Perennial scoring threat MacDonald signs with Reading

Reading, PA – The Reading Royals, proud ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, announced Thursday the team signed forward Josh MacDonald to an ECHL contract for the 2018-19 season. A 23-goal scorer in 2016-17, MacDonald accrued ten tallies (19 pts.) in 31 games for Quad City last season. In Jan. 2018, he left the ECHL and agreed to a contract with Stjernen Hockey (Norway). Now returning to North America, MacDonald has posted double-digit goal totals in all three seasons he's played professionally.

Royals Head Coach Kirk MacDonald (unrelated) has signed 12 forwards and 16 players to ECHL deals this offseason.

Updated Royals RosterForwards (12): #3 Chris McCarthy, #9 Brayden Low, #12 Steven Swavely, #14 Adam Schmidt, #18 Tyler Brown, #21 Frankie DiChiara, #24 Bo Pieper, #28 Brian Morgan, #29 Jack Riley, #61 Dillan Fox, #77 Shane Walsh, #86 Josh MacDonald

Defensemen (4): #4 Nick Neville, #6 Dan Milan, #7 Adam Larkin, #11 Charlie Vasaturo

2 Quick QuotesJosh MacDonald: “I’ve heard nothing but great things about Reading. The Royals have a winning mentality, great coaching, excellent training staff and strong returning corps so I feel like it’s going to be a great opportunity.”

Head Coach Kirk MacDonald: “Josh has put together some good offensive numbers during his time in the ECHL and we hope he can do the same for us this season. He's played with and against really talented players going back to his time in the OHL and are excited to see him compete against the tough North Division."

After leaving Quad City midway through the 2017-18 campaign, MacDonald posted four goals and six points in Norway for Stjernen. The 24-year-old is a left-handed shot who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 190 pounds.  He has registered 48 goals and 102 points over 145 ECHL games.

MacDonald has made the Kelly Cup Playoffs once; in 2017, he mounted six points (1g) in five games for Quad City.

As a rookie, the left-handed shot knocked in 11 goals and 22 points with Utah over 40 games. Following a mid-season switch to Rapid City, he completed the 2015-16 regular season with four goals and nine points in seven games.

MacDonald played four seasons in the OHL and completed his career with Peterborough. During his last OHL season, he scored 29 goals and 52 points. He spent his first three OHL seasons with Barrie.

Season 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.