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ECHL Reading Royals

Royals Sign Courville and Make Several Roster Changes

November 4, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA – The Reading Royals, affiliates of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and AHL's Manchester Monarchs, have announced the signing of left wing Larry Courville. In addition, Manchester has recalled right wing George Parros and loaned right wing Dan Welch to Reading.

For Courville, 29, this is his second stint with Reading. The Timmins, Ontario native appeared in eight games with Reading to close their inaugural season in 2001-02. He notched a goal and two assists, plus ten penalty minutes with Reading. The majority of the 2001-02 season, Courville was skating with the Royals other AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. After sitting out the 2002-03 season and half of 2003-04, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound forward returned to the ice to suit up for the Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL). In 38 games, Courville tallied 12 goals and 32 points with 67 minutes in penalties. The veteran forward brings to Reading nearly 500 games of professional experience, including 33 games in the National Hockey League, all with the Vancouver Canucks. Courville was drafted in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft by the former Winnipeg Jets in the fifth round, 113th overall. He was redrafted in 1995 by the Vancouver Canucks in the 3rd round, 61st overall. Courville will wear sweater #22 for Reading.

"Larry should bring a lot of experience and leadership to a very young team," said coach Derek Clancey. "We are very young up front but this is a first step in searching for the right mix of youth and experience with our club."

The Royals have lost forward George Parros, as he has been recalled by the Manchester Monarchs. Parros appeared in the first three regular season games with Reading but was held scoreless, while tallying 9 minutes in penalties. The Monarchs have loaned forward Dan Welch to Reading. Welch, 23, has spent parts of the last two seasons with Manchester. Last season, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward scored six goals and six assists, while racking up 18 penalty minutes in 31 games. In 2002-03, he spent half the season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers before turning pro and signing with Manchester. In 42 games, he collected three goals for nine points and 22 PIMs. In addition, Welch has appeared in four playoff games in Manchester, but has been held scoreless. Welch will wear sweater #21 for the Royals.

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 home after a five-game road trip on Friday, November 12 against the Wheeling Nailers. Papa John's is handing out Royals magnetic schedules to the first 5,000 fans through the gates. Saturday, Reading hosts Dayton and Blue Ball National Bank is handing out Royals mini-CD calendar wallpaper to the first 1,500 fans. Plus, immediately following the game, a post-game party at the Outside In Restaurant and Bar on 6th and Penn Streets in downtown Reading. Both games face off at 7:05 p.m. at the Sovereign Center.

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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