Royals Power Past Everblades 5-3

READING, PA -- The Reading Royals scored two goals in a 12-second span in the final minute of the second period en route to a 5-3 victory over the Florida Everblades Saturday night at Santander Arena. The Royals (31-13-1-1, 64 pts) now take a one-point lead over the Everblades (29-9-2-3, 63 pts) for first place in the East Division.

Both teams kept things tight in the first period of play until the 18:49 mark, when Sean Wiles took off on a shorthanded breakaway down the ice.  Wiles took a shot that was stopped by Daniel Altshuller, but the rebound was batted into the net by Matt Hatch to give Reading the 1-0 lead after the first period of play.

The Everblades tied the game with a shorthanded goal of their own at 1:19 of the second.  Rob Florentino carried the puck to the slot, and curled a shot past the blocker of goaltender Connor Knapp for the tying goal.

Reading responded just a minute later on the same power play chance.  The Everblades attempted to clear the zone but sent the puck right to Jordan Haywood at the blueline.  Haywood took two steps before blistering the puck past Altshuller for the go-ahead goal.

Florida tied the game at two halfway through the second period on Matt Marquardt's goal off the rebound of a Cameron Burt shot.

Just 41 seconds later, the 'Blades grabbed the lead, when Gleason Fournier (pictured) batted in a rebound to the right of Knapp for the goal. Fournier's first as an Everblade gave Florida a 3-2 advantage.

The lead was short lived, as nearly a minute later, Andrew Johnston delivered a pass across the crease to David Marshall who buried the puck into the back of the net for the tying tally.

Reading assumed control of the game in the final minute of the second period, scoring two goals in a 12-second span.

Olivier Labelle scored on the power play at 19:07 of the period to give the Royals the lead, while Wiles scored off the rebound at 19:19 to extend the lead to 5-3 at the end of two.

Florida outshot the Royals 11-5 in the third, but hardly tested Knapp who secured the 5-3 Reading win.

Knapp records the win stopping 27 of 30 shots, while Altshuller takes the loss, allowing five goals on 26 shots.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday at Santander Arena beginning at 5:05 p.m.  Fans can tune in online at theislandfm.net

Upcoming Home Games & PromotionsWednesday, February 11, vs. Fort Wayne, 7:30 p.m.  – Enjoy $2 drafts, wines, and hot dogs all night long!  It’s also College Night, $5 tickets w/ free parking for all college students with college ID.Friday, February 13, vs. Kalamazoo, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 14, vs. Kalamazoo, 7:00 p.m. Hearts & Hockey Ticket Packs are now on sale for just $50!*T-Shirt*Autographed Puck*4-Endzone Ticket Vouchers which can be redeemed for any ganme this season.

To order, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades main office at Germain Arena. Hearts & Hockey Packs are also available on game nights at the Everblades information table located in the concourse.

Ticket InformationGame Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Century Link Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online atwww.ticketmaster.comDiscounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.12 & 24 Game Ticket Packages are currently on sale!  All packages save you money from the box office price, and come with many great benefits.  For more information call  239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades Main Office located at Germain Arena, Monday—Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.