ECHL Reading Royals

Royals Destroy Nailers, 5-1, on Wheeling's Marvel Night

November 21, 2018 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Wheeling, WV - The Reading Royals exploded for three goals in the first period to spike the Wheeling Nailers, 5-1, Wednesday at Wesbanco Arena. Steven Swavely (1g, 2a) tied a career high with three points and scored for the fourth straight game. It is the first time in his career he's potted in four straight. Angus Redmond blocked 36 shots for his first Royals victory.

The Reading offense came out on fire, scoring twice in the first 4:03 to provide Reading a 2-0 advantage. Steve Johnson and Frank DiChiara each netted markers and DiChiara registered two points in the first 4:03.

Swavely scored the third goal of the first, re-extending Reading to a two-goal edge, 3-1, after 20 minutes. In the second period, Michael Huntebrinker and Josh MacDonald scored and Swavely earned assists on both goals.

A third-year professional and Reading native, Swavely has nine points (6g, 3a) in the last four games, the most-productive four-game stretch of his career.

The Royals' power play went 2-for-4 and scored on consecutive chances. John Muse took the loss with 22 saves and the Wheeling man up suffered an 0-for-3 performance.

Johnson and DiChiara scored on each of their first few shifts. First, DiChiara picked up his first point, tagging a pass cross-ice to Johnson at 1:29 of the first. The rookie from the University of Minnesota quickly aimed it far post over Muse's left shoulder from the left circle to provide Reading a 1-0 edge. Both of Johnson's goals have come vs. Wheeling.

DiChiara was the beneficiary next, deflecting a left-point shot from Dan Milan at 4:03 of the frame. Chris McCarthy earned the secondary helper.

Five minutes later, Kevin Spinozzi cut into Reading's lead with a left-circle that narrowly beat Redmond. Reigning Player of the Week Troy Josephs earned the only assist.

Swavely ended an 0-for-23 power-play drought with a man-up strike at 5-on-4. Huntebrinker stole the puck at the left circle and turned around to shoot it through traffic. Swavely stood about ten feet from cage and deflected it by Muse's right leg as he attempted a kick save.

Reading once again tallied in the opening two minutes of a period, scoring at 1:22 of the second courtesy of Huntebrinker's deflection. Scott Dornbrock rifled a shot from the deep slot and Swavely provided the secondary assist.

With 7:44 left in period two, Josh MacDonald banged a slot slap shot through Muse's armpit. Adam Schmidt and Swavely helped intercept a Nailers defensive zone pass and create the set up down low. The Royals were ahead, 5-1, after the second.

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