McCarthy and Reading capsize Admirals, 7-1

Norfolk, VA – A career-high four-point game from Chris McCarthy (2g, 2a) and three goals in the second period from the Reading Royals drowned the Norfolk Admirals, 7-1, Friday at Norfolk Scope Arena. McCarthy scored a pair of goals in the second period in his first game back from Lehigh Valley (AHL). Derek Whitmore (2g) and Matt Willows (2g) also netted multi-point games.

The Royals struck for three goals in a 4:47 span, starting with McCarthy at 7:12 of the second. Reading led, 5-1, halfway through the middle frame. Whitmore and Willows added the third-period markers to ice the game. It was Whitmore’s first multi-goal game of the season.

The goal explosion forced Admirals netminder Ty Reichenbach from the game (25 saves, 5 goals allowed). Jamie Murray denied 15 shots in relief.

Willows gave the Royals a 2-0 edge in the last half of the first period, extending his point streak to a career-best eight games (5g, 13a). The reigning CCM ECHL Player of the Month tops Reading with 16 goals and 45 points.

Mark Dekanich (win, 27 saves) took his ninth win of the season.

Reading completes the weekend at the Norfolk Scope Arena Saturday at 7:00 p.m. The road trip’s final game is 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

The Royals struck with two goals five minutes apart to take a 2-0 edge into first intermission. Whitmore roofed his seventh of the season on a back-door pass to the left post from Michael Huntebrinker at 9:32 of the first. The Reading Captain Whitmore cut to the left post and Huntebrinker no-looked it to him on feed from behind the cage. Matias Cleland (2a) had his first point.

Next, Willows extended the edge with 5:33 to go in the first. Reading cut into the zone with Willows, Wilkins and McCarthy. Willows led the rush and fed for Wilkins, who immediately slung it cross ice to McCarthy at the left dot. Next, McCarthy directed it diagonally to Willows. With a wide-open right side of the net yawning, Willows took his time and guided a clean wrist shot past Reichenbach.

Brodie Dupont had the Ads’ only goal at 1:11 of the second, cutting Reading’s lead to one.

Minutes later, the Royals offense emerged again. McCarthy sniped his first of the game at the high slot with 13 minutes to go in the second, assisted by Matt Wilkins. Next, Schmidt tapped home a rebound at the right post 3:44 later. James de Haas walked the blue line and rifled a shot, deflected by Tanski and off Reichenbach’s pads before Schmidt’s deposit.

McCarthy scored another goal 1:03 later to knock Reichenbach from the game. Nick Neville earned his first Reading point, flying up the right wing and centering to McCarthy at the left slot.

Whitmore cruised in Reading’s sixth goal and made it 6-1 at 4:01 of the third, assisted by Brian Morgan.  Five minutes later, Willows found twine on a slot shot. Cleland and McCarthy had the helpers.

On Fri., Feb. 2 at 7:00 p.m., the Royals are in Norfolk for the first of two games against the Admirals. The teams rematch at 7:00 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 3. Coverage for both games begins at 6:45 p.m. with 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. 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.