Reading, PA - The Reading Royals (4-0-1-0, 9 PTS), proud ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, defeated the Worcester Railers (1-3-0-1, 3 PTS) in a shootout, 2-1, at DCU Center on Friday, October 31st.

Goaltender Keith Petruzzelli (3-0-0-0) earned the win in goal for Reading with 27 saves on 28 shots faced through regulation and overtime before stopping all three Worcester shootout attempts. Worcester netminder Henrik Tikkanen (1-1-0-1) suffered the shootout loss in goal with 28 saves on 29 shots faced up until he allowed a goal from Carson Golder on Reading’s first attempt in the shootout be the game-winner.

BOX SCORE

Reading broke the scoreless tie 54 seconds into the second period on Kyle Haskins’ (3) third goal in two games on a rebound from shots delivered by Ben Meehan and Nick Capone.

The Reading lead lasted only minutes before Max Dorrington evened the score at 6:02 in the middle frame on helpers from Drew Callin and T.J. Walsh.

Petruzzelli and Tikkanen combined for 55 saves on 57 shots through regulation and overtime to hold a 1-1 score into the first shootout for both teams this season. Petruzzelli stopped Worcester’s first two shooters in Jesse Nurmi and Matt Demelis around Golder’s first career shootout goal (1/2) on Reading’s first attempt. Nolan Burke was stopped by Tikkanen to keep Worcester in the skills competition, however a Petruzzelli pad save on Ryan Miotto ended the shootout and game.

The win marked the second time in franchise history Reading has opened the season on a five-game point streak (2005-06, 4-0-1).

The 24th season of Royals hockey continues on the road against the Worcester Railers on Saturday, November 1st at 6:05 p.m. at DCU Center followed by a face-off against the Maine Mariners on November 2nd at 3:00 p.m. at Cross Insurance Arena.

​​The Royals are at home on November 8th for Opening Night, presented by Supportive Concepts For Families, at Santander Arena at 7:00 p.m. against Trois-Rivières. The home opener opens a two-game series with the Lions which concludes on Sunday, November 9 at 3:00 p.m.

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2025-26 Season Memberships

Royals365 Season Memberships, six-game plans, ten-game plans, and group tickets are available for the 2025-26 season now by visiting the Royals’ box office at Santander Arena or by calling 610-898-7825.

About the Royals

The Reading Royals, proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, are entering their 24th season in the ECHL. They won their first Kelly Cup championship in 2013 and have clinched playoff berths in 13 of their latest 15 seasons. They are five-time division champions and were the 2021-22 Eastern Conference regular season champion. The Berks County Convention Center Authority (BCCCA), founded in 1996, owns the Royals and oversees operations at Santander Arena.