Browse >
Home / Archive by category '
Blogs / Reading Royals Review'
Leafs renew ECHL affiliation with Reading
On July 28, the Maple Leafs announced the hockey club has renewed their agreement with the Reading Royals to serve as the ECHL affiliate for the Leafs and the AHL’s Toronto Marlies for the 2010-11 season. The Royals are also the ECHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins.
“We are excited to once again have the Reading Royals as our affiliate in the ECHL,” said Dave Poulin, Leafs’ vice president of hockey operations in a statement.
Guest columnist Barry Schickling provides a review of the team’s season last year.
Most recent class shows considerable improvement
Reading report card for 2009-10
READING, Pa. – The second season for the Reading Royals as ECHL depository for developing Maple Leafs and Marlies players was a significant improvement over the first. In Year One – 2008-09 – Reading didn’t qualify for the playoffs and only one player who saw significant time for the Royals (James Reimer) was retained by Toronto this past year. Reimer had an above-average season for the Marlies in 2009-10 and established himself as a legitimate goaltending prospect.
Here’s a look at all of the players under NHL or AHL contract to Toronto at the end of the year, a brief look at their most-recent season and their possible futures with the organization.
ALEX BERRY
2009-10 stats: 5 regular season games with Royals – 0 goals, 5 assists, +2, 2 penalty minutes; 16 playoff games with Royals – 2 goals, 4 assists, +3, 4 penalty minutes; 4 assignments by Tor./7 points in 55 games with Marlies.
The good: After seeing plenty of action with the Marlies, he played an important role in Reading during the playoffs – he appeared in every post-season game. For a big guy (6-3, 220), he moves very well and has above average puck-handling skills.
The bad: When you have his size, you’ve got to use it. It’s an area where he’ll have to improve. Although he doesn’t shy away from contact, he’s not exactly a blood-and-guts type guy either. In short, the physical aspect of his game needs to improve if has major-league aspirations.
The future: His first full pro season went fairly well. He’ll need to continue the improvement process in 2010-11. He’s under contract for the upcoming season and how he fares (likely with the Marlies) will determine his future in Toronto.
ANDREW ENGELAGE
2009-10 stats: 11 regular season games with Royals – 7 wins, 3 losses, 1 shootout loss, 0 shutouts, 3.89 goals against average, .887 save percentage; 1 playoff game with Royals – no record, 3.00 goals against average, .857 goals against average; 4 assignments by Tor./2-6-0 with Marlies.
The good: He didn’t play many games with Reading this year, but when he did, the team won. He has good size but because of injuries to himself and other Toronto goaltenders this past season, he spent lots of time either on the injured list or the Marlies’ bench and didn’t get much quality playing time.
The bad: When he did play, Engelage was in over his head at the AHL level. He needed lots of playing time in the ECHL and didn’t get it. A solid workload for an entire season at the ECHL level (like Boston prospect Matt Dalton had with Reading this season) would go far toward helping his development and proving he’s a legitimate prospect.
The future: Toronto holds a contract option for 2010-11 and it’s hard to imagine it will be exercised. With Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Jonas Gustavsson, Reimer, Jussi Rynnas, Ben Scrivens and Grant Rollheiser all on the depth chart, it’s unlikely Engelage will return.
STEFANO GILIATI
2009-10 stats: 46 regular season games with Royals – 23 goals (tied for third on team), 39 assists, +9 (third on team), 76 penalty minutes; 13 playoff games with Royals – 4 goals, 4 assists, -1, 18 penalty minutes; 3 assignments by Tor./9 points in 25 games with Marlies.
The good: Giliati had a streaky season. The good streaks were impressive. In fact, he was the first Royal to be selected ECHL Player of the Week twice in one season – the first week of the season and the first week in March. Any time you average more than a point a game, you’re doing something right. He was at his most effective when playing with a bee in his bonnet.
The bad: His feisty nature was not always evident. Those slow streaks occurred when he wasn’t getting involved in the play. He was among the more talented offensive players with the Royals this year. But some nights, you couldn’t tell it.
The future: After spending much of ‘09-10 in Reading, 2010-11 is a crucial year for Giliati. It’s the last year of his contract with Toronto and he’ll be expected to make serious offencive noise with the Marlies this season.
If he doesn’t it’ll be his last year with the club.
TODD PERRY
2009-10 stats: 5 regular season games with Royals – 0 goals, 1 assist, -3, 0 penalty minutes; 16 playoff games with Royals – 0 goals, 1 assist, -1, 6 penalty minutes; 2 assignments by Tor./3 points in 27 games with Marlies.
The good: He played in all of Reading’s playoff games and took the part of the stay-at-home defenceman. He wasn’t exactly a hammer but he did bring enough of a physical presence to generally keep his crease clear of opponents.
The bad: He will never be an offensive threat. He’s also not the fastest skater. But neither of those areas are part of his game. He was injured during much of his stay with the Marlies this year.
The future: A minor-league free agent, he’d seem to be on the fence as far as Toronto is concerned Depending on the roster body count, he didn’t do anything that would preclude his return to the Marlies this season. Just don’t expect him to be the first player signed. At 23, he’s still got a bit of time on his side.
JOEY RYAN
2009-10 stats: 32 regular season games with Royals – 3 goals, 6 assists, -1, 43 penalty minutes; 2 playoff games with Royals – 0 goals, 0 assists, -1, 12 penalty minutes; 5 assignments by Tor./0 points in 7 games with Marlies.
The good: He scored one of the biggest goals of the season for Reading. His marker four minutes into the second-last game of the regular season started a three-goal comeback which helped the Royals earn a point in the standings and avoid a final-game showdown for the last playoff spot. Like many other players at this level, some nights he’s really good …
The bad: … But some nights he’s not. He didn’t make nearly as much progress during the course of the season as some of his teammates. He spent lots of time with the Marlies but didn’t play much. Down the stretch and in the playoffs, he saw very little ice time. See above for note about consistency.
The future: He started the season as one of the stalwarts on the Royals’ blue line. But as the season progressed, although he got lots of calls to report to the Marlies, he didn’t see much playing time. For the ECHL playoff run back in Reading, he wasn’t one of the team’s top six defencemen. Expect to see him somewhere else, splitting time between the AHL and ECHL in 2010-11.
GREG SCOTT
2009-10 stats: 5 regular season games with Royals – 1 goal, 1 assist, -4, 2 penalty minutes; 13 playoff games with Royals – 1 goal, 9 assists, +1, 0 penalty minutes; 4 assignments by Tor./32 points in 71 games with Marlies.
The good: When he finally got some serious ice time with Reading after spending the bulk of the season with the Marlies, he showed that he’s a serious prospect. He was among the ECHL rookie leaders in assists during the playoffs. He has vision, decent skating ability, and understands the game.
The bad: He knows what to do – he just has to get better at doing it. He also still must show development in the physical side of his game.
The future: With a year left on his entry-level deal, Scott needs to move to the front of the class with the Marlies this season. He didn’t spend lots of time in Reading, but was assigned during the playoffs to get some valuable post-season experience. He did (tied for third on the team in assists).
ROBERT SLANEY
2009-10 stats: 22 regular season games with Royals – 1 goal, 10 assists, -10, 22 penalty minutes; no playoff games; 2 assignments by Tor./6 points in 34 games with Marlies.
The good: He has talent and decent vision on the ice. He also handles the puck well and doesn’t shy away from physical confrontations. The tools, including size (he was 6-2, 203 at the start of last season) are there.
The bad: He made lots of rookie mistakes – especially when tackling defensive responsibilities. A minus-10 in 22 games won’t win any awards. He had a real tough time with Reading around the net and scored just once.
The future: Now this he’s got the first year of his entry-level contract under his belt, Slaney has a much better idea of what to expect in the pro game. A late-season injury didn’t help and he missed a chance to help the Royals on their playoff run. The expectation is likely that he’ll be a solid second- or third-line winger with the Marlies this season. However, he’ll have to show even more grit, be a better finisher in the vicinity of the goal and improve his defensive game.
Barry Schickling can be contacted at Barry.DoubleSMedia@rocketmail.com
The Royals Review
(April 21-May 12)
Season at an end after Royals make ‘history’
READING, Pa. – Making history is often a good thing. That wasn’t the case for the Reading Royals this season.
The ECHL affiliate of the Maple Leafs and Marlies made it to this year’s American Conference finals and were in complete control after winning three straight against Cincinnati. But that’s where the history part comes in. Reading lost the next four games and became the first team in the 22-year history of the league to lose a best-of-seven series after taking the first three games. So the Royals, who just completed their ninth season, are still looking for their first trip to the Kelly Cup Finals).
While Cincinnati (the ECHL affiliate of Nashville and Montreal) battles Idaho (Dallas’ affiliate) for the Kelly Cup, the Royals will start their summer thinking about how close they were to a very special season. That’s especially true after losing game seven in Cincinnati, 1-0. To be sure, the team accomplished plenty. And some of the players with Leafs/Marlies connections made big strides during the season and the playoffs. But no one goes home happy when you drop your last game – let alone ending the season with a four-game losing streak.
Here’s how the Toronto-contracted players fared during the series versus Cincinnati (with 2010 ECHL playoff statistics).
Alex Berry – The Danvers, Mass. native spent most of this series as the 10th forward (ECHL teams dress 16 skaters per game). As such, he didn’t get loads of ice time. But when he did get on the ice, generally at LW, he certainly wasn’t out of place. He was generally responsible on defence and showed enough that he was in the lineup for all the team’s playoff games. (16 GP-2G-4A- +3 -4 PIM)
Stefano Giliati – In the four games he played against Cincinnati, the LW had some good performances. But he also had some where he wasn’t particularly effective. He did get lots of ice time and saw power play duty as well. But consistency was lacking in his game during the playoffs. He’ll have to find that if expects to make noise with the Marlies next season. (13 GP-4G-4A- -1 -16PIM)
Ben Gordon – He was second on the team in assists during the playoffs but was unable to generate much offence when the going got tough in the latter stages of the series. The second-year pro LW is an excellent skater (as evidenced by his four call-ups to the AHL this season) and a real “skill” player, but his 5-11, 180-pound stature may work against him in the future. Late in the series he was playing on the boards when the Royals needed forwards to go to the net. Although he’ll never be a power forward, he still needs to develop that part of his game. (Under contract to Reading.) (16 GP-2G-12A- +3 – 8 PIM)
Todd Perry – The Ingleside, Ont. native didn’t contribute as physically as he might have during the series, but the defenceman did see plenty of penalty-killing time and was on the ice against some of Cincinnati’s best forwards. He’ll never be a big point contributor so he’ll have to ramp up the body-contact segment of his game to be effective at higher levels. (16 GP-0G-1A- -1 -6 PIM)
Joey Ryan – He was the eighth defenceman during the series and only got into a game as a result of suspensions to a couple of teammates. (2 GP-0G-0A- -1 -12 PIM)
Greg Scott– Was named the second star for scoring the game-winning goal in game two. After spending most of the regular season with the Marlies, the RW from Victoria, B.C. seemed to get the most out of the playoff run with the Royals. He was solid at both ends of the ice, showed a physical nature to his game and displayed fine puck-handling ability. He’s got the potential to be a solid contributor with the Marlies next season. (13 GP-1G-9A- +1 -0 PIM)
Andrew Engelage – Got his first pro playoff action in game five of the series. He played the third period in a mop-up role. It was his first game since returning from the Marlies a month ago. The only shot to beat him was high to the glove side during a 4-on-3 power play. (1 GP – 0-0 – 3.00 GAA – .857 SV%)
Blast from the past – Reid Cashman, who appeared in 15 games with the Marlies in 2007 and 2008, was one of the mainstays on the Cincinnati blue line during the series. After seeing action with Milwaukee in the AHL during both the regular season and the Calder Cup playoffs, he’s contributed five assists in nine games thus far for the Cyclones in the Kelly Cup tournament.
Barry Schickling can be contacted at
Barry.DoubleSMedia@rocketmail.com
The Royals Review
(Apr. 13-20)
Royals sweep ’Blades, advance to Conference Finals
READING, Pa. – The Reading Royals have advanced to the American Conference Finals for only the second time in the team’s existence and the first time as the ECHL affiliate of the Maple Leafs and Marlies. The Royals won four straight games against the Florida Everblades in the conference semifinals, taking all four games by one goal. It was the first playoff sweep in the nine-year history of the club. It’s obvious that with all of their reinforcements back from the AHL, the Royals are a talented team and with the benefit of a rest and recuperation period prior to the start of the next round, Reading is in a fine position to take a serious run at the Kelly Cup.
Five players with Leafs/Marlies connections are playing key roles as the Royals await their next round opponent: either Cincinnati(affiliated with Montreal and Nashville) or Charlotte (ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and Colorado). Here’s how the Toronto-contracted players fared during their series win over Florida (with ECHL playoff statistics).
Alex Berry – The former UMass-Amherst star isn’t seeing tons of ice time in the playoffs but is playing an important role as a third-line winger. He’s playing a fairly simple game; he chipped in a pair of assists and his plus/minus was even in the series against Florida. (9GP-1G-3A- +2 -4 PIM)
Stefano Giliati – The bad news is that the former Lewiston Maineiacs star didn’t do much in the second round of the playoffs. The good news is Reading still swept the series. Although one of the Royals’ top scorers in the regular season, he managed nine shots in the series against Florida, but just a single assist. If he finds the scoring range again in the next round, Reading could be really difficult to stop. (9GP-3G-1A- -1 – 8PIM)
Ben Gordon–If they gave an award for a series MVP, Gordon would have gotten a large share of the votes. The second-year pro LW has at least a point in eight of Reading’s nine playoff games this season and in the series-clinching 2-1 victory in Florida, he assisted on the first goal and then scored the game-winner midway through the third period. He was named as second star in that game. He’s on as good a roll as he’s had all season and that’s saying something considering he tied for 12th in league scoring despite playing just 56 games with Reading (he played another 16 games in the AHL including seven with the Marlies).(Under contract to Reading.) (9GP-2G-9A- +7 – 4 PIM)
Todd Perry – He’s not contributing points but he’s not expected to. What he is contributing is solid defence work. The 23-year-old, third-year pro didn’t make many mistakes in the second-round victory over Florida and finished the four games as a +2. (9GP-0G-1A- 5 -2 PIM)
Joey Ryan – His only appearance to date in the playoffs was in the first-round series clincher against Kalamazoo. He’s along for the ride as an extra defenceman now. (1GP-0G-0A- -1 -2 PIM)
Greg Scott– The RW from Victoria, B.C., who appeared in 71 games with the Marlies this season, played a key role in Reading’s second-round win. He assisted on five goals in the first three games including setting up the game-winner in Game Three. He was named second star in that game. (6GP-0G-6A- +3
-0 PIM)
Andrew Engelage – Is set in the role as backup goaltender for the rest of the playoffs unless something dramatic happens to starter Matt Dalton (a Boston Bruins’ prospect). (Has yet to appear in a playoff game.)
Barry Schickling can be contacted at
Barry.DoubleSMedia@rocketmail.com
The Royals Review
(Apr. 6-12)
READING, Pa. – Here are some notes of interest concerning players with Leafs/Marlies connections playing in the ECHL. The Reading Royals defeated Kalamazoo three games to two in the opening round of the playoffs, and currently hold a 2-0 lead over Florida in the best-of-seven American Conference Semifinal (all stats for first round only).
Alex Berry – Seeing sporadic duty, mostly on third line. Taking some penalty killing shifts. Has shown a fairly good ability to use his size and hold on to the puck. His goal in the deciding game of the Kalamazoo playoff series came from a difficult angle and tied the game for Reading. The Royals never trailed again.
Stefano Giliati – Was named first star for his two-goal performance in game three. Playing left wing on team’s first line. Also seeing plenty of power-play time. Forced Kalamazoo to pay plenty of attention to him. In the conservative, close-checking playoff-game atmosphere he handled his defensive responsibilities quite well while almost always looking for breakout/breakaway opportunities.
Ben Gordon – Was named third star in game 4. In the last two games of the Kalamazoo. His ability is confirmed by the fact that he had at least an assist in all five games against Kalamazoo. He always is looking for the right pass to make when he has the puck in the attacking zone. And he often makes it.
Todd Perry – He’s not in the lineup for his offensive skills — he’s been playing the role of the classic stay-at-home defender. He doesn’t hesitate to make the big hit if it comes his way and he generally does a nice job of letting the play to him. Ice time usually limited to short-handed and even-strength situations. .
Joey Ryan – Seeing his first action in several weeks, he looked right at home in the
deciding game against Kalamazoo. He even got some power play time. He kept his game very simple and his positioning was solid most of the game.
Greg Scott – He didn’t dress in the deciding game against the Wings but since it would have been his sixth game in seven nights, in four cities with two teams, he probably needed a break. Don’t be surprised to see him back in action in the next round.
Andrew Engelage – After numerous call-ups, he’ll be with Reading the rest of the way. But he’s not likely to see much action unless Matt Dalton runs into serious problems.
Barry Schickling can be contacted at
Barry.DoubleSMedia@rocketmail.com
The Royals Review
(March 22-April 4)
READING, Pa. – It’s official. If Leaf fans want to see any of their team’s players involved in North American playoff hockey this spring, they’ll have to keep their eyes on the Reading Royals. Though the Maple Leafs and Marlies are on the outs in their respective leagues, the Leafs’ ECHL farm team in Reading clinched a spot in the Kelly Cup Playoffs in the second-last game of the season and will start the postseason against the Kalamazoo Wings in a best-of-five American Conference Quarterfinal showdown.
Of the eight players who have seen playing time with both the Marlies and Royals this year, all but the injured Robert Slaney are on Reading’s playoff roster. And all of them, save Andrew Engelage, have been assigned to Reading to start the playoffs. With that kind of extra manpower, the Royals have the potential to do some damage during their first time in the postseason as a Toronto affiliate.
Here’s what the Toronto-contracted players have been up to over the past two weeks (with final ECHL regular season statistics).
Alex Berry – Finished the regular season with the Marlies. (5GP-0G-5A- +2 -2 PIM)
Stefano Giliati – The LW from Montreal who started the season on a high note as the ECHL’s first Player of the Week, also ended the season on a tear. He scored 37 points (15G – 22A) in his last 25 games with Reading and had to settle for the third star of the game after his four-assist night in the regular season finale against Trenton. If the Royals advance in the playoffs, it’s likely he’ll play a significant role. (46GP-23G-32A- +9 – 76PIM)
b>Ben Gordon–Although the LW from International Falls, Minn., lost a bit of steam as the regular season wound to an end, he still finished with at least a point in 14 of his last 17 ECHL games. He led the team with 213 shots and finished tied for 12th in league scoring. During a regular-season ending ceremony he was given both the Fan’s Choice Award and the Star of the Season Award. It’s hard to imagine the Royals would have made the playoffs without him. (Under contract to Reading.) (56GP-24G-45A- +6 -57 PIM)
Todd Perry – Completed the regular season with the Marlies. (5GP-0G-1A- -2 -0 PIM)
Joey Ryan– After another stint with the Marlies, the second-year pro D from Stoneham, Mass. returned and earned his third goal of the year in the second-last game which Reading won to clinch a playoff spot. (32GP-3G-6A- -1 -43 PIM)
Greg Scott– Finished the regular season with the Marlies. (5GP-1G-1A- -4 -2 PIM)
Robert Slaney — Also completed the regular season with the Marlies. (22GP-1G – 10A – -10 – 22PIM)
Andrew Engelage – The rookie G has bounced up and down between the Royals and Marlies so many times, he’s probably lost count. He only played in five home games for Reading
and ended the regular season with the Marlies after Joey McDonald’s recall to Anaheim. (11GP-7W-3L-3.89GAA-.887 SV%)
Barry Schickling can be contacted atBarry.DoubleSMedia@rocketmail.com
The Royals Review
(March 8-21)
READING, Pa. – The Maple Leafs’ ECHL farm team has its sights set on the postseason and only a couple good weeks stand in the way of securing a spot in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. With two weeks left in the regular season, Reading is in the eighth and final playoff position in the American Conference. Any combination of 11 points obtained the Royals or lost by the Gwinnett Gladiators and Reading will qualify for the first time as Toronto’s secondary affiliate. With a record of 7-3-1 in its last 11, only one serious roadblock would seem to stand in the way – six of the team’s last seven games are on the road. Considering the Royals have won just two of their last 10 away from the Sovereign Center, there’s still one hurdle that stands
in the way of hitting playoff pay dirt.
Here’s what the Toronto-contracted players have been up to over the past two weeks (with this season’s
ECHL statistics).
Alex Berry — The RW from Danvers, Mass., who’s in his first extended assignment to
Reading, earned three assists in a nine-minute span during a win at Elmira. He was named third star of the game for his efforts. (4GP-0G-4A- +2 -2 PIM)
Stefano Giliati – The LW from Montreal had an eventful last two weeks. He was suspended as the result of receiving an aggressor penalty in the last five minutes in a loss at Johnstown. But after sitting out a game he responded with three goals and three assists in his next four outings. Included in
that was a first-star selection in a game at Elmira. He’s tied for the team lead in plus/minus and has at least one point in 11 of his last 12 games with Reading. (39GP-20G-25A- +6 – 58PIM)
Ben Gordon – Although still under contract to Reading, the LW who spent time with the Marlies earlier in the season is back from his latest trip to the AHL and remains as one of the Royals’ most dangerous offensive weapons. He’s tied for the team lead in goals, points and plus/minus and leads the team in shots (193). He has a point in 10 of his last 11 games with Reading, has 23 multi-point games this season and is tied for 12th in the ECHL in scoring. (49GP-23G-40A- +6 -43 PIM)
Joey Ryan – The second-year pro defenceman got into just two games with Reading prior to being recalled to the Marlies for the fourth time this season. (30GP-2G-6A- -3 -43 PIM)
Robert Slaney – The rookie LW had been on a decent streak and seeing lots of ice time. But he’s scoreless in his last three games. (22GP-1G – 10A – -10 – 22PIM)
Andrew Engelage – The rookie G has only played in 10 games for Reading as a result of call-ups to the Marlies and injuries. He followed up one of his worst performances (a 7-2 loss at last-place Johnstown) with one of his best (a 6-2 win at first-place Elmira). (10GP-7W-2L-3.87GAA-.887 SV%)
Barry Schickling can be contacted at
Barry.DoubleSMedia@rocketmail.com
Next Page »
