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ECHL Reading Royals

Royals add blueliners with skill

September 20, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA - The Reading Royals, affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and AHL's Manchester Monarchs, have announced the signings of defensemen Mark Ardelan and Jeff State.

Mark Ardelan joins the Royals after an all star season in his rookie campaign with the South Carolina Stingrays. Ardelan fired in 15 goals and 47 points with 24 penalty minutes in 2004-05. He appeared in all 72 regular season contests on the Stingray blueline. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder also appeared in one game in the American Hockey League with Portland as well, chipping in one assist. The offensive-minded defenseman brings five years of Western Hockey League experience to his resume. From 1999-2004, Ardelan appeared in 338 games scored 46 goals and 194 points, plus added 268 penalty minutes.

Coach Karl Taylor believes Ardelan is the type of player that could really bolster the power play, "Mark is a proven scorer from the blueline in this league. He has the potential to play in all situations, especially the power play."

To compliment Ardelan's offensive expertise, the Royals have signed big, stay-at-home defenseman Jeff State. State's 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame is expected keep traffic clear in front of the Reading net. During his first two seasons as a professional, State split time between the Charlotte Checkers and AHL affiliate, Hartford. Last season, the Buffalo, New York native appeared in 62 games with Danbury of the United Hockey League scoring two goals and seven points while adding 156 penalty minutes.

"Jeff moves very well for a big man," commented coach Taylor. "He is a physical player that can move people around and is not afraid to stick up for his teammates if the need arises."

To date, the Royals have fifteen players under contract. Forwards Jon Francisco, Larry Courville, Grant Jacobsen, Rich Peverley, Kevin Saurette, Doug Christiansen, Steve Simoes, John Morlang, Malcolm MacMillan and Brendan Cook have committed to Reading. Defenseman Reagan Rome, TJ Kemp, Stuart Kerr, Ardelan and State complete the Royals roster for 2005-06.

The Royals will begin the 2005-06 season with a pair of preseason games with the defending Kelly Cup Champion Trenton Titans. On Saturday, October 15 the two clubs will meet in Monmouth, New Jersey, then battle again two days later on Monday, October 17 in the Body Zone Sports and Fitness Complex.

The Royals 5th Anniversary Season officially begins at home in the Sovereign Center on Saturday, October 29 against the Titans. The Royals will raise the North Division regular season championship banner prior to the drop of the puck. For ticket information including; season, half-season and quarter-season ticket packages visit the Royals website at www.royalshockey.com or call the Royals Hockey Headquarters at 610-898-PUCK (7825).

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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