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ECHL Reading Royals

Storm Down Royals, 2-1

February 5, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release


Reading, PA – Forward Shawn Collymore netted the game-winning goal, 5:36 into the third period, giving Toledo a 2-1 victory over Reading at the Sovereign Center.

The two division foes fought to a scoreless tie through 20 minutes. The opening period featured physical play by both teams, as the Royals out-shot the Storm, 13-3.

Reading's best chance through the first half of the match came on a second period breakaway by forward Paul Cabana. The third-year pro received a pass from captain Cail MacLean (1a) as he was sneaking behind the Toledo defense, just outside the offensive blue line. However, Storm goaltender Logan Koopmans (33 saves) stopped the snap shot with his right pad, keeping the score, 0-0.

With 8:04 left in the second period, the Royals broke the deadlock. All-Star forward Ryan Kinasewich (1g) notched his 15th goal of the season to give the home team 1-0 lead. Kinasewich gathered the loose puck in the slot after MacLean's chance caromed off a Toledo player and directly to the rookie winger. Kinasewich's wrist shot beat Koopmans low to the glove side, for his first marker since January 8 versus Wheeling, a span of 10 games.

The visitors answered, tying the game just 3:12 later, on an even-strength goal by forward Steve Slonina (1g). Storm forward Scooter Smith (1a) took the initial shot, which Royals' goaltender Matt Yeats (12 saves) kicked out into the slot and right onto the stick of the oncoming Slonina. The goal ended Yeats' shutout streak at 133:36.

Early in the third period, Toledo took its first lead of the contest off a turnover inside the Reading zone. Storm defenseman Paul Ballantyne (1a) barely kept the puck in the offensive zone after defenseman Tom Galvin failed to clear for the Royals. Defenseman Doug Andress (1a) received the feed from Ballantyne and found Collymore alone at the side of the net. Collymore deked Yeats and slipped the puck past the second-year pro to make the score 2-1.

Reading had a flurry of chances at the halfway point of the frame, but it couldn't beat Koopmans who made a terrific chest save off a MacLean wrist shot to finally get a whistle. The team registered five shots during that stretch, but none found its way into the Toledo net. Koopmans made 14 saves overall in the third period to thwart the Royals hopes of a comeback.

The final shots were 34-14 in favor of Reading. The Royals now sport a 2-2-1 record against the Storm this season and a 15-11-3 mark versus opponents with a .500 record or better.

Reading's next game is on Sunday, February 6 as it travels to Trenton for an afternoon battle with the Titans. Faceoff from Sovereign Bank Arena is at 1:00 p.m.; 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 31, for Royals Weekly from 6-7 p.m. and Royals Roundtable from 7-8 p.m. Meet Royals defensemen #17 Ian Turner and #28 Adam Borzecki. As always, Reading head coach Derek Clancey will be there answering questions from the fans. On Mondays, the Classic Café features $1.00, 16-ounce draft beers!

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

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