The Victoria Royals announced the signings of 2013 WHL Bantam Draft second round selections Matthew Phillips and Ralph Jarratt to Western Hockey League Standard Players’ Agreements. The Royals used their first of two second picks on Phillips, 33rd overall, while Jarratt was taken four spots later at 37th overall.

PHOTO CREDIT - VictoriaRoyals.com

Victoria - August 28, 2013 - The Victoria Royals Hockey Club is proud to announce that the club has signed forward Matthew Phillips and defenceman Ralph Jarratt to Western Hockey League (WHL) Standard Players’ Agreements.

“We are very happy to announce the signings of Matthew Phillips and Ralph Jarratt,” Royals’ General Manager Cameron Hope said. “They are two very special players and we welcome them to the Western Hockey League and the Victoria Royals.”

Matthew Phillips
The Royals selected Calgary’s Matthew Phillips with their second round, 33rd overall, pick of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. Phillips was recently shortlisted for his province’s Under-16 squad as he made Team Alberta’s list in preparation for the 2013 Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup.

During the 2012-13 season, Phillips played with the Calgary Bisons of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League (AMBHL). The 5-6, 130 lb winger appeared in 37 games for the Bisons and scored 77 points (40g-37a) to go along with eight minutes in penalties.

“We were excited to be able to draft Matthew to the Victoria Royals in May,” Hope said. “Matthew has an abundance of speed and skill that generates excitement whenever he’s on the ice. He has great potential and a bright future in the Western Hockey League.”

Ralph Jarratt
Victoria used their second pick of round two in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft to take Ralph Jarratt 37th overall. Hailing from Fort St. John, BC, Jarratt spent the 2012-13 hockey season in BC with the Pursuit of Excellence (POE) Bantam AAA program. The 6-1, 170 lb defenceman tallied 29 points (3g-26a) and 66 penalty minutes in 28 games with POE last year.

“Ralph was the first defenceman we chose in this year’s draft,” Hope said. “In camp, he exceeded our expectations at both ends of the ice and we are excited to have Ralph in Royals’ colours for the years to come.”

Phillips and Jarratt will each suit up for Team Renyard in the final game of the Royals’ 2013 Main Camp this evening. Puck drop is set for 5:00 p.m. at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.