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ECHL Worcester Railers HC

Railers Six Game Point Streak Halted After 3-0 Loss in Reading

March 24, 2018 - ECHL (ECHL)
Worcester Railers HC News Release


Reading, PA - The Worcester Railers HC (31-26-4-4, 70pts) closed out a three-game road trip with a 3-0 loss to the host Reading Royals (35-23-8-0, 78pts) in front of 5,797 fans at the Santander Arena on Saturday evening. The Railers return home to begin a three game homestand with a 7pm start vs. the Adirondack Thunder on Wednesday at the DCU Center after the .500 road trip (1-1-0-1).

Mitch Gillam made 25 saves in net as Worcester is now five points behind the Nailers for the final playoff spot in the North Division - the Railers have two games in hand with seven games left. Mark Dekanich made 28 saves in net for Reading as Mark Bennett had a goal and an assist to lead the way offensively for the Royals as Worcester's six game (5-0-0-1) point streak came to an end.

Neither team found the back of the net in a fast paced first period of play as Wheeling held an 11-10 shot advantage through 20 minutes of play. Worcester went 0-2 on the power play but had a few good looks on goaltender Mark Dekanich.

Reading grabbed two goals in the second period to take a 2-0 lead into the second intermission. Brian Morgan (9th) scored on a breakaway with a snap shot past the blocker of Mitch Gillam at 5:07. Mark Bennett (4th) scored into an empty net after a clearing attempt behind the Railers net skipped past the stick of Gillam who was unable to recover before Bennett fired the puck into the empty net from the right wall. Worcester held a 20-18 shot advantage through 40 minutes of play but trailed 2-0.

The Royals added to their lead as Mike Huntebrinker (19th) ripped a one-timer from the left circle top shelf after a cross ice pass at 5:36 of the third period to give Reading the 3-0 lead. A near brawl broke out at 18:50 after Matt Wilkins through a late hit and then got pummeled by Mike Cornell with all ten players coming together. Mark Dekanich made eight more saves in the third period to hold onto his 3rd shutout of the season.

Notes: Three Stars: 3rd star: Brian Morgan (Goal) 2nd star: Mark Bennett (1-1-2) 1st star: Mark Dekanich (28 saves, Win) ...Final shots were 28-28...Mark Dekanich (11-14-4) made 28 saves on 28 shots for Reading....Branden Komm was the backup for Wheeling.... Mitch Gillam (18-14-2) made 25 saves on 28 shots in his 16th start in the last 17 games for Worcester...Will King was the backup goaltender for the Railers.... Worcester went 0-for-3 on the power play while Reading went 0-for-3...Josh Monk (inj), Justin Agosta (susp), Chris Langkow (inj), and Tommy Kelley (inj) did not dress for Worcester.... Kellen Jones, Eamon McAdam, Ryan MacKinnon, Kyle Schempp, Yanick Turcotte, and Jeff Kubiak are currently on recall with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Tommy Panico was recalled by the Iowa Wild.... defenseman Josh McArdle played forward for Worcester....the Railers are now 2-5-0-0 at the Santander Arena...Worcester is now 16-7-3 in their last 26 games....Gillam is now 10-4-2 in his last 16 starts...Mike Cornell had a game high 15 penalty minutes and eight shots on goal...Barry Almeida added six shots for Worcester.

What's on tap? - Railers continue to battle for a playoff spot!

On Wednesday, March 28 the Railers host the Adirondack Thunder at 7:05pm with the first 500 fans 18 years-old and older receiving a $2 Massachusetts State Lottery Scratch Ticket. Score $5 off any ticket at the Box Office by showing your Price Chopper Advantage Card.

On Friday, March 30 the Railers host the Brampton Beast on BEACH NIGHT presented by MidState Auto Group on a 2-3-4 Friday at 7:05pm. The first 1,500 fans will receive a Railers HC beach towel presented by MidState Auto Group. Pat Patriot, Patriots cheerleaders, and the Patriots street team will be on hand in the Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Pavilion before the game! Enjoy reduced concessions at the DCU Center with $2 popcorn, $3 hot dogs, and $4 Bud Lights inside the Bud Light Lounge and fans are encouraged to wear their "Patriots gear" to the game.

On Saturday, March 31 the Railers host the Brampton Beast at 7:05pm on a BIG GAME SATURDAY on YOUTH HOCKEY NIGHT. Boston Garden Legend Rene Rancourt will perform both anthems before the game and sign autographs through the first period. Over 1,000 youth hockey players throughout central Massachusetts are expected to attend with a special Parade of Champions taking place before the game. In addition, fans are encouraged to bring canned goods to the game to benefit the Worcester County Food Bank for a chance to win Railers prizes presented by Price Chopper.

The Railers Tavern, located behind the DCU Center provides hockey fans with a great pregame and postgame atmosphere all season long. Watch all road games broadcast live at Railers Tavern or watch on ECHLTV.com for a small fee. Listen to all Railers games live on 98.9 Nash ICON with coverage beginning 30 minutes before puck drop with Eric Lindquist and Tom Matthews. Full season memberships, mini plans, and group tickets are on sale now by calling the Railers front office at 508-365-1750 or by visiting www.RailersHC.com.

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