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ECHL Reading Royals

Royals' Comeback Effort Results in 4-2 Win over Boardwalk Bullies

February 12, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Atlantic City, NJ – Two, third period goals by veteran forward Larry Courville (2g) proved to be the difference, as Reading came from behind to defeat Atlantic City, 4-2, at Boardwalk Hall.

The first period was truly a tale of two halves. The Royals who hadn't played since February 6 at Trenton, appeared sluggish through the game's early minutes, while the Boardwalk Bullies who played the Titans just last night, started the stanza strong before tailing off. Overall, it was an exciting first period, with Reading out-shooting Atlantic City, 15-13.

Late in the period, the Royals (25-14-3) notched a power play goal off the stick of defenseman Adam Borzecki (1g). Defenseman Tom Galvin (2a) and forward Jon Francisco (1a) recorded the assists on Borzecki's third of the season. Forward Eric Fortier screened Boardwalk Bullies goaltender Trevor Koenig (34 saves) on the point shot, which beat Koenig high to the blocker side to make the score 1-0.

Just past the halfway point of the contest, with Atlantic City (25-16-6) on a five-on-three man advantage, the home team tied the match on a goal by Jason Notermann (1g). Notermann's 12th power play goal of the year came with forward Cail MacLean (1g) and Borzecki in the penalty box. Borzecki received a major infraction for checking from behind and a game misconduct at 10:02 of the second period. Notermann's marker came at 10:29, with newly acquired Tom Reimann (1a) and winger Colin Shields (1g, 1a) picking up the helpers.

Then at 13:28 of the period, with the Boardwalk Bullies on another power play situation, they took a 2-1 lead on a redirection by Shields. Forward Fraser Clair (1a) took the original shot and forward Paul Caponigri drew the other assist on Atlantic City's second goal in 3:26. At the second intermission, the shots were 26-25 in favor of the Boardwalk Bullies.

Forty-one seconds into the final period of regulation play, Reading tied the contest at 2-2. Courville scored on the man advantage, as defensemen Beau Geisler (1a) and Galvin recorded the assists. Minutes later, Courville was at it again, as he slapped a shot from the circles past Koenig at 7:22. Former Atlantic City forward Preston Mizzi (2a) had a great individual effort to setup the game-winner, as he moved the puck into the opposition's zone and was able to center the puck to Courville. Defenseman Frederic Belanger (1a), playing in his first professional game, also tallied an assist on Courville's second power play marker of the game. MacLean then sealed the game with an empty-net goal with six seconds left. Mizzi got the only assist on MacLean's ninth of the season.

The two teams combined for five goals via the man advantage, as the Royals nine power play opportunities tied a season-high. With the victory, Barry Brust (29 saves) improved to 14-9-2 while Reading moved to 2-3-0 against the Boardwalk Bullies this year.

Reading battles the Toledo Storm tomorrow afternoon in the Sovereign Center at 5:05 p.m. Reading is trying to break a two-game slide against the Storm. It's Comcast Family Four Pack Night...Get four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $44 bucks. Reading meets Trenton on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m., which is the rescheduled game from January 22 that was postponed due to weather conditions. The Royals will be wearing special Canadian sweaters during the contest and in addition the first 2,500 fans receive an action shot of Royals All-Star #16 Ryan Kinasewich.

Don't forget, Royals' fans, be sure to stop by the Classic Café – off Route 183 in Bern Township, just two miles north of the Reading Airport – on Monday, February 14, for Royals Weekly from 6-7 pm. Royals All-Stars #13 Jon Francisco and #16 Ryan Kinasewich will be our special guests. Meet coach Derek Clancey as well, plus win prizes courtesy of Bowl-O-Rama, the Classic Café, Fox East Theatres and the Reading Royals. Royals Weekly can be found on ESPN radio, 1240AM and via the worldwide web at www.royalshockey.com.

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