October 13-14

On October 13, 2001 the Reading Royals played the first home game in franchise history, on the same date seventeen years later the club took the ice for Year XVIII of professional ice hockey on Penn Street. Sometimes it's hard to believe it's been eighteen years but that's largely because the job is enjoyable as opposed to a chore and that is a feeling I can relate to both sides of. The Worcester Railers were the opponent for a back-to-back set marking two of their three regular-season appearances at the Arena. An excellent opening-night crowd on Saturday saw the Royals take a 1-0 lead on a first-period score by newcomer Frank Dichiara (who ironically played for Worcester in '17-18). The visitors from Massachusetts tied the game in the second period and would ultimately win it in overtime, as the teams were leaving the ice after Worcester's game-winner there were quite a few angry words exchanged. The ingredients were there for a physical rematch on Sunday and that's exactly what we got, the teams combined for three fights and fifty-four total penalty minutes. Former Philadelphia Eagle players Vince Papale and Bill Bergey were in the house for a photo/autograph session, perhaps the football atmosphere added to the on-ice activities. Worcester scored first but the Royals replied quickly on scores by Josh MacDonald and new addition Shane Walsh (three-year pro from New Roxbury. MA) to lead 2-1 after one. In the second period the Royals opened it up, goals by Steven Swavely, Adam Larkin and Jack Riley plus Walsh's second of the game gave the club a 6-1 advantage. Worcester got one back before the period ended and added two in the third to make it close but the Royals held the fort to claim the 6-4 decision. Branden Komm played both games in goal as the club finishes it's opening weekend at 1-0-1, the next home game is on Wednesday the 24th against the brand-new Newfoundland Growlers. Take care, thanks for reading.