Royals Hold off Late Rally by Thunder, Win 3-2
Written by: Zachary Silverstein
Photo by: Erik Jesberger
Reading, PA – The Reading Royals (7-4-1-0), ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, defeated the Adirondack Thunder (2-6-2-1) 3-2 in a chippy affair at Santander Arena on Sunday.
The Royals are now on a six-game winning streak, while goaltender Nolan Maier is on a four-game winning streak of his own.
Reading wasted no time finding the back of the net, taking a 1-0 lead just 5:54 into the first period with a goal by forward Trey Bradley. Bradley’s goal, his third of the season, was assisted by defenseman Garrett McFadden (sixth) and defenseman Will MacKinnon (fourth).
Things got chippy at the 7:48 mark after Royals defenseman Colin Felix and Thunder forward Noah Corson dropped the gloves, adding even more life to a crowd who was still energized after the first goal. The fight was the beginning of a very physical period, which saw multiple Thunder penalties.
“It’s hard to feel bad for a team who can’t keep up with you,” Royals head coach James Henry said during the first intermission.
The Royals added another goal to its tally 16:13 into the period after forward Yvan Mongo snapped a powerplay shot past Thunder goalie Jake Theut. This was the Canadian’s second goal of his professional career, and it was assisted by forward Jacob Gaucher (fifth) and defenseman Mason Millman (fourth).
The Royals continued their scoring with a second-period goal by Felix, his third of the season. The goal, which was scored 14:26 into the period, was assisted by forward Tyler Kirkup (second). Felix’s goal was reviewed for goalie interference, but the call ultimately stood.
The Thunder finally got on board with a goal by forward Shawn Weller exactly ten minutes into the third period. The goal, Weller’s third of the season, was assisted by forward Shane Harper (eleventh) and forward Grant Jozefek (third).
Adirondack made things interesting, scoring a goal with 53 seconds remaining in regulation. The goal was scored by forward Patrick Grasso, his sixth of the season, and was assisted by defenseman Wayne Letourneau (third) and defenseman Jarrod Gourley (fourth).
The Royals, however, were able to stand strong and keep the Thunder from tying the game.
Reading will look to extend its winning streak to seven games when they head to Cross Insurance Arena to take on the Maine Mariners on Wednesday, November 23, at 7:00 p.m.
