ECHL Reading Royals

Royals Sign Proven Tough Guy

Published on August 14, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA – The Reading Royals have announced their first player signing for the 2003-04 season. The Los Angeles Kings affiliate have signed rugged forward Dave Stewart. Stewart has spent the last four seasons in Jackson (ECHL) under the direction of coach Clancey. The veteran forward has posted over 280 penalty minutes in each of his first four seasons, including a career high last season (353).

Royals coach Clancey says he knows exactly what he is getting with Stewart, "Dave Stewart is definitely a player every coach loves to have. He is the ultimate team player. He does whatever it takes to win!" Clancey said Stewart has held the assistant captain status each of the past two seasons.

"Dave is the type of player that I know will prepare himself to play each and every game," Clancey commented.

"Dave is a physical player who will provide character and backbone to our club. He has been a fan favorite for several years in Jackson, and is very familiar with coach Clancey and his expectations," said general manager Ray Delia. "We will be competing in a very tough division this season. Having a character player like Dave and his willingness to play a physical role will be vital."

The Nova Scotia native has led the Bandits in penalty minutes each of the last four seasons. Although he said that is not by design he will assume that role again if that is what the team needs.

"I got to Jackson four years ago and we didn't really have anyone stepping up and filling the physical role," Stewart said. "I knew that's what the team needed and I wanted to keep my job."

Prior to turning pro, Stewart spent three seasons at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. In 72 games for the X-men he posted eight goals, 26 points and 44 penalty minutes. At the end the 1998-99 season, Stewart appeared in six professional games with the Thunder Bay Thunder Cats of the United Hockey League.

The 5'11" 195-pound forward says playing in Reading will be like a breath of fresh air, "I spent four great years in Jackson, but I am excited to move on and play in front of the big crowds in Reading.

The Royals face off their third season in Reading on Friday, October 17 in Trenton against the Titans. The Royals home opener is slated for Saturday, October 18 versus the expansion Texas Wildcatters. Season and group tickets are on sale now by calling the Reading Royals Hockey Headquarters at 35 North 6th Street in downtown Reading 610-898-7825 (PUCK) or toll free 866-789-7627 (ROAR).

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