ECHL Reading Royals

Royals MVP Signs AHL Contract

November 30, 2004 - 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 that goaltender Cody Rudkowsky has agreed to terms on a one-way American Hockey League contract with the Providence Bruins.

Rudkowsky, 26, agreed to terms last night with the Boston Bruins affiliate. The Willingdon, Alberta native posted a goaltender season-high 24 wins last season. He appeared in a career high 46 games with the Royals and 14 games in the Kelly Cup Playoffs in 2003-04. Rudkowsky led the Royals to the Eastern Conference Finals and was just one win away from an appearance in the Kelly Cup Finals. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound netminder is responsible for the Royals first-ever postseason appearance and victory (April, 5, 2004 at Johnstown).

Royals general manager Ray Delia said this promotion is great for the Reading organization and Cody Rudkowsky, "While other teams talk about possibly getting their athletes to the AHL, we continue to provide our players the venue and opportunity to realize their goal of playing at a higher level in Reading. The Royals saw nearly 70% of their 2003-04 roster get AHL opportunities, and over 33% of our roster has earned an AHL call-up in the first forty days of the 2004-05 season. On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Cody for his tremendous ability and professionalism over the years and wish him all the best in Providence."

This season Rudkowsky started the season 0-4-0, but rebounded to post four straight wins, two in shutout fashion. He ranks third in the ECHL with a 1.29 goals against average and fourth in save percentage at .949. Rudkowsky's two shutout wins is tied for second most in the ECHL this season.

"I am extremely happy that Cody has earned this promotion. We sell our program on opportunity and he is just another example of what Reading has to offer. It is difficult to lose a first class individual from your organization as well as your MVP, but this is great for Cody and I wish him every success in his journey to reach the NHL," said Royals coach Derek Clancey.

The Reading Royals are entering their fourth season in Reading, Pennsylvania after relocating from Columbus, Ohio. The Royals enjoyed their first 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.

Reading returns to the ice this weekend with a pair of games against the Trenton Titans. Friday, Reading hosts Trenton at 7:05 p.m. in the Sovereign Center. Fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears to the game for the Annual Teddy Bear Toss after the Royals first goal! Plus, the first 3,000 fans through the gate receive a t-shirt courtesy of Chevrolet – An American Revolution. The Titans and Royals meet in Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, New Jersey on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Follow all the Royals action on the Casa Grande Royals Radio Network beginning at 6:35 with the Classic Café pregame show!

For ticket information including; prorated season, half-season, quarter-season, voucher packs and group ticket packages visit the Royals website at www.royalshockey.com or call the Royals hockey headquarters at 610-898-PUCK (7825). Royals hockey...BLEED PURPLE!

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ECHL Stories from November 30, 2004


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