The Victoria Royals wasted no time filling a major roster hole.
Just days after Teydon Trembecky announced his departure from the team, the Royals landed a proven WHL veteran to help carry the load next season.
Victoria acquired 19-year-old centre Roan Woodward from the Edmonton Oil Kings on Wednesday in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2026 and a fourth-rounder in 2027.
The move gives the Royals a new face to count on in their group of overage players, with Woodward set to turn 20 in September.
A four-year WHL veteran, Woodward has logged 240 games between Edmonton and Everett, racking up 114 points over that stretch.
He’s coming off a career year with the Oil Kings, tallying 22 goals and 31 assists in 2024-25.
“Roan is a skilled forward that we feel will be an impactful player on our team,” Royals GM Jake Heisinger said in a release.
The deal comes on the heels of Trembecky’s decision to head south to Michigan Tech University (NCAA), taking advantage of a rule change that allows players to retain college eligibility even after WHL experience.
Trembecky lit up the league last season with 88 points in 67 games and finishes his Royals tenure with 163 games played.
“I will always carry the memories and friendships made here with great pride and appreciation,” Trembecky said in a farewell post. “Thank you to everyone involved for making these the three best years of my life.”
The Royals’ overage slots opened up this offseason with the graduation of Kenta Isogai, Brendan Lisowsky, and Brayden Boehm – all major contributors in last season's resurgence.
Returning players eligible to occupy the 20-year-old spots next season include captain Justin Kipkie, Cosmo Wilson, and Reggie Newman. If all three return, the Royals will have a tough decision to make with Woodward now in the mix.
WHL teams must be down to three 20-year-olds by Oct. 16.
