Royals Dominate Admirals to Complete Series Sweep in Norfolk, 5-1

Norfolk, VA - The Reading Royals (24-11-1-0), proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, defeated the Norfolk Admirals (6-29-1-2), 5-1, on Saturday, January 21st at Norfolk Scope Arena. Evan Barratt, Alec Butcher and Jacob Gaucher each led the Royals to their 11th road win of the season (11-6-1) with multi-point games (1 G, 1 A). Nolan Maier backtopped his tenth win of the season with 17 saves on 18 shots faced (10-4-1) while Tomas Vomacka suffered the loss in net for Norfolk with 38 saves on 43 shots faced (2-13-0-1). 

BOX SCORE 

Similar to the series opener, Reading took a one-goal lead into the first intermission courtesy of a game-opening goal scored by Butcher. Adrien Beraldo earned the lone assist on Butcher’s ninth goal of the season as the forward scored his fifth goal in his last five games.

Norfolk scored 2:47 into the second period to tie the game heading into the third period, 1-1. Stepan Timofeyev trailed Griffin Lunn into Reading’s zone and received a no-look pass from the forward to snap a shot on goal from the slot. Tomofeyev beat Maier blocker side to net his third goal of the season and score the lone goal of the game for the Admirals.

Reading and Norfolk were tied after two periods for the second time this season, and much like the previous occasion on January 4th, the Royals dominated the third period to surge into a commanding lead. Devon Paliani scored the game-winning goal 10:55 into the period with a wrist shot that deflected off of Vomacka’s glove and into the back of the net. Barratt followed up 11 seconds later with an insurance goal created off of a centering pass from Mason Millman that ricocheted to Barratt off of Vomack’s stick.

Jacob Gaucher scored and earned the primary helper on Reading’s final two goals in the game. The 21 year old forward scored his 11th goal of the season on a rush which was generated off of a turnover forced by Butcher at Norfolk’s blue line. Gaucher contributed to Garrett McFadden’s third goal of the season in the final minute of regulations for his seventh mutli-point game of his rookie season. McFadden blasted a one-timer off of Gaucher’s cross ice feed that squeaked under Vomacka’s pad and across the goal line for the final goal of the game. Barratt earned the secondary assist on the power play goal for his first multi-point game in his 11th game as a Royal.

The Royals scored four goals on 11 shots in the final period of play to total 43 shots in the game, the most in a single game for the Royals this season. Reading’s defense held Norfolk to 18 shots in the game while the penalty kill until killed off all five penalties charged to the Royals in the game.

The Royals improved to 5-1 in the season series against Norfolk (34-8-4 all-time) and are 5-1 in games when tied after two periods. The Royals hoist an 19-5-1 divisional record and the best win percentage among North Division teams against divisional opponents (.760%).

The Royals travel to Trois-Rivières on Wednesday, January 25th to take on the Lions at the Colisée Vidéotron and then stop in Worcester to battle the Railers at the DCU Center on Friday, January 27th. The Royals return home on Saturday, January 28th to host the Railers at Santander Arena. The 7:00 p.m. home game features the Flyers Affiliation / Women in Sports Night promotional game presented by Enersys. Order tickets and see the full ~ promotional schedule ~ now!-Upcoming Games:

• Flyers Affiliation Night / Women in Sports Night - Jan. 28 vs. Worcester
  • Game presented by Enersys
  • Women in sports night with pre-game Q&A featuring professionals from the Phillies, 76ers, FOX 29, and more!
  • Appearance from Gritty
  • Specialty jersey available for auction
  • Girl Scout Night tickets!
  • Pre-game photo on ice with Slapshot from 6:00-6:15 below section 109
  • $2 off craft draft beers 6-7:00 PM

• Pink In The Rink Night - Feb. 4 vs. Adirondack
  • Breast cancer survivor charity shoot + on ice recognition
  • Health Professionals Night - 1 complimentary ticket and discounted rates for all Reading area healthcare workers! Presented by St. Luke's.
  • Earmuff giveaway!
  • Slapshot Saturdays: $2 off craft draft beers 6-7:00 PM
  • Slapshot Saturdays: pre-game photo on ice with Slapshot from 6:00-6:15 below section 109

• Education Day - Feb. 7 vs. Worcester
  • Special 10:30 a.m. morning game presented by Customers Bank
  • Educational learning packet provided
  • In-game entertainment tailored to students
  • Career Fair
  • Bus parking provided
  • Contact info@royalshockey.com to sign your classroom up today

Four-Game Plan

Join the Reading Royals for FOUR of our biggest games of the year at home! Four-game plan ticket package includes tickets to the following specialty games:

Affiliation Night - January 28th @7:00 p.m.

Pink in the Rink - February 4th @7:00 p.m.

St. Hattrick's Day - March 18th @7:00 p.m.

Fandemonium - April 15th @7:00 p.m.

In addition to a ticket to each game, you will get a burger and soda per ticket, as well as a Royals hat. Contact the Royals front office for pricing details. Quantities are limited so reserve your seat now!2022-23 Season Memberships

Reading Royals season tickets, flex memberships and group tickets are available for the 2022-23 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 in their 21st season in the ECHL. They won their first Kelly Cup championship in 2013 and have clinched playoff berths in 11 of the previous 12 seasons. They are five-time division champions and were the 2021-22 Eastern Conference champion. The Berks County Convention Center Authority (BCCCA), founded in 1996, owns the Royals and oversees operations at Santander Arena.