Royals hold on for 4-3 shootout victory over Toledo

Reading, PA – The Reading Royals (23-18-2-0) defeated the Toledo Walleye (25-12-3-1), 4-3, in a shootout Wednesday at Santander Arena. John Muse improved to 9-1-0 in the last 10 games since his return to the Royals roster, stopping 32 shots in the victory. Michael Huntebrinker had the only goal in the shootout.

The Royals jumped to a 3-0 lead and maintained a two-goal advantage heading into the third period. In the final minute of regulation time the Walleye scored twice, forcing the contest into overtime. Reading swept the season series, 2-0, against Toledo.

Box Score

Rookie James de Haas has 13 points (3g, 10a) in 16 games and had two points (1g, 1a) in Wednesday’s matchup. The defenseman ripped a slap shot from the left-side blue line and beat netminder Pat Nagle, posting the first goal in the game at 18:23 of the opening frame. Michael Huntebrinker and Matt Wilkins (1g, 1a) were awarded the helpers as Wilkins continued a four-game point streak.

The Royals maintained the momentum moving into the middle frame as Nick Luukko tricked Nagle glove side through traffic with the help of a screen by Huntebrinker at 6:48. de Hass recorded his second point of the contest recording an assist along with Matt Willows who put up his twenty-fourth helper of the season.

Wilkins added to the lead on a power-play goal 11:19 into the second period. He deflected a puck that was sent in the crease by Willows from behind the net. Adam Schmidt contributed for his first point since his return from injury.

Davis Vandane put the Walleye on the board 1:54 later with a glove-side snipe past Muse. Austen Brassard and Ryan Obuchowski each got a point on the goal.

Toledo put up two quick goals within the final 58 seconds of regulation time. Brassard scored first with the extra attacker and assists came from Connor Crisp and Simon Denis. Forty-eight seconds later, Mike Borkowski found the rebound from Brassard’s shot to tie the game, 3-3, with 10.2 seconds left.

An extra session wasn’t enough to decide a winner and a shootout was in order. Huntebrinker was up first and beat Nagle on the left post. Muse stopped all three Toledo shooters to pick up two points in the 4-3 shootout win.

The Royals were outshot, 35-33, but went 1-for-2 on the power play and remained perfect on both of Toledo’s man advantages.

The Royals are on the road to begin a six-game road trip Fri., Jan. 26 against Wheeling at 7:05 p.m. Royals Pregame with starts on Rumba 1340 (iHeartRadio app), RumbaReading.com and BCTV at 6:50 p.m.

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.