Date Published: 1-15-2023
Photo Credit: Our very own Samantha Wismer
Seems as though a black cat crossed the path of the Adirondack Thunder on their way
into Santander Arena on Friday the 13th. A day known for bad omens and negative
superstition. That wasn’t the case for the Reading Royals, though however.
While Reading started the first period slowly, they quickly picked up the pace after Ryan
Da Silva lit the board up first. Only for Da Silva put an opportunity in the Royals’ hands
with a cross checking penalty. Charlie Gerard got one by goaltender Jake Theut. A little
more speed and aggression was shown from the Royals after that led to Tyler Kirkup for the
second Royals goal of the period. Finishing the first period with two goals and no penalties.
In the second period the Royals took three penalties that they maintained to kill. Showing how much work not only the players have put in, but coach Henry as well into coaching a solid penalty kill unit. These twenty minutes were quiet. That doesn’t mean they were assertive and swift. No goals or penalties on the Thunder side of this period. Alec Butcher did score making the lead 3-1. With a late Butcher penalty carrying on into the third, proceeding to be knocked out there to start the third period.
Of course, the third period was filled with excitement and anticipation to keep the lead and take those two points. The Thunder had scoring chances and nice eb and flow. However, Yvan
Mongo was one of the more noticeable skaters. Coming back from a knee injury, you could tell he was hungry for some action. As was captain Garrett McFadden who got called for delay of game. Only to score on the rush as he came out of the box for a 4-1 lead. Later on Ivan Chukarov was called for holding. And on his rush, Alec Butcher would score right as that box door was slammed shut. Devon Paliani and Xavier Parent
each got slammed for roughing late in the third. Thus leading to a Royals 5-1 win over the Thunder.
Matched with speed, energy, flow, and confidence. The Reading Royals took some penalties but more importantly they took the two point win.
Practically waking up at Santander arena the next day. Maybe it wasn’t the omens of Friday the 13th…maybe a black cat crossed the Thunders path again. Overall the Royals took four penalties. Again, proving they have a solid penalty kill unit.
Mongo suffered a hooking call, expired. First and only Thunder goal of the night scored by Shane Harper. Biggest takeaway from this match is the Royals trailing 2-1 in shots for the first two periods and closing that gap in the third and scoring three goals. The tenacity was fierce. Royal determination, if you will.
The Royals won 3-1. While there were a few penalties here and there. Few scuffles
here and there. The real story is the persistence the Royals showed in being hungry to
win. May have been the fabulous Flintstone specialty jerseys that gave them a boost to
not lose two points. Whatever it was, we all know that this is not the same group of Royals that we saw in October/November.
Currently sitting second in their division underneath the NewFoundland Growlers and on
top of the Main Mariners. The Royals meet up with the Mariners on Monday at 1pm at
the Santander Arena.
