Kelly Cup Playoffs | Round 2 – NFL vs REA

Photo Credit: Jaidin Cardona

The Royals get set for a rematch against the dogs from up north, the Newfoundland Growlers. Reading won their series in 6 games over Maine, and Newfoundland won theirs in 5 over Adirondack.

Reading’s 2022-23 regular season record against the Growlers was 5-3-2. Reading struggled early in the season against the Growlers but won 4 of the last 5 and earned 9 of the 10 possible points in their last 5 against Newfoundland.

The Growlers in the regular season won the north division and led the eastern conference with a record of 48-22-2, and 98 points. Zach O’Brien had a great opening round against Adirondack, with 9 points (4G, 5A) in 5 games he leads all post-season scorers. Dryden McKay is 4-0 with a shutout, and amongst goaltenders ranks fourth with a 1.80 GAA.

Reading coming off their series win over Maine, winning all of their games on home ice and one on the road in Portland, just as they did last post-season. Jacob Gaucher and Evan Barrat are both tied for second among post-season goal scorers with 8 points. Gaucher has 4 goals and 4 assists, and Barrat has 2 goals along with 6 assists. Pat Nagle is currently sitting at 49 career playoff wins, he went 4-1 against the Mariners he currently sits 4 wins away from all-time record holder, former Royal Riley Gill who has 53.

In the season series, Zach O’Brien had 16 points (1G, 15A) and Todd Skirving had a team-best 6 goals. Max Newton and Jacon Gaucher both had 11 points in the season series. Newton had 6 goals along with 5 assists, and Gaucher had 3 goals with 8 assists.