Royals shut out by Manchester, 3-0

Reading, PA - The Reading Royals were defeated, 3-0, by the Manchester Monarchs in the first game of a back-to-back at Santander Arena. The Royals are now 2-4-1-1 against the Monarchs this season.

Andrew D’Agostini made made 35 saves on 37 shots in the loss, ending his run of six-straight games earning points. He is now 0-1-1-0 against Manchester this season.

Royals forward Tyson Fawcett made his debut Saturday, earning a spot in the starting lineup.

Charles Williams secured the shutout victory for the Monarchs, making 33 saves. He now holds a 4-0-0-0 record against the Royals this season.D’Agostini stopped all 14 shots in the first period, including a kick-save after Reading gave the puck away in the final seconds.

Tim Shoup sent Frank DiChiara into a somersault before both men dropped the gloves midway through the second period. The Royals ended up short-handed and the Monarchs capitalized on the resulting opportunity by notching the first goal of the game. Chris Carlisle sent the puck underneath the arm of D’Agostini at the 9:46 mark shortly after he made four consecutive saves.

The Monarchs doubled their lead with a tip-in from Spencer Watson over D’Agostini’s left shoulder with two minutes left in the third period. Nic Pierog notched his 19th goal of the season with an empty-net tally to secure the Monarchs’ victory.Broadcaster Matt Thompson and color commentator Pat Richards were inducted into the DCU Wall of Honor pre-game on Saturday.

Next Home Games

Sun., Feb. 3, 2:00 p.m. vs. Manchester: Family Four Pack (4 burgers, 4 sodas and 4 tickets for $48).

Sat., Feb. 9: Pink in the Rink vs. Brampton at 7:00 p.m.

1) 2nd of 3 games honoring the American Cancer Society

2) Royals will wear specialty pink jerseys

3) Ladies Night

4) Enter for a chance to win a 2017 Toyota Camry, courtesy of AutoRide of Reading

Mon., Feb. 11: Player Cards and Player Autograph session vs. Brampton at 7:00 p.m.

1) Postgame player autograph session and player card giveaway, pres. by Rieck's Printing

Wed., Feb. 20: Player Cards and Player Autograph session vs. Maine at 7:00 p.m.

1) Postgame player autograph session and player card giveaway, pres. by Rieck's Printing