ECHL Reading Royals

Royals Rebound, Beat Nailers, 3-2 in the Shootout

January 9, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA – Tonight was a perfect example of why Reading forwards Ryan Kinasewich (2g) and Jeff Miles (2a) are the team's All-Stars. Kinasewich scored twice in the third period, before tallying the game-winning goal in the shootout, as the Royals bested division rival Wheeling, 3-2.

Both teams went scoreless through the first 40 minutes of play. Reading outshot Wheeling 18-15 through the first two periods, while both teams best chances came via the power play. The Royals killed off all five Nailers' man advantages during that stretch, thanks largely to goaltender Matthew Yeats (25 saves). The Alberta native made several crucial stops, including a spectacular left pad save on Wheeling forward Steve Crampton (1a) four minutes into the second period, while the Nailers were applying pressure on the power play.

The visitors opened the contest's scoring early in the final period of regulation play. Moments after a Reading man advantage expired, Wheeling's Chris Mackenzie (1g) beat Yeats five-hole at 2:57 of the frame. Winger Ed McGrane (1g, 1a) and defenseman Drew Fata (1a) drew the assists.

The Royals tied the game on the power play at 13:58 of the stanza, on Kinasewich's first of the night. Miles and forward Judd Medak (1a) setup the equalizer. Minutes later, Reading took the lead, once again on the man advantage. Miles patience in the offensive zone allowed him to fire a wrist shot that Nailers' goaltender Andy Chiodo kicked out into the slot, where Kinasewich was waiting. The rookie forward made no mistake with the rebound, burying his second goal of the evening, and 14th of the season. Defenseman Beau Geisler (1a) picked up the other assist.

However, Wheeling would not go quietly. With two Royals in the penalty box and the clock counting down, the Nailers tied the game with 1:11 remaining in regulation. Crampton and defenseman Ray DiLauro (1a) were credited with the helpers, as Reading let a lead slip away late in the third period for the second straight night.

Neither team was able to score in overtime, with the home team registering the only two shots. Center Eric Fortier scored Reading's only other goal in the shootout, while Yeats stopped four of the five shooters he faced. With the victory, the Royals moved to 6-4-1 at home and 6-1-1 when being outshot by the opposition.

Reading's next game is on Sunday, January 9th, as it travels to Johnstown to battle the Chiefs. Faceoff is at 3:00 pm 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 10th, for Royals Weekly from 6-7 pm. Royals' center Graig Mischler and defenseman Frederic Belanger will be our guests. As always, Reading head coach Derek Clancey will be there answering questions from the fans.

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




ECHL Stories from January 9, 2005


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