Royals agree to terms with rookie F Riley

Played final three weeks of 2017-18 with Reading 

Reading, PA – The Reading Royals, proud ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, announced Tuesday the team signed forward Jack Riley to an ECHL contract for the 2018-19 season. In five ECHL games last season, Riley generated two goals and five points. He scored goals in the final two games of the regular season against Norfolk. Riley signed with the Royals on Mar. 21 after completing his senior campaign at Mercyhurst.

“I’m extremely excited to be back in Reading this year,” Riley said. “Having the opportunity to get my first taste of pro hockey at the end of the last season was big. I was able to come in and get familiar with the Royals’ systems and what the coaches expect out of their players.”

“Jack provided an instant impact for us when he joined late last season,” said Royals Head Coach Kirk MacDonald. “His character on and off the ice is superb and we expect him to be a key contributor this season.”

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The 25-year-old was Mercyhurst Captain his last two seasons at the school. In 2017-18, he ranked second on the team with 16 goals and 31 points, both personal NCAA highs. In March 2018, Atlantic Hockey honored Riley as “Best Defensive Forward.”

Riley is a native of West Point, NY. His father, Brian, has been the Men’s Hockey Head Coach at Army since 2004. His grandfather, Jack, coached the United States Men’s Olympic Hockey Team to its first Gold Medal at the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympics and served as Army Head Coach from 1950-86.

The 5-foot-11, 185-lb. forward spent five seasons at Mercyhurst. During his first campaign, Riley played in seven games, recorded an assist and missed the rest of the season due to injuries. After earning a redshirt, Riley skated in 150 games, scored 41 goals and racked up 101 points over the next four seasons. He was named to the AHA All-Rookie Team in 2014-15 (9g, 15a). During 2015-16, he skated in all 36 Lakers games.

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.