Justin Kipkie: Defenceman, Goal-Scorer, Captain

Justin Kipkie has been putting together another solid season for the Royals, continuing to solidify himself as one of the best Royal blueliners of all time. The Utah Hockey Club prospect is on track to finish the year with the highest point total of his four campaigns in royal blue, and is a critical component of the Royals success. What exactly is it that makes him such a cornerstone of the team, and how can the Royals utilize his talents to their full potential?

Defence

First and foremost, Kipkie is a defenceman, and he certainly deserves his spot on the top pairing. Fluid on his skates and strong on the puck, Justin shows excellent hockey IQ in all areas of the ice. He is hard to beat on the rush, often jumping up on forwards at the blueline to cut off a pass or tying them up to shut down a play before it can develop, which is especially handy against teams with a fast forward core such as the Portland Winterhawks. His long reach and powerful net-front presence keeps his goaltender's sightline clear and prevents deflection opportunities. Overall, Kipkie is a trustworthy, consistent defender who is not easy to outwit or outskate.

Offence

Where Captain Kipkie really shines is at the offensive blue line. Recently breaking the record for most career goals by a Royals defender, his points continue to climb. Currently tied for fifth among WHL defencemen in assists and sixth in total points, Justin is certainly one of the league's top offensive defencemen. His quick, fluid movement at the blueline and cannon of a slapshot make it no question why he's had such success on the first power play unit this year, a power play that is unmatched league-wide. For a Royals team that likes to rely on the point in the offensive zone, Kipkie is a huge contributor to scoring success.

Leadership

It's more than just the tangible skills that make a hockey player great. Alongside his on-ice prowess, Justin has long been a leader for the Royals, working hard to prove himself since he was a rookie. While the effort level seemed to dip midway through the season, it looks as though Kipkie is back to his hardworking ways. This work ethic and leadership is clear to the coaching staff as well, as the 19-year-old was named the ninth Royals captain in franchise history for this season, and the first since Gannon Laroque in 2022-23.

As a captain and first-pairing defenceman, Justin Kipkie holds tremendous responsibility, and he has shown that he has the power to carry it effectively. As the Royals venture into the postseason, Captain Kipkie will be looked upon to deliver, and to lead the team as deep as possible into the beast that is WHL playoffs.