WORCESTER, MA – Matt Willows scored with 2:20 left in overtime and the Reading Royals snuck by the Worcester Railers, 2-1, Wednesday at the DCU Center. Reading’s leading scorer (12 goals) flew up the right wing and shot it from the right circle off the far post and in. His goal came on a 3-on-1 rush moments after the puck stayed outside John Muse’s crease on a shot in front of the net. Muse savored the win with 31 saves, including three extra-session denials.
Worcester’s Woody Hudson tied the game with 51 seconds left. Muse made his first 28 saves before yielding.
James de Haas recorded his first Reading goal and assisted on the overtime winner. The Royals have 36 points (17-14-2-0), one ahead of Wheeling for third in the North Division.
de Haas ripped in the opening goal short-handed at 7:21 of the second, snapping the puck off a rebound at the left circle and assisted by Mark Naclerio. Both of de Haas’ pro goals have been short-handed. Naclerio fed de Haas on a short-handed rush and the defenseman gained the blue line. He dragged it, let a body fly by and shot it. After his initial shot was denied, he shoved the rebound top shelf and by Eamon McAdam. de Haas’ first professional goal came down a man in the third period of a Lehigh Valley (AHL) victory over Springfield on November 24th.
McAdam allowed one goal on 26 shots (OTL).
The Royals power play was 0-for-5. Worcester went 0-for-4 on the man up.
The Royals start a five-game homestand on January 5th at 7 p.m. with Jerry “The King” Lawler coming to Santander Arena on Pro Wrestling Night against the Brampton Beast. Reading and Worcester face each other three straight games at Santander Arena, beginning Saturday, January 6th with a Kelly Cup Puck Giveaway and Mental Health Awareness Night.
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