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Calgary-raised Royals forward Matthew Phillips following in Gaudreau’s footsteps

Johnny Gaudreau doesn’t tower over many hockey players.

Mostly just the Timbits tykes who play during the intermissions.

But the sublimely skilled Calgary Flames star is a giant compared to another local sniper.

Victoria Royals star Matthew Phillips ripped it up in his first WHL season, scoring 37 goals and 76 points while playing in all 72 games.

Oh yeah, he’s 5-foot-6 and 137 lb. – a full two inches shorter and 20 lb. lighter than Johnny Hockey.

Phillips, who was handed the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year on Wednesday, said Gaudreau’s success at hockey’s highest level is providing opportunities for those who are vertically challenged.