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Chase Golightly: from the Rodeo to Reading

April 6, 2018 - ECHL (ECHL) - Reading Royals News Release

By: Allison Shuey/Reading, PA - Defenseman Chase Golightly grew up in a small town in California with his parents, older brother Blaise (28) and younger sister Stormy (20). An unfortunate event brought the game of hockey to Golightly and his brother. The love of the game continued to grow through other experiences and eventually saw Golightly skating in the ECHL.

"When I was younger, my older brother broke his arm and the only sport he could play with a cast was roller hockey and I just loved the game right off the bat," he said. "Then I went to a birthday party at an ice rink and liked ice skating more because it was faster, and you could turn tighter. I decided to try playing ice hockey and it just started elevating from there."

Having found a love of the game, the Golightly family added another activity to their already busy schedules. His parents had their own business breaking and training racehorses and spent a majority of their time at the barn.

"Growing up my mom did a lot of barrel racing and my dad would ride broncos in the rodeo. They were able to move to California and work for Bob Baffert who is a big racehorse trainer."

The Temecula, CA native had enjoyed growing up with an agricultural background and had an interest in continuing to work in the rodeo business before deciding to develop his game.

"We grew up at the barn riding horses everywhere, but it is a hard business to get into and I don't think my parents really wanted us to get into it just because of some things they had to go through. It is really a nice job because you're out and about and riding horses all day."

Despite his background in agriculture, hockey stayed a large part of Golightly's life. As he continued to get more involved it became a priority and a major time commitment.

"There's not a lot of ice rinks in California," he explained. "My last year my parents had to drive me two hours one way for practice, so it was a huge commitment. Basically, that was my life; it was school, hockey and any down time I had I just wanted to hang out."

Playing professional hockey was not always the goal for Golightly, who double attended Robert Morris University and double majored in finance and accounting. He was named RMU team defensive player of the year in 2014-15.

"The biggest goal for me was just to play college hockey. After that, I had to reevaluate and set my sight on playing in the professionals. Once I got to college and had some success I decided to stick with it and try to play pro."

Commitment and dedication paid off as the 25-year old now skates in his second professional season with the Royals, who have qualified for the 2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs.

"The biggest goal this year is making a run at the cup and winning a Kelly Cup. I think that would be incredible. Moving forward I would love to move up and play in the AHL or go to Europe and get to travel and play a slightly different game over there on a bigger ice sheet."

From the Rodeo to Reading, Golightly has had a wide variety of experiences such as his double major at RMU, having an agricultural background, and spending time playing professional hockey.

FANdemonium, prizes at every whistle and last home game of regular season, Sat., Apr. 7 vs. NOR at 7:00 p.m.

We are giving away Royals prizes at EVERY WHISTLE! Plus, the first 2,500 fans receive a Royals rally towel, courtesy of Tower Health. Tickets are available here.

Season ticket holders: stick around after the game for a chance to win a game-used Royals jersey with "Jerseys off our Back" promotion. You must be present to win.

2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs Tickets On Sale

Lock down your Kelly Cup Playoff tickets by calling 610-898-7825. A Royals team member will provide you with curbside service outside the Lion's Den Team Store at the corner of 8th and Penn Street; just call 610-898-7825 and we will deliver your tickets without leaving your car.

The Royals are offering five playoff vouchers for $85. Use the five vouchers at any home playoff games!

Miniplans available for 2018-19!

Call 610-898-7825 to learn more about 9, 12 and 18 game mini-plans for the 2018-19 season!

2018-19 season tickets now available

Top full-season benefits include: exclusive Reading Hockey Club per seat gift, discounted rate off regular ticket prices, ticket exchange, preseason meet and greet, exclusive season ticket holder events, advanced entry and a chance to win and the Royals Owner's Suite for a game. Call 610-898-7825 and visit to join the Royals family or renew season tickets for the 2018-19 season. Visit royalshockey.com/tickets/season-tickets to learn more.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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