D Luukko, G Komm earn AHL deals with Lehigh Valley

Reading, PA – Defenseman Nick Luukko and goaltender Branden Komm have signed AHL deals with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Philadelphia Flyers top affiliate announced Friday. Luukko is preparing for his fourth professional season; all have been with the Flyers organization. The West Chester, PA native is one of four Royals to skate in at least 200 games with Reading, ranking fourth in team history with 202 games played.

Last campaign, Luukko served as Royals alternate captain, skated in 67 games and produced a career-high 21 points (5g). He also skated in one game for the Phantoms. Luukko has played in seven career AHL games.

The Royals acquired Komm from Manchester in Feb. 2018; he compiled a 6-2-2-0 record and two shutouts (2.06 GAA, .936 sv.%) in Reading. He is the only netminder in team history to begin his Royals career with back-to-back shutouts and four straight wins. The Williamsville, NY native is slated to begin his fifth professional campaign.

Five players that appeared for Reading in 2017-18 have signed AHL deals this summer with Lehigh Valley: Komm, Luukko, Alex  Krushelnyski, Michael Huntebrinker and Frank Hora. The Royals have signed 16 players to ECHL contracts this offseason and agreed to terms with forward Josh MacDonald Thursday.

A former 2010 sixth-round pick of the Flyers, Luukko has recorded 15 goals, 55 points, 94 PIM and a plus-26 rating in his ECHL career. He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 205 pounds.

At the University of Vermont, Luukko mixed in eight goals and 35 points in 131 games. He signed with the Flyers following the conclusion of his collegiate career and played in six games for the Phantoms in 2014-15. Luukko won the 2011 Clark Cup with the Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) prior to enrolling at Vermont.

Komm netminded for four clubs in 2017-18 (29 GP) and registered a 14-9-4-0 mark, 2.60 goals against average and .917 save percentage. For his ECHL career, the 27-year-old is 47-38-9-2 with a 2.72 goals against average and .914 save percentage.

In 2016-17 with Idaho, Komm was tenth in the league with a 2.69 GAA and sixth in the circuit with a .917 save percentage. A Bentley University graduate, Komm began his professional career in 2014-15 and combined to play in 21 games for Evansville and Cincinnati. He stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 190 pounds.

Season tickets, group tickets and mini-plans are on sale by calling 610-898-7825 (PUCK).

Royals Open House + 50% Off Team Store Discount Sept. 8, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.The Royals will host an Open House for all fans on Sat., Sept. 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., the perfect chance to select your seats for the 2018-19 campaign. The Lion’s Den Team Store will have a 50% off clearance sale and any fan that refers another fan who purchases tickets will receive a team store gift card. Come by to learn about Royals ticket packages, select a seat for the spot you’ve been considering and reserve your group 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.