March 16-18

Friday afternoon: Jamie Burkholder joined Jenny and me for an AHL game in Hershey. The Adirondack Phantoms (the Flyers' AHL club) were in town, Jamie wanted to see them because he's a Flyers fan (as am I). The Phantoms have historically struggled in Hershey, this night was no different as they lost 6-3. On Saturday morning we were at it early, Jenny and Helen were along for the ride to the ballpark in Reading. This was the annual run-through day in preparation for the start of the season, the club's home opener is April 5. We were there until about 2:00, from there we got some lunch and relaxed until it was time to head downtown. After a Friday win in Wheeling the Royals hosted the Nailers in the back end of the home-and-home set. It was the annual "St. Hat-tricks" game, fans were selected at random with a chance to win big money if a Royals player scored three goals. Mikael Bedard scored twice and Marc Cantin added a single tally but the game stood 3-3 as regulation time expired. In overtime Bedard (ironically a former Nailer) netted the game-winner, Mark Owuya picked up the win in goal. Bedard's hattrick was the first for a Royal at home this season and it made a lucky fan ten thousand dollars richer. The win came with another price as the Royals lost Cantin, Tyler Brenner, Ray Macias and defenseman Colten Hayes to injury. On Sunday the Florida Everblades returned for the rematch from earlier in the week. With five players on the injured list the Royals played one man short as only fifteen healthy skaters were in uniform, the effects were felt as Florida won the game 4-2. Yannick Tifu and Denny Urban were the Royals' goal-scorers, Mark Owuya was once again the goaltender of record. The club's record stands at 31-28-7 with six games remaining, the next of those is at home against Trenton on March 23. Take care, thanks for reading.