Ryan Graham, Observer Reporter
Quesnel’s Ryan Gagnon of the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League made big news March 18, as the captain set the franchise record for most games played with his 320th game.
Gagnon said it was one of his proudest achievements he’s accomplished in his career.
“I was pretty honoured and I am just thankful to have been able to stay in Victoria for my five years,” Gagnon said.
“I would like to thank my friends, family and the guys on my team that have helped me along the way. I’ve been extremely lucky to not get injured and our coaching staff and trainers have helped me every step of the way and taught me the game.”
General Manager Cameron Hope of the Royals said it’s a huge accomplishment and a record like that will be around for a while.
“It’s hard to play over 300 games in this league because you have to come in as a 16-year old, which is not common and continue to play all the way through your 20-year old season,” Hope said.
“It takes a pretty durable and talented guy to put up those kinds of numbers and now he’s got our franchise record at 320 and it will be a long time before that gets broken.”
Hope added he’s been in Victoria for all 320 of Gagnon’s games.
“His first year sticking with the team out of camp was the first year I was general manager so we have been through all 320 games together,” Hope said.
Gagnon, 20, now in his fifth year with the Royals was named captain this season and has flourished in the role.
“Being the captain of any team doesn’t matter how old you are,” Hope said.
“What does matter is how the players feel about you and if you’re a leader.”
He adds Gagnon has always had leadership skills.
“He’s always conducted himself that way and we have been lucky in the past where we have had some guys that were role models for him, who wore the C ahead of him,” Hope said.
“It was obvious from his early career he had the leadership skills to be a captain, he just had to wait his turn.”
Gagnon says his leadership style is leading by example, which is huge when it comes to helping the younger players adapt to the WHL.
“I do like to focus on leading by example, especially when you have younger players because you are definitely a guy they look up too and that’s something I take pride in,” Gagnon said.
Hope echoed Gagnon’s sentiment about leading by example, but says he knows when he has to speak up.
”I would say his normal leadership style is a quiet leader but he does pick his spots,” Hope said.
“I think those are the best kind because when he does decide that it’s time to talk everyone listens.”
Gagnon, who stands 6’1 and 194 pounds was the Royals third round draft pick in the WHL bantam draft in 2011 and has improved every year. The Royals finished the year fourth in the B.C. division and eighth in the western conference with a record of 37 wins, 29 losses and five overtime losses for 80 points.
“We were in the hardest division by far in the BC division, but the whole western conference was extremely difficult this year,” Hope said.
“From first place to eighth was less than a 10 win difference so it came down to staying healthy which we didn’t and being streaky.”
Gagnon has showed throughout his career he is not only a dependable defencemen, but also a leader and has made a lasting mark with the Royals franchise.