Photo Credit: Jaidin Cardona
The Royals and Mariners rematch of last season’s opening round will do it again this post-season. Reading looks to repeat what they did last year, winning the series last year 4 games to 2. The Royals beat the Mariners in the 2022-23 regular season series 4-2. 3 of the 4 Royals wins were on the road.
Pat Shea is Maine’s player to watch in the 6 games he has 10 points (7 G, 3 A). Shea in 62 games for Maine has 54 points (25 G, 29 A).
“He was able to generate offense against us, he’s a good two-way player. We kinda go through their roster have small scouting reports on each player and are aware of strengths and weaknesses. He’s a competitive guy he gets to the areas where he can score goals and that’s in front of our net. Something that we kinda talked about as a group is that we need to be hard on in those areas and not allow him to get to loose pucks and have second and third scoring opportunities, that kinda goes hand in hand for the entire team.”
Head Coach, James Henry on Mariners Forward, Pat Shea
“The last month and a half of the season was pretty tough as far as having 3 in 3’s, 4 games in 5 days things along those lines kind of mix in some travel. A little bit of extra recovery time for some of our guys. I think that was something that we definitely needed. A little bit like you said the mentally recovery there as far as not coming to the rink for a little bit there and a bit of a reset. I feel like the guys did a good job of coming into work this week and a couple of days where we focused on certain things, and give ourselves a good opportunity heading into the weekend.”
Head Coach, James Henry on finishing the season and heading into the postseason
“…We’re excited to get going, we got a lot of first-year players that are ready for some playoff hockey here.”
Head Coach, James Henry
The rookie, Max Newton had impressive numbers in his first full pro season. In 67 games Max had 72 points (34 G, 38 A). Newton also received PTO for Wilkes-Barre Scranton and Bellville of the AHL.
“It’s obviously an exciting time. This is what you work all year for and something we’ve been looking forward to the last few weeks ever since we clinched. Once that x gets beside your name your looking forward to the playoffs getting started. I think everyone from top to bottom is excited to get going and really attack this thing.”
Max Newton on entering playoffs
Charlie Gerard, who played 55 games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last season had an outstanding 2022-23 campaign. In 62 games with Reading, he had 76 points (33 G, 43 A). Charlie also participated in 6 games for the Phantoms this season.
“Our seasons on the line these games mean a lot to us and little mistakes can become big mistakes, so we gotta take every shift like it’s gonna be our last. I think the guys in our room are really excited for the first shift and we’re excited to get it going.”
Charlie Gerard on entering playoffs
Pat Nagle will get the nod for game one. Nagle had a record of 21-7, with a 2.61 GAA and .908 SV%. Pat also started 9 games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in 2022-23.
“That’s everything. He’s been our MVP this year. When he’s back there it just has the extra sense of confidence we can play with a little pep in our step and a little more of an attack mindset. I know that we gotta be responsible at the same time but just knowing that he’s back there and what he’s gone through and the big games he’s won. We know he’s gonna be ready and he deserves us to be ready as well”
Max Newton on Pat Nagle Starting Game 1
Round 1 Schedule
Game 1 – Friday, April 21st | 7 :00 PM EST
Game 2 – Saturday, April 22nd | 7 :00 PM EST
Game 3 – Monday, April 24th | 7 :00 PM EST
Game 4 – Tuesday, April 25th | 7 :00 PM EST
Game 5 – Wednesday, April 26th | 7:00 PM EST *
Game 6 – Saturday, April 29th | 7:00 PM EST *
Game 7 – Sunday, April 30th | 3:00 PM EST *
If Needed *
