ECHL Reading Royals

Rome to Again Patrol Blueline

Published on August 12, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA - The Reading Royals, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and AHL's Manchester Monarchs, announced that they have agreed to terms on a contract with defenseman Reagan Rome. In addition, Reading has acquired the rights to ECHL All-Star defenseman Troy Milam from the Central Division Champion Gwinnett Gladiators for financial considerations.

Rome, 23, returns to Reading after spending half the season with the club in 2003-04. Originally, the Nesbitt, Manitoba native was traded to Reading from the former Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. He skated in 36 regular season contests for Reading registering four goals and eleven points. He also posted a goal and seven points for the Cincinnati Cyclones in 32 regular season contests. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defenseman finished fourth on the Royals squad in penalty minutes with 127 in the regular campaign . Rome also chipped in four assists along with 29 penalty minutes in 15 games in the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

"I'm excited to return to Reading and come back to a situation that I am familiar with. In the past, I explored the unknown and it didn't work out to well for me. I enjoyed last season and want to build on our success," commented Rome from his residence in Nesbitt, MB.

"Romer seems to be getting better and better with experience. He brings a lot to our team - solid defense, versatility to use in all situations and toughness on the blueline. We are happy to have him back," said Royals bench boss Derek Clancey.

Milam, 24, appeared in 60 games with Gwinnett of the ECHL last season posting six goals and 33 points. He appeared in 10 post-season contests registering five assists and six penalty minutes. Those tallies earned him a spot on the Western Conference squad in the 12th Annual Par-A-Dice ECHL All-Star Game in Peoria, Illinois where he tallied two points (1-1=2). In addition, Milam appeared in seven games with the Royals AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, scoring one goal. The Lake Orion, Michigan native also skated in 13 games with the AHL's San Antonio Rampage posting two helpers.

Royals general manager Ray Delia said the acquisition of Milam is great for both Reading and Manchester, "Troy is a player Manchester took a look at towards the end of last year, and was interested in having him join our program this season. We are fortunate to acquire a player of his caliber. He had an excellent rookie year, and we expect his continued development to be a positive impact in Reading and Manchester."

To date, the Royals have eleven players under contract for the 2004-05 season. Rookie signees are defensemen Simon Mangos, Frederic Belanger, Andrew Nahirniak, Matthew Medley and left wing Colt King. Royals returnees from last season's Northern Division Championship squad include: Defenseman Ian Turner, Dean Arsene and Rome along with forwards Peter Hay, ECHL All-Star David 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-ever 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, new nine-game packs, voucher packs and group ticket packages call the Royals hockey headquarters at 610-898-PUCK (7825). Royals hockey...BLEED PURPLE!

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ECHL Stories from August 12, 2004


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