Huntebrinker is Reading’s hero in 2-1 OT victory over Nailers

Wheeling, WV – Reading Royals forward Michael Huntebrinker blasted his team-leading 14th goal at :28 of overtime to secure a 2-1 victory over the Wheeling Nailers Saturday at Wesbanco Arena.

Matt Willows (1a) came across the Nailers line on the left wing. He slowed at the left circle and fed Huntebrinker for a slot slap shot. James de Haas garnered the secondary assist.

John Muse made 36 saves and the final 16 of the game. He is 10-1-0-0 since returning from Lehigh Valley. Wheeling’s Reid Gardiner tied the game in the last half of the second period. Adam Schmidt scored Reading’s first goal, his first since returning from a ten-game injury absence.

The Royals have 50 points, two behind Wheeling for second in the North Division.

Reading plays the second game of the six-game road trip Sunday at 2:00 p.m. against Brampton.

Box Score

Schmidt buried his 7th of the season and first since returning from injury 80 seconds into the opening frame to provide Reading a 1-0 advantage. The Royals created net-front traffic and Schmidt wristed it through traffic. It slipped through Morrison. Nolan Zajac and Brian Morgan assisted. Reading has scored the opening goal 29 times this season, most of any ECHL team.

Muse made 12 saves in the first. Wheeling failed to score on 1:32 of a 5-on-3 man advantage.

The Nailers had their first 20 shots denied before a goal from Gardiner evened the game with 6:57 left in the second. Muse made an initial stop and scrambled towards the right post but couldn’t beat Gardiner to the spot. The shot was originally ruled a “no goal”, but a review reversed the call and tied the game.

Huntebrinker’s OT strike gives Reading a 5-2-0-0 record in the extra session this season. Wheeling’s top-ranked power play was 0-for-2 against Reading. The Royals had one chance and failed to score.

At 2:00 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 28, the Royals and Beast meet in Brampton, with Royals Pregame at 1:45 p.m. on Rumba 1340 (via the iHeartRadio app), RumbaReading.com, and BCTV.

The Royals continue the road swing at Adirondack with a 7:00 p.m. puck drop on Tues., Jan. 30. Check out Royals Pregame on BCTV, Rumba 1340 (iHeartRadio) and RumbaReading.com at 6:45 p.m.

Hockey ‘N Heels and Princess Night on Fri., Feb 16 vs CIN at 7:00 p.m.First 1,500 women will receive a pink knit hat, thanks to Sweet Street Desserts.

Pink in the Rink, Pink Ice, special jerseys on Sat., Feb 17 vs BRM at 7:00 p.m.Pink knit scarf giveaway to the first 1,500 women, courtesy of Sweet Street Desserts. The Royals will wear special jerseys and play on pink ice.

Battle of the Badges, Faith and Family and Jerry “The King” Lawler on Sun., Feb 18 vs. WHL at 4:00 p.m.Before the Royals drop the puck with the Nailers, the Reading Police and Fire Departments match up against the Allentown Police and Fire at 12:30 p.m. in the Battle for the FirstStates Cup XIII at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available here to help raise money for the children of policemen and firefighters.

Meet WWE Hall-of-Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler on Pro Wrestling Night (Tower Health). Plus, it’s Faith and Family Night and dollar dog day, presented by Safe Berks, Berks Packing and Coca-Cola. First 1,000 kids (14 & under) will receive a Slapshot T-shirt thanks to Bethany Children’s Home. Also check out a postgame skate presented by Body Zone.

About the RoyalsThe Royals have been owned by serial entrepreneur Jack Gulati since 2014 and are in their 17th ECHL season. Proudly affiliated with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Reading plays in the Santander Arena, located in downtown Reading, PA at 700 Penn Street. The Royals won the Kelly Cup in 2013, have made the playoffs in eight straight seasons and are four-time division champions.

Reading Royals Mobile AppHead to the App Store and Google Play to download the new Reading Royals app on your smartphone! Stay up-to-date with team news, receive notifications and purchase tickets for your next experience at Santander Arena.

Broadcast CoverageAll Royals game can be heard on Rumba 1340 AM and the iHeartRadio app by searching “Rumba 1340”. The pregame show starts 15 minutes before puck drop. Watch Royals games on ECHL.tv. Reading away games are shown locally on BCTV, channel 15 Comcast, channel 19 Service Electric.