The Reading Royals started the second round of the Kelly Cup playoffs on Saturday night from the Santander Arena with game one against the Newfoundland Growlers.
This was a rematch from last year’s playoffs when Reading had a commanding 3-1 series lead but lost the last four games to the Growlers.
Three minutes and thirty-four seconds into the third period, Newfoundland took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Keenan Suthers (4) with assists from Isaac Johnson and Jack Badini. The Royals had nine shots on goal but trailed the Growlers 1-0 after one period.
After a scoreless second period in which the Royals had six shots. Newfoundland took a 2-0 lead three minutes and eleven seconds into the third period by Isaac Johnson (3).
Late in the game, Newfoundland added another goal with a minute and thirty-five seconds left Orrin Centazzo (2) scored an empty net goal for a 3-0 lead. Mikko Kokkonen and Todd Skirving assisted with his goal.
The Royals had 15 shots on goal but lost to the Growlers in game one by the final score of 3-0. Reading finished the night with 30 shots, 0-3 on the power play, and Pat Nagle made 20 saves. On the other side, the Growlers had 23 shots, 0-1 on the power play, and Dryden McKay made 30 saves.
Game two between the Royals and Growlers is on Sunday at 3 pm. Tickets for the game are available on StubHub and Viagogo.
