Royals Fall to Lions in Series Finale, 4-1

Reading, PA - The Reading Royals (31-20-3-0), proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, fell to the Trois-Rivières Lions (22-32-2-0), 4-1, on Wednesday, March 8 at the Colisée Vidéotron. The Royals split their four-game series with Trois-Rivières as they suffered consecutive losses in games three and four of the series after they took games one and two. Pat Nagle suffered the loss with 23 saves on 27 shots faced (11-5-0). Joe Vrbetic (12-10-0) earned the win in net for Trois-Rivières with 31 saves on 32 shots faced.

BOX SCORE 

Reading doubled Trois-Rivières in shots with 14 to the Lions seven in a scoreless first period. Despite being outshot, Trois-Rivières scored first and broke the scoreless tie 5:50 into the second period. Ryan Francis scooped up a loose puck at center ice, raced down the right wing, and snapped his second goal of the series over Nagle’s left shoulder to put the Lions up, 1-0. Francis’ goal notched his 16th of the season and improved his point-streak to four games.

Trois-Rivières took a commanding four-goal lead with three consecutive goals in the third period. Santino Centorame scored the game-winning goal on a slapshot from the blue line 6:50 into the final stanza. James Phelan and Cédric Lacroix added insurance goals in the final 12 minutes of regulation for their third and fourth goals of the season, respectively.

Vrbetic held Reading scoreless through 58:46 of play with 31-straight saves until the Royals scored a power play goal with 1:14 remaining in the third period. Mason Millman blasted a one-timer on goal which Vrbetic saved but failed to corral. Shane Sellar lifted the rebound past the netminder to end the shutout with his 13th goal and team-leading seventh power play goal of the season.

The Royals registered 32 shots to Trois-Rivières’ 27 in the game and suffered their second loss to the Lions this season. Reading hoists a 5-2 record in the season series and a 10-5-3-1 record all-time against the Lions. The Royals fell to a 26-14-3 record against divisional opponents (.640%). 

The Royals travel to Newfoundland to take on the Growlers in a three-game road series on Friday, March 10, Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 23 before they return home to open a three-game weekend series with the Atlanta Gladiators on Friday, March 17. The 7:00 p.m. home game features the Go Green Night promotional game. Order tickets and see the full ~ promotional schedule ~ now!-Upcoming Games:

• Go Green Night - Mar. 17 vs. Atlanta
  • The Royals express their allegiance to minimalizing environmental impact presented by Enhancity.
  • Berks Nature water bottle giveaway for the first 500 fans that visit their table.
  • 4 for $60 deal including 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 drinks, and 4 pairs of thundersticks. Presented by Deibler Dental
  • $2 off domestic draft beers 6-7:00 PM
  • Green ice

• St.Hat-Trick's Day - Mar. 18 vs. Atlanta
  • The Royals show their Irish pride in their annual game presented by Enhancity.
  • Green Royals puck bottle opener giveaway (first 1500)
  • $10,000 giveaway
  • Green beer and ice
  • $2 off craft draft beers 6-7:00 PM
  • Teachers Appreciation Night presented by Customers Bank
  • Slapshot Saturdays: pre-game photo on ice with Slapshot from 6:00-6:15 below section 109
  • Live post-game specialty jersey auction

• Pucks & Paws - Mar. 19 vs. Atlanta
  • Bring your dog to the game!
  • Pet Food Drive Humane Pennsylvania
  • Small dog race on-ice during intermission
  • $1.00 hot dogs, popcorn, chips at select locations
  • $1.00 kids ticket with purchase of an adult ticket

2022-23 & 2023-24 Season Memberships

Reading Royals season tickets, flex memberships and group tickets are available for the 2022-23 & now 2023-24 season 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 in their 21st season in the ECHL. They won their first Kelly Cup championship in 2013 and have clinched playoff berths in 11 of the previous 12 seasons. They are five-time division champions and were the 2021-22 Eastern Conference champion. The Berks County Convention Center Authority (BCCCA), founded in 1996, owns the Royals and oversees operations at Santander Arena.