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ECHL Reading Royals

Rudkowsky Shines in Royals 3-1 win over Chiefs

February 22, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA – Goaltender Cody Rudkowsky stopped 29 shots in his first game with Reading since November 24, while forwards Cail MacLean (1g, 2a) and Eric Fortier (1g, 2a) each recorded three points, as the Royals got past Johnstown, 3-1, at the Sovereign Center.

With its victory, Reading (29-14-5) climbed into a tie with idle Wheeling (30-17-3) for first place in the North Division. Both teams have 63 points, but the Nailers have played two more games through ECHL play on February 22.

The Royals mustered just one shot through the first 13-plus minutes of the contest, before defenseman Mikko Viitanen (1g) recorded his third goal of the season with 6:23 remaining in the first period. Viitanen took a shot from along the left wing boards that beat Chiefs' goaltender David Cann (24 saves). MacLean and forward Fortier contributed the assists on Viitanen's second goal in the last four games. Prior to that, Viitanen managed only one goal in previous 65 regular season games with Reading.

Then at 18:34 of the stanza, Fortier, who was stationed behind Johnstown's net, centered the puck to MacLean who one-timed a shot past Cann for the 2-0 lead. However, with just 50 seconds left in the period, the Chiefs (19-19-11) answered. Forward Scott Dobben (1g) netted his first goal of the season, with forward Mike James (1a) and swingman Chris Leinweber (1a) drawing the assists.

Early in the second period, Johnstown killed off a five-on-three Royals' power play as Leinweber and James both sat for minor infractions at the 1:52 mark. The Chiefs seemed to carry the momentum after the successful shorthanded situation, out-shooting the home team 14-10 in the middle frame. After a scoreless second period, Johnstown carried a 26-18 shot advantage into the dressing room.

Both teams exchanged solid scoring chances before the halfway point of the third period. Forward Jon Francisco came streaking down the right wing boards, moments after a Royals' penalty expired. Fortier came out of the box and joined the rush, allowing Francisco to find him open in the slot. Fortier took the pass off his skate and fired a snap shot that missed the net. Johnstown's best opportunity of the period came minutes later, as Dmitri Tarabin shifted his way into open space and tried to deke Rudkowsky. He appeared to have the Alberta native beat on the play, but he sent his shot over the sprawled out net minder and off the glass.

Reading added to its lead, converting on the power play at 14:19. Fortier was the recipient of a MacLean feed and he beat Cann from the slot for his 15th goal of the season. The team's leading assist-man, forward Graig Mischler (1a), started the play along the left wing boards by faking a shot, before sending it to MacLean. The goal marked Fortier's ninth multiple point game of the season.

Rudkowsky, who was returned from the Providence Bruins of the AHL earlier in the day, made his ninth appearance of the season for Reading. With the win, he improved to 5-4-0 on the season.

Reading begins a three-game road swing on Friday, February 25, as it starts a two-game set in Peoria. Friday's match starts at 8:30 p.m. EST. The Classic Café pre-game show gets 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, February 28, for Royals Weekly from 6-7 pm. Royals captain, #12 Cail MacLean and defenseman #11 Tom Galvin will be our special guests. National Hockey League Hall of Fame member and Tampa Bay Lightning scout, Bill Barber, will also join us. Meet coach Derek Clancey as well, plus win prizes courtesy of Bowl-O-Rama, the Classic Café, Fox East Theatres and the Reading Royals. Royals Weekly can be heard on ESPN radio, 1240AM and via the worldwide web at www.royalshockey.com.

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