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ECHL Reading Royals

Royals Roster Changes as Trade Deadline Approaches

March 11, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


READING, PA – The Reading Royals, ECHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, have announced that goaltender Cody Rudkowsky has been assigned from the American Hockey League's Worcester Ice Cats. In addition, forward Leon Hayward returns from the Royals AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, and goaltender Tom Lawson has been loaned to Reading from the Hershey Bears (AHL). In turn, the Providence Bruins have recalled goaltender Peter Hamerlik, defenseman Tomas Slovak has been recalled by the Hershey Bears and forward Peter Hay has been loaned to the Hartford Wolfpack of the AHL.

Rudkowsky, 26, has appeared in 36 games with Reading posting an 18-15-3 record a 2.38 goals against average and .927 save percentage. The Calgary, Alberta native has earned ECHL honors for the ITECH Saver of the Week (Nov. 3-9). Twelve of his 18 wins have come at home in the Sovereign Center. Rudkowsky is one of three Royals to be under contract with an NHL club (St. Louis Blues).

Hayward, 25, joins Reading after returning to Manchester for just four days. With AHL playoff rosters being set, Hayward is expected to remain with Reading for the duration of the season. The Seattle, Washington native has appeared in 30 games with the Monarchs posting one goal and four points along with 13 minutes in penalties. Hayward has suited up for 22 games with the Royals posting seven goals and 10 points with 18 penalty minutes this season.

Lawson, 26, has appeared in 32 games with the Hershey Bears this season. The 6-foot-5, 190-pound goaltender is 13-12-2 this season with a 2.30 goals against average and .932 save percentage. Lawson is in his fourth pro season, but first with the Bears. He has also played professionally for the Fort Wayne Comets (UHL), Anchorage Aces (WCHL), Knoxville Speed (UHL) and Cincinnati Mighty Ducks (AHL).

Goaltender Peter Hamerlik, 22, has appeared in 16 games with the Royals this season. He earned ECHL honors as the ITECH Saver of the Week (Feb. 9-15) and Sun National Bank Saver of the Month for February. He posted an 8-3-3 mark with a 2.05 goals against average and .933 save percentage. Hamerlik began the season with the ECHL's Augusta Lynx. He was 1-5-1 with a 3.82 goals against average and .891 save percentage.

Defenseman Tomas Slovak, 21, returns to Hershey after being loaned to the Royals for the second time last week. He appeared in three games in his second sting with Reading, posting three assists. Overall, Slovak has seen 14 games of ECHL action and registered two goals and 9 points along with 30 penalty minutes. The Colorado Avalanche contracted D-man has played in 41 games with the Bears and has three goals and 11 points with 16 minutes in penalties.

Rookie forward Peter Hay, 25, earns his second promotion to the American Hockey League. Hay has appeared in one game with the Worcester Ice Cats of the AHL and was held scoreless. In 55 games with Reading, the Abbottsford, British Columbia native has 20 goals and 34 points along with 38 penalty minutes. His six game-winning goals lead all Royals and is tied for first amongst ECHL rookies.

The Keystone Cup series heats up this Friday in the Sovereign Center as the Royals battle the Johnstown Chiefs for the ninth time this season. It's Church Night and the game is presented by Redner's Warehouse Markets. If you purchase a ticket to the game, you are eligible to enjoy the post-game concert with Christian group Sanctus Real. Saturday, the Royals host the defending Kelly Cup Champion, Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. The first 2,000 fans receive Reading Eagle team posters. Be sure to bring a flashlight to the game for the pre-game luminaria ceremony to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. After the game, meet the Royals at t he Outside In Restaurant, just a block up from the Sovereign Center, for a post-game party with the team.

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ECHL Stories from March 11, 2004


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