 7, 2022. (Photo via Kevin Light)
The Kamloops Blazers split a midweek series against the Victoria Royals, giving up three goals in less than three minutes early in the second period, in a 5-2 loss on Wednesday night.
The Blazers, who on Tuesday extended the win streak over the Royals to 24 games, led after 20 minutes of action on a power play goal from Caedan Bankier.
The Royals responded with goals from Teague Patton, Tanner Scott, and Jake Poole in two minutes and 23 seconds, before Fraser Minten brought the game to within one, his tenth goal of the season coming on the power play as well.
Poole and Matthew Hodson rounded out the scoring for the Royals, who won just their fourth game on the season, improving their record to 4-21-3-0.
The Blazers still lead the B.C. Division by five points with a 14-6-3-2 record, after the Prince George Cougars were beaten by the Western Conference-leading Portland Winterhawks.
Michael Schnattinger allowed three goals on 15 shots before he was replaced by Dylan Ernst early in the second period. Ernst, who shutout the Royals on Tuesday night, made 21 saves on 23 shots in relief. His shutout streak dating back to Nov. 30 lasted 148 minutes and 29 seconds.
Royals goalie Nicholas Cristiano turned aside 25 of 27 Kamloops shots, giving him his first career WHL win.
The Blazers now turn their attention to a pair of home games, Friday night against the Vancouver Giants before a rematch with the Royals on Saturday on the annual Teddy Bear Toss game.
