Covid-19 has been a thorn in the side of everyone throughout the World, and it hit just about everyone hard. Whether it be financially, mentally, or unfortunately some have contracted this brutal virus. Covid-19 continues to make its presence known. One team that is affiliated with the Philadelphia Flyers in the Reading Royals kept their doors shut in 2020-21 due to Covid-19, and this left some players careers in limbo especially ones that did not play overseas.
Unfortunately, all the great players and staff members (To include Royals fantastic mascot in Slapshot) that make-up this great Royals organization scrambled for new positions. Fortunately, some prospects headed overseas with the likes of Felix Sandström, who played for Västerviks IK on a loan. Moreover, other prospects like Pascal Laberge and Matthew Strome saw time with the Phantoms, as Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher has not signed depth Forwards maybe for this very reason. With that being there are reasons to be happy Royals fans.
The Royals are back, and they have signed six returning players that played for the Royals in 2019-20, before the season was halted due to Covid-19: Brayden Low, Frank DiChiara, David Drake, Hayden Hodgson, Garrett Cecere and Mike Crocock have signed contracts with the Royals for the coming year. Drake was selected by the Flyers in 2013 by then General Manager Paul Holmgren. Drake, Low, and DiChiara will each suit up for their third season with the Royals.
This is a great day for the Royals and their proud fans. Hockey will be back alive and well in Reading, and the purple clad fans will be there rooting for their hometown Royals this coming season.
