ECHL Reading Royals

Royals Get Back on Track, Down Bombers, 4-2

January 30, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Dayton, OH – Forwards Jon Francisco (1g, 2a), Eric Fortier (2g), and Mike Sandbeck (1g, 2a) had multiple point efforts as Reading won for the first time in five games on the road, beating Dayton, 4-2.

The Royals last won a road game back on January 4, the final match of their season-high, eight-game road trip. After a scoreless first period, in which Reading out-shot the Bombers, 7-6, the Royals opened the game's scoring moments into the second stanza.

Fortier's ninth of the year came just 10 seconds into the frame, marking the fastest goal scored away from home to start a period for the Royals. Sandbeck and defenseman Reagan Rome (1a) drew the helpers on Fortier's first of the afternoon.

Reading would score twice more in the period, with Francisco netting his 11th of the season at 9:25, with forwards Ryan Kinasewich (1a) and Paul Cabana (1a) assisting on the goal. The Royals then posted a 3-0 lead on a power play goal by Sandbeck with 4:39 left before intermission. It was Sandbeck's second in as many nights, and his third in a Reading uniform. Francisco gathered an assist, as did defenseman Beau Geisler (1a).

The home team answered late in the second period, as Janne Jokila (2g) recorded his first of two goals in the contest. It was his second tally on the man advantage this year. Winger Scott Cameron (1a) and defenseman Grady Moore (1a) drew the helpers on Jokila's 13th of the season. After two periods, Reading held a 20-17 shot advantage.

Jokila's second goal, just 32 seconds into the third made the contest tight. Winger Aaron Foster (1a) and defenseman Clay Plume (1a) setup the marker, which was the quickest road goal any opposing team has scored on the Royals to start a period all season. Fortier buried his second goal later in the period on the power play to essentially ice the match. Francisco and Sandbeck were credited with the assists on Fortier's third in the last two games.

Goaltender Matt Yeats (29 saves) earned his sixth win of the year for Reading to help the Royals improve to 13-8-2 away from the Sovereign Center.

Reading's next game is on Friday, February 4, as it returns to Dayton to once again battle the Bombers. Faceoff from the Nutter Center is at 7:00 p.m.; with the Classic Café pre-game show getting underway approximately 30 minutes before the puck drops. Listen live on the Royals' web site; www.royalshockey.com, or locally on ESPN Radio 1240.

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, January 31, for Royals Weekly from 6-7 p.m. and Royals Roundtable from 7-8 p.m. Meet Royals Defenseman #7 Reagan Rome and forward #20 Preston Mizzi. As always, Reading head coach Derek Clancey will be there answering questions from the fans. Plus, former Flyers tough guy Dave Brown will be our special guest. On Mondays, the Classic Café features $1.00, 16-ounce draft beers!

Win prizes just for showing up! Royals Weekly can be heard on ESPN Radio, 1240 AM, or worldwide via the Royals' website.

Check out the Reading Royals Statistics



ECHL Stories from January 30, 2005


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.

OurSports Central