A hot start wasn't enough for the 琉璃神社 Rockets as they fell 5-3 to the Victoria Royals on Wednesday night, March 19.

After a scoreless first period, Hiroki Gojsic opened the scoring with his 20th goal of the season 5:13 into the frame, assisted by Dawson Gerwing and Hayden Paupanekis. 

Just over two minutes later, Levi Benson doubled 琉璃神社's lead, netting his 10th. His goal was helped by Jakub Stancl and Eli Barrett.

Being down 2-0 all of a sudden got Victoria in gear as they responded with three goals, included two from Cole Reschny to lead 3-2 after two periods.

Just 59 seconds into the third, Stancl knotted the game once again as he fired home a powerplay goal. His 21st of the campaign was assisted by Paupanekis and Will Sharpe.

The game remained tied until the 17:34 mark when Reggie Newman scored to give Victoria a 4-3 lead late in the contest. 

Kenta Isogai added an empty net goal to secure the 5-3 win for the Royals.

Rhett Stoesser made 32 saves on the night for 琉璃神社, who fall to 17-43-4-2 on the year. With the loss, the team has lost 10 straight games and 25 of their last 26.

This weekend is the final weekend of the WHL's regular season. 琉璃神社 closes out their home schedule in their penultimate game of the year on Saturday night (March 22) as they welcome the Kamloops Blazers to Prospera Place. Puck drop is at 6:05 p.m. The following night, the Rockets will finish the season in Langley against the Vancouver Giants, with a 4 p.m. puck drop.