
Ustimenko Makes Career-High 42 Saves in 4-1 Loss to Adirondack
December 10, 2021 - ECHL (ECHL)
Reading Royals News Release
The Reading Royals, proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, fell to the Adirondack Thunder, 4-1, Friday, Dec. 10th at Cool Insuring Arena. Royals goaltender Kirill Ustimenko saved a career-high 42 of 45 shots, while Thunder goalie Brandon Kasel saved 26 of 27.
The Thunder got on the board first and did so two minutes into the game. Jordan Kaplan carried the puck into the Royals' zone and sniped a wrist shot top shelf past the waving glove of Ustimenko. Later, Jake Ryczek, whom the Royals traded in early October for Jacob Pritchard, skated toward the left circle, stopped on a dime to get past Garrett Cecere, and sniped a wrist shot over Ustimenko's left shoulder to give Adirondack a two-goal lead after the opening period.
Late into the second period, Adirondack added some cushion to their lead. Off a turnover forced by Nick Rivera in the Royals' zone, Patrick Grasso connected with the back of the net after receiving the puck in the slot from Tyler Irvine to make it 3-0 heading into the third period.
The Royals responded in the 3rd period courtesy of a beautiful tic-tac-toe connection finished off with Thomas Ebbing lighting the lamp. Brad Morrison and Mason Millman were credited with assists after Millman carried the puck into the zone, dished the puck to Morrison, who centered the puck for Ebbing to ultimately send a one-timer past Kasel. Ebbing's goal was his third of the season and the lone goal for Reading.
With Ustimenko pulled from his net to bring on an extra skater for Reading, the Thunder cashed in with an empty net goal late in the period from Masonius, his second point of the night, to make it 4-1.
The Royals come back home to host the Thunder for a Saturday night matchup on Dec. 11th at 7:00 p.m. for Affiliation Night at Santander Arena.
Highlights from the Royals' 4-1 loss at Adirondack
UPCOMING GAMES
Saturday, Dec. 11 vs. Adirondack - Affiliation Night! Celebrate the Royals' affiliation with the Flyers. Gritty will be at Santander Arena, a Kirill Ustimenko bobblehead will be given away presented by Savage Auto Group, the Royals will play on orange ice, fans will get chances to win gift cards during the game, and there will be a Teddy Bear Toss, postgame skate presented by T-Mobile, and postgame party presented by DoubleTree by Hilton Reading.
Buy tickets HERE: www.royalshockey.com/promotions
Reading Royals season, flex memberships and group tickets are available for the 2021-22 season by visiting the Royals' box office at Santander Arena or by calling 610-898-7825.
ECHL Stories from December 10, 2021
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- Master's Hat Trick Brings Losing Streak to a Halt - Maine Mariners
- Railers Comeback Falls Short as Mariners Win 3-2 - Worcester Railers HC
- K-Wings Fall to Komets in Final Seconds - Kalamazoo Wings
- Parks Completes Shutout as Offense Comes to Life in Home Win - Atlanta Gladiators
- Everblades Torpedo Admirals - Florida Everblades
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- Lions Make It Seven in a Row - Trois-Rivieres Lions
- Trois-Rivières Top Growlers 3-2 - Newfoundland Growlers
- Defenseman Eric Williams Called up to Chicago Wolves - Norfolk Admirals
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- Valentini, Brooks Activated off IR - Rapid City Rush
- Thunder, Allen Round Two Tonight in Wichita - Wichita Thunder
- Pair of Stingrays Assigned to the AHL - South Carolina Stingrays
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- Glads Head into Fourth Meeting with Solar Bears - Atlanta Gladiators
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