Gooch scores two as Royals win series opener over Maine

The Reading Royals, proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, defeated the Maine Mariners, 4-1, Friday, Apr. 8 at Santander Arena. Royals goaltender Darion Hanson saved 22 of 23 shots in his professional debut while Mariners goalie Jeremy Brodeur saved all 12 shots he faced after coming in relief for Stefanos Lekkas who allowed three goals on ten shots.

BOX SCORE

Reading jumped out to a commanding three-goal lead in the first period. Trevor Gooch earned his ninth multi-goal game of the season minutes into the period for his team leading 31st and 32nd goals of the season. Brayden Low extended Reading’s lead on a developing 3-on-2 break into Maine’s zone. Low received a cross ice pass from Grant Cooper and snapped a shot across Lekkas’ body for his 17th goal of the season.

The opening period included a split save by Hanson on a breakaway dangle by Brendan Robbins that trickled towards the goal line after tipping off of Hanson’s right pad. The puck was kicked into the net after a scrum ensued in Hanson’s crease that sent Reading’s net off of its moorings. After a brief review, the officials’ call stood as a no goal and sent the game into the second period with Reading in the lead, 3-0.

Maine answered back with the lone goal in the second period. Pascal Laberge tapped in a rebound off of a shot from Andrew Peski. Hanson made the initial save but gave a rebound to Laberge who scored with strong positioning in front of Reading’s crease to cut Reading’s lead down, 3-1.  

The Royals held Maine to nine shots in the third period and sealed the game on an empty net goal by Frank DiChiara for his 15th goal of the season. The home victory earned Reading’s first win against Maine (1-2) this season as well as improved their point streak to six games (5-0-1).

The Royals host the Mariners Saturday, Apr. 9, at 7:00 p.m. at Santander Arena. 

UPCOMING GAMES

WALL OF HONOR NIGHT - 4/9/22

• Wall of Honor Ceremony presented by V&M Towing

• Team photo giveaway

NICKELODEON/PUCKS AND PAWS NIGHT - 4/10/22

• $1 Popcorn/$1 Nachos/$1 Hot Dogs

• Specialty jersey

• Pucks and Paws Wiener Dog Race

• Bring your dog to the rink!

• Salute to Essential Workers Sundays presented by Visions Federal Credit Union (Financial Services/Banking/etc.)

• Post-Game Skate presented by T-Mobile

FANDEMONIUM - 4/16/22

• Free souvenir cup refills for season ticket holders

• Prizes at every break

• Royals 20 for 20 presented by Visions Federal Credit Union, ServPro, ET Electric, and Comcast Business

• Post-Game Skate presented by T-Mobile

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.

About the Royals

The Reading Royals, proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, are entering their 20th season in the ECHL. They won their first Kelly Cup championship in 2013 and have clinched playoff berths in 10 of the previous 11 seasons. They are four-time division champions. The Berks County Convention Center Authority (BCCCA), founded in 1996, owns the Royals and oversees operations at Santander Arena.