The Reading Royals, proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, fell to the Newfoundland Growlers, 2-1, Friday, Nov. 20th at Santander Arena. Royals goaltender Kirill Ustimenko saved 34 of 36 shots, while Growlers goalie Evan Cormier saved 35 of 36.
The Growlers got on the board 21 seconds into the opening period. Marcus Power beat Ustimenko blocker side after a centering pass from Zach O’Brien set up Power’s one-timer in the crease. Gordie Green was also credited with an assist on the goal, collecting his second point in two-straight games.
2:27 into the second period, the Royals answered back. Jacob Pritchard carried the puck across the blue line and put a backhand shot past Cormier, crashing into the net after the puck crossed the goal line. Pritchard’s goal extended his point streak to seven games and tied the game at one where it remained for the next 37 minutes of play.
After a scoreless third period, the Growlers won it 2:59 into post-regulation play. Orrin Centazzo carried the puck across the blue line and along the left boards before passing the puck into the slot for Jeremy McKenna, who streaked between two Royals defenseman. McKenna put the shot past Ustimenko’s glove save attempt, lighting the lamp as the OT hero for Newfoundland.
The Royals play their third of three games this weekend against the Norfolk Admirals Saturday, Nov. 21st at 3:00 p.m. at Santander Arena.
About the Royals
The Reading Royals, proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, are entering their 20th season in the ECHL. They won their first Kelly Cup championship in 2013 and have clinched playoff berths in 10 of the previous 11 seasons. They are four-time division champions. The Berks County Convention Center Authority (BCCCA), founded in 1996, owns the Royals and oversees operations at Santander Arena.