Royals Prepare to Launch 2014 Playoff Run with 'Operation Repeat'

Reading, PA – The Reading Royals of the ECHL, affiliate of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League, today announced that the official launch of Operation Repeat, the team’s bid to become the first team in ECHL history to win back-to-back Kelly Cup Championships. Fans are encouraged to participate in the Royals’ post-season social media campaign at #OpRepeat.

Last Friday, the Royals became the first team in the Eastern Conference to secure a playoff berth. This marks the fifth consecutive season—and eighth time in the thirteen year history of the team—that the Royals have qualified for the ECHL post-season. Last year, Reading became the eleventh different organization to capture the Kelly Cup since the trophy’s inception in 1997. No team has ever won the Cup in back-to-back seasons.

With six regular season games to go, it is yet to be determined where Reading will be seeded in the Eastern Conference Playoff Bracket or against whom the team will play in the first round of post-season action. Nonetheless, fans can obtain their playoff tickets starting at 10:00 am today through the Royals’ office (610-898-7825) and the Santander Arena Box Office.

At a minimum, the Royals are battling for one of the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference playoff bracket, which would guarantee home-ice advantage in the first-round best-of-seven Conference Quarterfinals. If the Royals do earn home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, the first two games of that series will be at Santander Arena in Reading on Thursday, April 17 (7:05 pm), and Saturday, April 19 (7:05 pm).

The Royals return to action tonight (Wednesday, April 2 @ 7:05 pm) when the Orlando Solar Bears make their only regular season appearance at Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania. That night, the first 3000 fans will receive a Team Picture courtesy of the Reading Eagle. Fans can get these Team Photos signed a post-game autograph session. The Royals also offer the Steak-Umm Burger Meal and Ticket on Wednesday nights where fans can get a Purple Zone ticket, a Steak-umm Burger, fries and a large soda for just $20.00. There will also be select draft beer for just $2.50. The game night broadcast on Wednesday will kick off at 6:35 pm on CBS Sports Radio 1240 am and 98.5 fm with the Pre-Game Warm-Up Show presented by Highmark Blue Shield.

End 14 04-02