ECHL Reading Royals

Boardwalk Bullies Stun Royals in O.T., 4-3

Published on February 18, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA – Atlantic City winger Kelsey Muench (1g, 1a) scored 2:03 into overtime, capping three unanswered goals by the visitors, as it downed Reading at the Sovereign Center, 4-3.

The Boardwalk Bullies (26-16-6)scored on their first shot of the contest at the 3:35 mark of the opening 20 minutes of play. Defenseman Ian Walterson (1g) netted his fourth goal of the year, with forward Dustan Heintz (1g, 1a) notching the only assist. Oddly enough, Atlantic City registered only one shot through the first 15-plus minutes and it was the even-strength marker by Walterson.

Late in the period, the Royals (27-14-4) scored twice in a span of 1:08. Forward Eric Fortier (2g) got the home team on the board with his 10th point in the last 11 games, when he buried his 13th goal of the season at 17:34. Defenseman Reagan Rome (1a) and center Graig Mischler (2a) got the assists on the play. Defenseman Mikko Viitanen (1g) gave Reading a 2-1 lead at 18:42, on his second goal of the season. Forwards Larry Courville (1a) and Mike Sandbeck (1a) drew the helpers on Viitanen's first goal since December 29, 2004. The two goals were the fastest back-to-back goals scored by the Royals in a home game this season.

After out-shooting the Boardwalk Bullies 14-6 in a scoreless second period, Reading held a convincing 28-10 advantage shot advantage heading into the final period of regulation play.

The Royals began the frame on a five-on-three advantage, and were able to convert after the first infraction expired. Fortier chipped in his second goal, just 41 seconds into the third, adding to Reading's lead. Mischler and defenseman Tom Galvin (1a) picked up the assists on Fortier's third multiple goal game of the season. Fortier took Mischler's feed in the slot and beat Atlantic City goaltender Trevor Koenig (26 saves) underneath his right arm for his 28th point of the year.

Then in the final 5:18, the Boardwalk Bullies struck twice to tie the contest. At 14:42, Heintz tallied on a goal setup by Muench and forward Scott Horvath (1a). With the momentum shifted, defenseman Brett Peterson (1g) recorded just his second goal of the year, with 2:40 left, to make the score 3-3. Forward Tom Reimann (2a) and center Derek Edwardson (1a) were credited with the assists on the equalizer.

Reimann and forward Paul Caponigri (1a) assisted on Muench's second game-winning goal of the year, as Atlantic City won for the second time this season in the extra session. Goaltender Barry Brust made nine saves in the defeat for Reading, as he dropped to 16-8-3 on the year.

Reading returns to the ice on Saturday, February 19, when it travels to Trenton to square off against the Titans. Faceoff from Sovereign Bank Arena is at 7:00 p.m. Then on Sunday, February 20, the Wheeling Nailers visit the Sovereign Center, with the match getting underway at 5:05 p.m. The Classic Café pre-game show gets underway approximately 30 minutes before the puck drops for both games. Listen live on the Royals' web site, www.royalshockey.com, or locally on ESPN Radio 1240.

Don't forget, Royals' fans, be sure to stop by the Classic Café – off Route 183 in Bern Township, just two miles north of the Reading Airport – on Monday, February 21, for Royals Weekly from 6-7 pm. Royals All-Star #13 Jon Francisco and #22 Larry Courville and will be our special guests. Meet coach Derek Clancey as well, plus win prizes courtesy of Bowl-O-Rama, the Classic Café, Fox East Theatres and the Reading Royals. Royals Weekly can be heard on ESPN radio, 1240AM and via the worldwide web at www.royalshockey.com.

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