March 25

Wednesday night at the Arena in downtown Reading, the Florida Everblades came to town for the last of their four regular-season appearances. On March 15 the Royals played the 500th home date in franchise history, on this night the club played its 1000th regular-season game overall (thirteen years of seventy-two plus sixty-four in the current season). The milestone was celebrated prior to the opening faceoff, as part of the festivities Royals athletic trainer Brian Grogesky was honored specifically. "Grogs" has been with the club from the very beginning and has been present on the job at every game the club has ever played. The Royals went 2-0-1 on the most recent road swing but on this occasion the pregame hoopla was easily the highlight of the night, the visiting Everblades scored early and never trailed in a 5-1 win. Brett Flemming scored the Royals' lone goal late in the third period after the competitive aspect was long since decided, Connor Knapp suffered the loss in net. The Royals' record drops to 41-17-6, 20-11-2 at the Arena. The boys departed after the game for another trip, this includes the final five away from home. The final three at the Arena are April 8 versus Wheeling and the 10th and 11th versus the Indy Fuel. The Royals are in the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year (the berth was clinched during the last road trip) so we know that the season will continue beyond the 11th, the opponent for the first round is undetermined. Take care, thanks for reading.