Dekanich perfect in 2-0 blanking at Admirals

Norfolk, VA – Mark Dekanich made 22 saves, Matt Willows broke a scoreless game in the third and the Reading Royals swept a set against the Norfolk Admirals with a 2-0 win Saturday at the Norfolk Scope Arena.

Dekanich made seven saves in the first and second frames. In the third, he denied eight, including a couple of last-minute opportunities as Norfolk looked to even the game at one. It’s Dekanich’s second shutout of the season and 17th in his North American professional career.

Matt Willows extended his point streak to a career-long nine games (4g, 10a) with a snipe from the slot over Ty Reichenbach’s glove with 9:35 to go, assisted by Nolan Zajac and Frank Hora. Willows received a pass from the left half wall. Matt Wilkins iced the game with an empty-net goal at 19:46 of the third.

The Royals are 4-1-0-0 through the first five games of a six-game road trip.

Reading completes a away slate Wed., Feb. 7 at 7:00 p.m. in Worcester. Reading is next at home Fri., Feb. 16 vs. Cincinnati at 7:00 p.m. for Hockey N’ Heels Night, featuring a pink knit hat giveaway from Sweet Streets Desserts and a special ladies-only pampering session and gift certificate giveaway from Bell Tower.

Box Score

In a scoreless first period, Reading had 11 shots and Mark Dekanich flushed aside seven attempts. Reading failed to score on its first four power-play opportunities through two periods. Through two periods, both teams still sought the opening tally (Reading 24 shots, Norfolk 14 shots).

Coverage for Reading’s next game at Worcester on Wed., Feb. 7 begins at 6:45 p.m. with Royals Pregame on BCTV, Rumba 1340 (iHeartRadio) and RumbaReading.com.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. Bell Tower will be at the game for a ladies-only pampering session and gift card giveaway.

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.

PAW Patrol, Battle of the Badges, Faith and Family and Jerry “The King” Lawler on Sun., Feb 18 vs. WHL at 4:00 p.m.It’s PAW Patrol night! The Royals will wear special PAW Patrol jerseys from the popular Nickelodeon show.

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.