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ECHL Reading Royals

Francisco Signs With Royals, Hay Returns to School

September 17, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA - The Reading Royals, affiliates of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and AHL's Manchester Monarchs, have agreed to terms on one-year contract with centerman Jon Francisco. Previously signed forward Peter Hay has decided to return to college to pursue his education.

Francisco, 24, enters his second season as a professional. In his rookie campaign the Minnesota native scored 22 goals and 50 points along with 89 minutes in penalties in 70 regular season contests. He also appeared in two American Hockey League games with Milwaukee but was held scoreless. Francisco finished a stellar career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth in which he increased his goal production in four straight seasons. His most productive season was in 2001-02 when he posted 12 goals and 27 assists with 43 penalty minutes. Francisco was college teammates with current Royal Judd Medak at UMD.

"Jon is a solid young forward that we are fortunate to add to our roster," commented Royals bench boss Derek Clancey. "It is nice to add a player who has been a teammate of a current player (Judd Medak) in the past...I think that will help with chemistry."

Royals general manager Ray Delia also announced the previously signed forward Peter Hay will not be returning to Reading this season. Hay is planning to pursue his education and return to college hockey.

"Peter Hay received a great offer to return to college and college hockey and we support his decision to do so. We have left the door open for Peter to return Reading in the future," said Delia.

To date, the Royals have come to terms with 15 players for the 2004-05 season. Rookie signees are defensemen Simon Mangos, Frederic Belanger, Andrew Nahirniak, Matthew Medley, Tom Galvin and left wing Colt King along with D'Arcy McConvey. Royals returnees from last season's Northern Division Championship squad include: Defensemen Ian Turner, Dean Arsene and Reagan Rome along with forwards David Masse, Judd Medak, leading scorer Graig Mischler, Dan Sullivan and Francisco.

The Reading Royals are entering their fourth season in Reading, Pennsylvania after relocating from Columbus, Ohio. The Royals enjoyed their first Kelly Cup playoff appearance last season, claiming the Northern Division Title and were one win away from qualifying for the Kelly Cup Finals.

The Sovereign Center is proud to be hosting its first American Hockey League game on S aturday, October 9. The Hershey Bears and Norfolk Admirals will clash in preseason play at 7:05 p.m. All general admission tickets are $12 and special group, Bears and Royals season ticket holder rates are available by calling the Royals hockey headquarters at 610-898-7825 (PUCK).

The Royals and the City of Reading are proud to be hosting the 13th annual ECHL All-Star Game and Skills Competition presented by Coors Light on January 25 and 26. For ticket information including; season, half-season, voucher packs and group ticket packages visit the Royals website at www.royalshockey.com or call the Royals hockey headquarters at 610-898 -7825 (PUCK). Royals hockey...BLEED PURPLE!

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