D Neville re-ups with Royals on ECHL deal

Found steady lineup spot on Reading blue line last season

Reading, PA – Reading Royals Head Coach Kirk MacDonald announced Thursday defenseman Nick Neville has agreed to terms on an ECHL contract with the Royals for the 2018-19 season. Neville skated in 36 games with Reading during the 2017-18 regular season (2a, +4 rating, 0 PIM) and added three postseason games to his résumé. Reading acquired the 25-year-old from South Carolina on Dec. 5. From Jan. 12 to Feb. 25, Neville played in 18 straight games and registered his first Royals point Feb. 2 at Norfolk.

“Coming to Reading was the best thing that’s happened to me in my career,” Neville said. “I was put into a situation with coaches that understood my game and allowed me to develop as a pro player. It was an easy decision to re-sign with Reading. I was very happy in my time there last year. With the players and staff around me in Reading, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

MacDonald added, “Nick was one of the most-improved players on the team last season and turned himself into an important piece for our club. We’re excited to have him be a part of our blue line again in the fall.”

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A native of Bloomfield Hills, MI, Neville is preparing for his third professional season. He signed his first professional contract with the South Carolina Stingrays in Oct. 2016 and registered two points in 18 games. Neville also appeared in seven games for the Peoria Rivermen (SPHL). Neville ascended from Peoria to South Carolina in Nov. 2017. After three games with South Carolina, the Royals acquired the 5-foot-11, 189-lb. blue liner.

In 57 ECHL games, Neville has notched four assists and a plus-four rating. At Denver from 2013-16, Neville recorded two goals, six points and a plus-five rating in 54 games. In the junior ranks, he skated with the Texas Tornado (NAHL), won the 2012 Robertson Cup and had 64 points (12 goals, 52 assists) from 2011-13.

Join special guest Steven Swavely on Fri., July 6 for Community DaysThe Reading Royals encourage all fans to join us at the 2018 Greater Governor Mifflin Community Days Thurs., July 5 – 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!

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.