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ECHL Reading Royals

Jackals Knock Off Royals In Pre-Season Finale

October 13, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Wyomissing, PA - The Reading Royals of the ECHL dropped the pre-season finale before a packed house at the Body Zone in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, 4-2, to the Elmira Jackals. Reading got an early goal, but the Jackals bounced back with three first period goals of their own-two of which came on the power play. The Royals got a third period power play goal as they tried to battle back into the game. But a short-handed goal later in the third by the Jackals proved to be too much to overcome. This one concluded a home-and-home pre-season series between the Royals and Jackals, which the two teams split-each team winning on the other's ice. Danny Taylor (1-1-0; 20/24) went the distance for the Royals and was saddled with the loss. Mitch O'Keefe (1-0-0; 13/15) picked up the win for Elmira. The Royals were 1-6 on the power play, while the Jackals went 2-9 with the man advantage.

The teams traded turnovers for the first two goals of the game. First off, the Royals' Mac Faulkner was the beneficiary of a loose puck left high in the offensive zone by the Jackals. Faulkner took control, walked a step deeper in the zone and ripped a blast behind O'Keefe to give the Royals a 1-0 lead 1:58 into the game. Then it was Elmira's turn to capitalize on a turnover. Reading coughed it up at the defensive blue line, allowing Josh Aspenlind to settle, carry towards the Reading goal and fire one behind Taylor low to the stick side.

Later in the first, the Jackals power play then went to work, scoring on their third power play opportunity of the night, when defenseman Brandon Roach took a shot from the left point that deflected off a Royals' defender and eluded Taylor to make it 2-1, Jackals, 17:22 into the first. The Jackals then took a two goal lead with a five-on-three power play goal with just 53 seconds remaining in the period. Aspenlind converted on a nice tic-tac-toe passing play that went left point (Roach) to low on the right side (Brett Pilkinton) across the crease to the left side where Aspenlind was waiting for the tap in.

After a scoreless second, the Royals drew within one 3:49 into the third period with a power play goal by defenseman Dinos Stamoulis. After a series of effective keeps at the point and an on the wall, the Royals' Dan Rudisuela fought through a check and forced the puck deep into the left corner, where Faulkner retrieved. Faulkner then found space behind the Jackals net, where he patiently settled and waited for a teammate to pinch into the slot. That teammate was Stamoulis, and Faulkner found him for the quick one-timer that beat O'Keefe five-hole to make it 3-2 Elmira. 8:36 into the third, Elmira regained the two goal when Roach bagged his second goal of the night, while the Jackals were playing short-handed. Elmira's Pierre-Luc Faubert gained possession in the neutral zone and found Roach moving across the blue line. Roach was allowed to carry deep into the slot where he ripped a wrister that beat Taylor to the stick side.

The Royals open the 2008-09 regular season against the Elmira Jackals on Friday, October 17, 2008 at First Arena in Elmira, New York. The Royals' home opener is set for Saturday, October 25, 2008, when the Johnstown Chiefs visit the Sovereign Center. Royals' full Season Tickets and Total Choice Flex Plans are now on sale. To obtain more information on becoming a part Royals' hockey, call 610-898-PUCK to speak with Royals' ticket representative or visit the Royals website, www.royalshockey.com.

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