McCarthy returns to Reading, Muse recalled to Lehigh Valley

Reading, PA – Forward Chris McCarthy returned to the Reading Royals on loan from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Friday and goaltender John Muse was recalled on loan. The Royals also signed goaltender Brad Barone from Roanoke (SPHL). McCarthy and Barone are in Norfolk as the Royals dual against the Admirals Friday at 7:00 p.m.

McCarthy ranks third on Reading in goals (13) and fourth with 25 points. He played in one game with Lehigh Valley (1/24/18 vs. Providence) after being recalled Jan. 16. In 83 career games with the Royals, McCarthy has registered 32 goals and 52 points. The Collegeville, PA native has 27 points (9g) in 85 career AHL games.

Muse is coming off one of his best career months, tabulating a 9-2-0-0 record, 1.97 goals against average and .940 save percentage in 11 January games. He ranks fourth in the league with a 2.25 goals against average and second with a .932 save percentage (17-5-1-0 record).

Originally from East Falmouth, MA and a two-time NCAA National Champion at Boston College, Muse has appeared in 238 professional games. Over 162 AHL contests, Muse is 78-58-6-8 with a 2.65 GAA and .914 sv.%. This season, he is 2-1-0-0 with Lehigh Valley.

Barone is a former Boston College netminder and third-year professional. In 21 games with Roanoke, he is 6-10-1 with a 3.44 goals against average and .911 save percentage. Barone registered a professional-high 19 wins with Mississippi (SPHL) last season. He has played in two ECHL games. In 2015, he appeared in the Kelly Cup Playoffs with Florida, making five saves (0 GA) in 17 minutes.

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.

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.