Royals Point Streak Snapped in Saturday Loss to Lions, 3-1

Reading, PA - The Reading Royals (38-23-5-0), proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, fell to the Trois-Rivières Lions (26-37-3-0), 3-1, on Saturday, April 1 at Santander Arena. The Royals hold a four-point divisional lead over Maine for second place in the North Division. Matt Vernon (0-1-0) suffered the loss in his professional debut with 23 saves on 26 shots faced. William Lavallière (1-0-0) earned his first professional career win in net for Trois-Rivières with 27 saves on 28 shots faced. 

BOX SCORE 

Trois-Rivières broke out of the first period with a one-goal lead after scoring two of the game’s opening three goals in the first period. Cole Gallant blasted a one-timer from the left face-off circle past Vernon to score the game’s opening goal 6:56 into regulation. Gallant’s first professional career goal was Trois-Rivières’ lone power play goal of the game on five man-advantage opportunities.

Reading evened the score on Shane Sellar’s team-leading ninth power play goal of the season. Sellar settled a pass from Alec Butcher and snapped the puck past Lavallière  to net his 17th goal of the season 11:20 into the first period. 

Matthew Barron put the Lions back in front on a shot from the slot on a saucer pass from William Lemay. Barron’s eighth goal of the season proved to be the game-winning goal as Lemay earned his second point of the series (1g-1a). The Lions carried their one-goal lead up until the 11:16 mark of the middle frame when Cedric Montminy scored an insurance goal to extend Trois-Rivières’ lead to two, 3-1.

The Royals were held to a game low six shots in the third period and failed to convert on two power plays in the final frame of regulation. The Royals were held scoreless in consecutive periods for the first time since they fell to Trois-Rivières on Wednesday, March 8. In both games, Sellar recorded the lone goal of the contest for Reading.

The Royals outshot the Lions with 28 shots to Trois-Rivières’ 26 in the game. Reading fell to the Lions for the third time this season (6-3) and hold an all-time record against Trois-Rivières of 11-6-3-1.

The Royals conclude their four-game homestand on Sunday, April 2 against the Lions at 3:00 p.m. at Santander Arena. The home game features the Battle of the Badges promotional game. Order tickets and see the full ~ promotional schedule~ now!-Upcoming Games:

• Battle of the Badges - Apr. 2 vs. Trois-Rivières 
  • Trading cards giveaway (first 1000)
  • Post-game scrimage between Reading and Harrisburg First Responders
  • 1st responder discount here!
  • $1.00 popcorn, chips, and hot dogs at select locations. $1.00 kids ticket with purchase of an adult ticket (Box office only)
  • Pre-game concert from Heaven's Thunder at 1:45 PM

• Wild Wednesdays - Apr. 12 vs. Norfolk
  • $6.10 for Green Zone tickets
  • College students buy one ticket, get one free
  • $1 beers at select locations
  • Post-game party at Cheers American Bistro at the DoubleTree

• Wall of Honor Night - Apr. 14 vs. Newfoundland 
  • Wall of Honor ceremony featuring Olivier Labelle, presented by V&M Towing
  • Goalie mask giveaway (first 1500)
  • $2 off domestic drafts from 6-7:00 PM
  • 4 for $60 deal including 4 tickets, hot dogs, drinks, and thundersticks. Presented by Deibler Dental

2022-23 & 2023-24 Season Memberships

Reading Royals season tickets, flex memberships and group tickets are available for the 2022-23 & now 2023-24 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 12 of the previous 13 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.