Local defenseman Vasaturo signs contract with Royals

Sewell, NJ native inks for first full season in Reading

Reading, PA – Defenseman Charlie Vasaturo has signed an ECHL contract with the Reading Royals, Head Coach Kirk MacDonald announced Friday. The Royals acquired the native of Sewell, NJ from Kalamazoo in Mar. 2018 at the ECHL trade deadline in exchange for future considerations. He completed the 2017-18 regular season with the Royals (8 GP, 2 PIM) and skated in four playoff contests. Vasaturo has qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs in each of his first three professional campaigns.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to come back and be a part of such a great locker room and coaching staff,” Vasaturo explained. “Even though it was only for a few weeks, I had an awesome experience with such a tight-knit group of players and staff members last spring. I’m enthusiastic to have the privilege to play for the organization once again this upcoming season.”

“Charlie gives us a solid contributor on the back end that is essential for a winning team,” MacDonald said. “We’re excited to have him for a full season after getting him at the trading deadline.”

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Prior to his acquisition, the 27-year-old played for Kalamazoo from 2015-18. In 2017-18, he scored one goal and eight points in 50 games with the Wings. The season prior, he dressed in all 72 regular season games for Kalamazoo and established career highs with seven goals and 16 points.

Vasaturo has whipped in 12 goals, 35 points and 88 PIM in 167 ECHL games. In 16 career Kelly Cup Playoff games, Vasaturo has two goals.

Among notable amateur accolades, the 6-foot-2, 205-lb. blueliner won the 2014 NCAA National Championship with Union College and captained the Dutchmen in 2014-15. Vasaturo registered 12 goals and 35 points over four seasons at Union. He was also an alternate captain with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) in 2010-11 prior to enrolling at Union.

Royals at Community Days July 2-7, join special guest Steven Swavely on Fri.The Reading Royals encourage all fans to join us at the 2018 Greater Governor Mifflin Community Days Mon., July 2 – Sat., July 7 at Governor Mifflin High School. Forward Steven Swavely will be there to meet fans on Fri., July 6 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The Royals will be there from 5:00-10:00 p.m. each night!

March in the Wyomissing 4th of July Parade with the RoyalsCatch candy from Royals mascot Slapshot at the Wyomissing 4th of July Parade, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m. All Royals fans can march with the team; wear purple and RSVP by calling 610-898-7825 and meet us at 9:30 a.m. at the Atonement Lutheran Church on Wyomissing Boulevard.

First Home Game Oct. 13The Royals will open the 2018-19 regular season at Santander Arena on Sat., Oct. 13 at 7:00 p.m. vs. the Worcester Railers. The home opener will feature a special Block Party and “Red Carpet” presentation for the team.

About the RoyalsThe Royals have been owned by serial entrepreneur Jack Gulati since 2014 and are entering their 18th 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 nine straight seasons and are four-time division champions.