Frasca Scores Lone Goal, Royals Drop Opener to Nailers, 3-1
ECHL Reading Royals

Frasca Scores Lone Goal, Royals Drop Opener to Nailers, 3-1

Published on January 23, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA - The Reading Royals (19-16-4-0, 42 PTS), proud ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, fell to the Wheeling Nailers (26-9-1-0, 53 PTS), 3-1, at WesBanco Arena on Friday, January 23rd.

Goaltender Keith Petruzzelli (9-10-3-0) suffered the loss in goal with 24 saves on 26 shots faced while Nailers' netminder Taylor Gauthier (7-2-0-0) earned the win in goal, with 31 saves on 32 shots faced.

Jacob Frasca (7) broke the scoreless tie 2:58 into the second period with Reading's second shorthanded goal of the season before Connor Lockhart (11) evened the score for Wheeling at 19:37, 1-1.

The Nailers took the lead for good 1:09 into the third period from Matty De St. Phalle (4), 2-1, which held until Wheeling sealed the victory with an empty net goal by Logan Pietila (11) at 19:49, 3-1.

With the loss, the Royals dropped their ninth-straight road game, setting a franchise record for the longest road winless streak.

The Royals conclude a two-game series against Wheeling at WesBanco Arena on Saturday, January 24th at 4:10 p.m.

The Royals return home for a two-game series against the Greensboro Gargoyles on Friday, January 30th at Santander Arena at 7:00 p.m. which concludes on Saturday, January 31st at 7:00 p.m.

For all home games this season, fans can enjoy parking as low as $5 (see garage locations & rates).

For tickets to all regular season home games, visit: Single Game Tickets

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ECHL Stories from January 23, 2026


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