The Kamloops Blazers, sparked by right-winger J.C. Lipon's three goals, dumped the Victoria Royals 5-3 in a WHL exhibition game played in Maple Ridge on Friday night.

One night earlier, playing at home, the Blazers beat the Royals, 4-2, in what was the preseason opener for both teams.

The Blazers next play Wednesday when the Vancouver Giants are to visit Interior Savings Centre. Game time is 7 p.m.

Lipon, who scored a career-high 19 goals last season, has never had three goals in a regular-season game. He has four two-goal games in 187 regular-season games, with three of those last season.

Chase Souto, with his second goal in two nights, and Dylan Willick, into an empty net, also scored for the Blazers, who led 3-2 after two periods. The teams were tied 1-1 after the first.

Clay Spencer, with two, and Kolton Dixon replied for the Royals.

The Blazers, who had iced a veteran-laden squad at home on Thursday, had forwards Mitch Friesen, Aaron Macklin and Jesse Shynkaruk, all of whom signed WHL contracts this week, in the lineup last night.

Kamloops goaltender Taran Kozun went the distance, stopping 24 shots.

The Royals started Jared Rathjen, who stopped 20 of 23 shots. Michael Herringer came on at 12:31 of the second period and turned aside 15 of 16 shots.

The Blazers were 2-for-9 on the power play, while the Royals went 2-for-7.