Royals sign D Larkin as rookie season looms

Reading, PA – The Reading Royals, proud ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, signed D Adam Larkin to an ECHL contract Tuesday. Larkin played the final two games of the 2017-18 regular season with the Royals. Reading claimed the 23-year-old off waivers from Adirondack Apr. 3 after Larkin scored one goal and two points with the Thunder in his first seven professional games. He finished his hockey career at Yale in March 2017.

Quick Q+A with Larkin

Why did you decide to re-sign with Reading?“The coaching staff made it an easy decision for me to come back to the Royals. Though I was only in Reading for a week, I was able to get a feel for what the coaching staff likes, how they expect to play the game and what role they expect me to play in their game plan. The coaching staff and I agreed that I would be a good fit in their system and I really look forward to working with Coach MacDonald and Coach Wellar.”

How did playing the last month of the ECHL season help you after finishing your career at YaleI think that it was great for me to see the difference between college hockey and pro hockey. Certainly, because of the number of games played in a year, the game is played very differently. It was great for me to get a taste of the pro game so that I could get acclimated and adjust my training over the summer so that I’m prepared for the grueling, 72-game season.”

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Larkin finished his senior season at Yale in March and triggered in a goal and seven points over 31 games. He made his professional debut with the Thunder on Mar. 9 vs. Manchester and earned his first professional goal and multi-point game Mar. 16 vs. Fort Wayne.

“Adam is coming off a very strong collegiate career and we’re looking forward to helping him develop in his first full season of professional hockey,” said Head Coach Kirk MacDonald. “It’s important he’s had a taste of the ECHL game and we are ready for him to continue that progression this season.”

In 2016-17, the Clarkston, MI native posted his best NCAA offensive numbers (3g, 11a) to lead the Yale blue line in scoring. Over four seasons with the Bulldogs, he earned five goals and 31 points in 126 games.

Prior to his collegiate career, Larkin skated for the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks in 2013-14 (3g, 12a). He is the older brother of Miami University goaltender Ryan Larkin. Adam’s cousin, Dylan, is a forward for the Detroit Red Wings.

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.

Season tickets and mini-plans now on saleLearn more about full-season and 9-game, 12-game and 18-game mini-plans by calling 610-898-7825.

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.