Reading, PA – The Reading Royals of the ECHL, affiliate of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League, today announced that forward Ned Lukacevic has been suspended by the team. The Royals also: (i) released emergency back-up goaltender Matt Tendler; and (ii) signed emergency back-up goaltender Josh Watson.
Lukacevic, an eighth year pro who was born in Podgorica, Montenegro, was claimed by the Royals from ECHL waivers on October 28. He played nine games with Reading and scored two goals. In 136 career games with the Royals, Lukacevic recorded sixty-nine points (30g-39a), which ties him with Shawn Collymore for twenty-fifth on the all-time Royals’ scoring list. It is the understanding of the team that Lukacevic intends to pursue an opportunity to play hockey in Europe. Tendler was signed by the team on Saturday and served as the team’s emergency back-up goaltender in Reading’s 7-2 loss to the Fort Wayne Komets that night. This is the second stint for Watson, a first year pro from Lititz, Pennsylvania, with the Royals. He served as the team’s EBG in last Friday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Wheeling Nailers.
The Royals return to action on Friday (December 13, 2013 @ 7:05 pm) when the Florida Everblades make their only appearance of the year at Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania. The first 2000 fans that night 15 years of age and older will get a Royals’ ice-scraper courtesy of CJs Tire and Automotive Service. As with all Friday night home games, the Royals will offer the Mama Lucia Royal Feast Friday, when $25.00 gets you a ticket to the game and an all-u-can-eat buffet of meatball sandwiches, hot dogs, macaroni salad, potato salad, chips, pretzels, cookies, and your choice of lemonade or ice tea—all of which is served in “The Corner” below Section 109 inside the Sovereign Center. Season ticket holders also have the opportunity to purchase this deal for $14 through the front office or box office. Please note that fans must purchase their Mama Lucia Royal Feast Friday ticket by 12:00 noon on the Thursday before the game. Friday’s game night broadcast on CBS Sports Radio 1240 am and 98.5 will kick off with the Highmark Blue Shield Warm-Up Show at 6:35 pm.
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