ECHL Reading Royals

Defenseman Nekolenko Joins Royals for 2018-19 Season

Published on September 4, 2018 under ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA - Reading Royals Head Coach Kirk MacDonald announced Tuesday the Royals have signed defenseman Ilya Nekolenko to a 2018-19 ECHL contract. A 25-year-old from Moscow, Russia, Nekolenko has played in the KHL for parts of the last six seasons, scoring two goals and six points in 91 games. He stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 220 pounds. Last season, Nekolenko appeared in 14 games for Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. He has skated for six KHL teams but never played professionally in North America.

"Ilya has had a chance to get some playing time in one of the world's best leagues and we expect there to be a transition as he comes to North America," said MacDonald. "He will be put in a spot to succeed with the Royals and we look forward to watching him perform in a few weeks."

Nekolenko has also skated in the VHL since 2014-15. In 2014, the left-handed shot won the MHL Championship with MHK Spartak Moskva. He represented Russia at the CCOA U20 Championships in 2011-12.

Updated Royals Roster

Forwards (12): #3 Chris McCarthy, #9 Brayden Low, #12 Steven Swavely, #14 Adam Schmidt, #18 Tyler Brown, #21 Frankie DiChiara, #24 Bo Pieper, #28 Brian Morgan, #29 Jack Riley, #61 Dillan Fox, #77 Shane Walsh, #86 Josh MacDonald

Defensemen (5): #2 Ilya Nekolenko, #4 Nick Neville, #6 Dan Milan, #7 Adam Larkin, #11 Charlie Vasaturo

Season tickets, group tickets and mini-plans are on sale by calling 610-898-7825 (PUCK).

Royals Open House + 50% Off Team Store Discount Sept. 8, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Royals will host an Open House for all fans on Sat., Sept. 8 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., the perfect chance to select your seats for the 2018-19 campaign. The Lion's Den Team Store will have a 50% off clearance sale and any fan that refers another fan who purchases tickets will receive a team store gift card. Come by to learn about Royals ticket packages, select a seat for the spot you've been considering and reserve your group night.

First Home Game Oct. 13

The Royals will open the 2018-19 regular season at Santander Arena on Sat., Oct. 13 at 7:00 p.m. vs. the Worcester Railers. The home opener will feature a special Block Party and "Red Carpet" presentation for the team.

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