Back at the Arena on Friday evening as the brand-new Greensboro Gargoyles made their first-ever appearance in Reading. Greensboro, North Carolina has a long history with hockey dating back to the 1960s, the Greensboro Generals were in the ECHL from 1999 to 2004. This occasion was a homecoming of sorts for former Royals head coach Jason Binkley who signed on as an assistant coach with the Gargoyles over the summer. On this night the Royals took charge early and never relinquished it, goals by Hunter Johannes and Jacob Frasca made it 2-0 after one, In the second period newcomer Garrett Devine extended the lead to three, later in the period Liam Devlin, Brandon Saigeon and Connor McMenamin scored in quick order making it 6-0. That was all Keith Petruzzelli needed to record his second shutout of the year and the seventh of his pro career. On Saturday we had some morning snow but nothing particularly worrisome, by afternoon the sun was out and most of it had melted. In the evening we were back for game #2 with Greensboro on Military Appreciation Night. The Friday magic was nowhere to be seen on this night, Connor McMenamin scored the lone goal in a 4-1 loss, Keith Petruzzelli was goaltender of record. The club's mark stands at 18-15-4 overall and 12-7-1 at home, they stay home for the rubber match with Greensboro on Martin Luther King Day. Sunday was a virtual rerun of Saturday with another shot of the Ugly White $hit, it would have been a perfect day to stay home and warm but for us there was no such luck. Jenny's friend has three young daughters, the youngest (Abrielle aka "Abby") turned five recently and this was the day of her birthday party. It was held at a local roller skating rink (something I personally never learned how to do and at my age now I wouldn't dare try), there was plenty to eat and by all accounts everybody went home happy. Take care, thanks for reading.
