Cowichan hockey fans hoping to catch former Kerry Park minor hockey player Eli McKamey in action with the Victoria Royals may have been disappointed, but the consolation prize was still pretty good. They got a glimpse of projected 2027 No. 1 NHL Draft pick Landon Dupont instead.

The Victoria Royals and Everett Silvertips played at both Kerry Park Arena and Cowichan Arena as part of Island Hockey Fest Sept. 12 and 13 but McKamey, 16, was injured and didn't play in either game.

Dupont, 16, is the first WHL defenceman to receive exceptional player status and only the second WHL player ever, after Connor Bedard, to earn the designation.

McKamey was at both arenas, however, signing autographs and taking in the games.

The Cowichan Bay-raised forward was drafted by the Royals 35th overall in

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