Date Published: 1-20-2023
Photo Credit: Jaidin Cardona
The Royals are set to host the Norfolk Admirals, who are coming into town as the worst team in the ECHL with a record of 6-27-1-2. It’s the first of a back-to-back between the clubs, the teams will hit the road for Norfolk, VA following tonight’s game in Reading.
The Royals are currently sitting in 2nd place in the North with 45 points, 6 points behind the division-leading Newfoundland Growlers. It’s a close battle right behind them as Maine only trails by a point in the race, the Mariners travel to Worcester tomorrow night who’s behind them with 41 points in 4th place.
The Admiral’s goaltending seems to be struggling, all 3 goaltenders have a GAA above 4, and all have an SV% below .882. Logan Flodell holds a record of 1-10, Tomas Vomacka holds a record of 2-11, and Michael Bullion has a record of 3-10.
Danny Katic seems like he’s the guy to watch for Norfolk. The 6’5” 210-pound forward leads his team in goals, assists, points, and penalty minutes. He’s also scored 3 power-play goals, he’s tied for the most on his team. Danny is 4th in penalty minutes behind Royals defenseman Colin Felix. Katic also leads rookies in minor penalties.
Max Newton’s back in the lineup after representing Reading in the All-Star Game Tuesday night. The rookie forward leads the team in goals with 17, and points with 36. He’s 3rd among rookies in points, and 3rd in goals. The 5’10” forward was also signed to a very short-lived PTO from the WIlkes-Barre Scranton Penguins.
The Royals special teams unit has been very successful despite the early season struggles. Seems like they’ve been scoring a power play goal a game and killing every opportunity the opposition gets.
Royals lead the record between the two clubs, they hold a record of 32-8-4 against Norfolk. The 2022-23 regular season series is 3 games to 1 in favor of Reading, heading into tonight. Reading will face Norfolk 6 more times this season after tonight.
