ECHL Reading Royals

King Becomes Royalty, Masse and Arsene To Return to Hershey

July 29, 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 announced the signing of rugged forward Colt King. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the fourth round, 130th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. The Royals working in cooperation with the Hershey Bears have agreed to two-way contracts with forward David Masse and defenseman Dean Arsene. Both players will start the season in the Hershey Bears training camp.

King, 21, is finishing a five-year Ontario Hockey League career in which he suited up for six teams. His OHL stint was highlighted in 2000-01, his second season, where he posted 25 goals and 52 points along with 129 penalty minutes. Except for his 1999 rookie season in the OHL, King posted 100 or more penalty minutes the next four seasons. He has appeared in the postseason in all five years of his young career.

Derek Clancey, Royals second-year Coach, said King shows a lot of potential, "Colt King exhibits great potential, not only from a physical standpoint, but from a skill standpoint. He has tremendous offensive potential combined with his size and toughness. In talking with different parties in the OHL, they feel if he commits to his game he could find himself in the NHL ."

Masse, 21, was a pleasant surprise for Reading in his rookie season. The Montreal, Quebec native led Royals post-season scorers with six goals and 14 points. He also led the club with four power play goals, four first goals and two game-winning goals. During the regular campaign, the 6-foot, 190-pound Masse finished fourth on the club in scoring and penalty minutes. Masse posted 33 assists and 47 points in just 53 regular season appearances. He also was promoted on several occasions to the Hershey Bears. In 19 games, Masse fired in four goals and nine points along with eight penalty minutes.

Arsene, 24, agreed to a two-way contract with Hershey earlier this week. Arsene appeared in 22 games in the American Hockey League with the Bears registering two assists and 44 minutes in penalties. The majority of his season was spent in Reading where he appeared in 46 contests. He tallied six assists and 118 penalty minutes. During the Kelly Cup Playoffs, Arsene shined with a goal and six points in just 15 games. His shorthanded goal in game five of the Northern Division Semifinals in Wheeling paced the Royals to a 4-0 victory and elimination of the top-seeded Nailers.

"We are fortunate to be in a position to see the continued development of David Masse and Dean Arsene. I anticipate both players seeing a substantial amount of time with the Bears. We wish both players all the best with Hershey and welcome them back to the Royals," commented Royals general manager, Ray Delia.

Coach Clancey is happy to see familiar faces in Masse and Arsene returning, "Obviously, our hope for these two guys is to remain in Hershey to achieve their goals, however, if they do spend time in Reading they will be a major force on our club. With Masse's skill I may experiment with him at the center position while Arsene should be an anchor on the blueline with his leadership and consistency."

To date, the Royals have seven players under contract for the 2004-05 season. Rookie signees are defensemen Simon Mangos and left wing Colt King. Royals returnees from last season's Northern Division Championship squad include defenseman Ian Turner and Arsene along with forwards Peter Hay, ECHL All-Star Masse and leading scorer Graig Mischler.

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 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-PUCK (7825). Royals hockey...BLEED PURPLE!

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