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ECHL Reading Royals

Max Taylor Hattrick Propels Royals' Win, 3-2

December 12, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA - The Reading Royals (7-17-1= 17; t-6th North Division) of the ECHL got three consecutive goals from Max Taylor-the final one with just 1:02 remaining-to complete a comeback from a two goal deficit and defeat the Elmira Jackals at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pennsylvania, 3-2. The victory marked the first time this season that the Royals have won three consecutive games. James Reimer (win; 5-2-0; 20/22) picked up his third consecutive win; while Mitch O'Keefe (loss; 9-6-1; 24/27) sustained his first loss this year to the Royals (3-1-1). The game winner came while the Royals were on the power play (1-7); while Reading's penalty killers blanked the Jackals in six tries with the man advantage.

Elmira struck pay dirt on the opening shift of the game. After a bone-crushing body check on the end-wall by Josh Aspnelind sent Royals' defenseman Rob LaLonde reeling, the Jackals were able to gain possession in the offensive zone. Brandon Roach fired a shot from left point that Reimer stopped with his upper body, but the rebound fell to the right side of the net, where Pierre-Luc Faubert tapped it in for his eighth of the season thirty-six seconds into the game. The Jackals took a 2-0 lead at the 13:21 mark of the first on another rebound put back-this one from Wes Cunningham, who was able to bank the puck off Reimer's left arm from low on the right side of the goal for his third of the season.

Reading launched the comeback effort at the 9:38 mark of the second period, when Taylor, planted in front of the Elmira net, deftly redirected a low wrist shot by defenseman Tim Branham to get the Royals' on the board. Taylor bagged his second of the night 12:28 into the second, when Peder Skinner carried with speed into the Elmira zone, stopped short in the right circle, and ripped a bullet that went just over the cross bar and off the back glass, ricocheting to the left side of the net where Taylor made a highlight reel move to settle, spin and slip the puck in for his third of the season. After a long stretch of give-and-take, Taylor notched the natural hattrick with just 1:02 remaining in regulation. With the Royals on the power play due to an undisciplined roughing minor taken by Elmira's Bruce Watson, an Elmira defender attempted to clear from deep in his own end. Taylor picked off the clearing attempt with his upper body and was able to settle and fire high to the glove side for his fourth goal in just two games with the Royals. Elmira pressed with the sixth attacker on in the waning moments, but Reading held on for the team's fourth home win of the year (4-10-0).

The Royals travel to Wheeling, West Virginia to face the Wheeling Nailers tomorrow night (December 13 @ 7:35 pm) for the first time this season. Saturday's game will be broadcast live on the Royals Radio Network Presented by Transmissions by Arbogast (True Oldies WRAW 1340 am in Reading; and The Ticket WLAN 1390 am in Lancaster), as well as on the internet via webcast hosted by Sportsjuice.com, which can be accessed through the Royals website. To become a part of Royals hockey, call 610-898-PUCK or log onto www.royalshockey.com.

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