Home stand continues Saturday and Sunday

Reading, PA – Frank DiChiara scored the game’s first goal in the middle frame, but the Newfoundland Growlers answered with two second-period strikes to outflank the Reading Royals, 3-1, Wednesday at Santander Arena.

The loss is Reading’s first in regulation this season, keeping the Royals at six points (2-1-1-1). Newfoundland is tied for first in the North Division with eight points.

Following DiChiara’s goal, Growlers forward Sam Babintsev and defenseman Anthony Cortese struck in the last half of the second. Giorgio Estephan netted an empty-net goal with 2:30 remaining.

Branden Komm blocked 26 shots (loss). It was his fifth straight start to begin the campaign.

Newfoundland’s Michael Garteig solved Reading with 26 saves for his third win. He made six denials in the third to keep the Growlers ahead.

The Royals are home to Wheeling this Sat., Oct. 27 at 7:00 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 28 at 4:00 p.m. Saturday is “Star Wars Night” and features a Family Four Pack (4 burgers, 4 sodas, 4 tickets for $48). The Royals will wear specialty Yoda Jerseys. On Sunday, the Royals host concourse trick-or-treating and a free postgame skate, pres. by Body Zone.

Box Score

Following a scoreless opening frame, DiChiara scored at 7:21 of the second on the man up. Michael Huntebrinker patiently drifted to the bottom of the left circle. While waiting, DiChiara shifted, anticipating a one-timer. On a cross-ice pass to the right dot, DiChiara wound up and fired a laser by Gartieg. Alex Krushelnyski got the secondary assist.

Babintsev tied the game three minutes later on the man advantage, stuffing a rebound five feet from cage around Komm. Brady Ferguson had the initial shot at the right circle. Following the goal, Dan Milan and James Melindy sparred and Melindy was given a five-minute fighting major and game misconduct for leaving the bench. Milan was sent to the box for two minutes (roughing).

The Growlers scored with 2:47 remaining in the second, courtesy of a right-slot, top-shelf wrister by Cortese.

The Royals power play was 1-for-5 on the man up. Newfoundland went to the power play five times (1-for-5).Star Wars Night vs. Wheeling: Oct. 27, 7:00 p.m.Specialty Star Wars jerseys | dress as your favorite Star Wars character | first matchup against Wheeling

Halloween Night vs. Wheeling: Oct. 28, 4:00 p.m.Specialty Halloween jerseys | concourse trick-or-treat

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.

Listen to all Royals broadcasts at Mixlr.com/ReadingRoyals or by downloading the Mixlr App from the App Store or Google Play.

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