Flyers extend affiliation with the Reading Royals

The Reading Royals have been the ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers since 2014 and will continue to be so through 2023-2024. The extension with the Flyers will include an option for the 2024-2025 season. The Royals will begin their 2022-2023 season on October 21st against the Newfoundland Growlers.

Brief History

The Royals were founded in 1991 and compete in the ECHL’s North Division. They play their home games at Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania. They serve as a team that receives players from both the Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms who are designated for assignment.

During the 2021-2022 ECHL season, the Royals finished first in the North Division with a record of 45-17. Patrick Bajkov was the leading scorer with 69 points (26G, 43A) in 71 games. The Royals were eliminated by the Newfoundland Growlers in Game 7 of the North Division Finals during the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

The Royals have been the ECHL affiliate of multiple NHL teams before finding themselves as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers organization in 2014. They were the affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings from 2001-2008, the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2008-2012, the Boston Bruins from 2009-2012, and the Washington Capitals from 2012-2014.

During the 2012-2013 season, the Royals won their first-ever Kelly Cup championship.

NHL Players Produced

The Royals have helped produce many NHL players during their time. The most notable name is Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick. Quick helped the Kings win the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2012 and the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2014 and 2018.

During the Royals’ tenure with the Flyers organization, 51 players have been recalled to the Phantoms and Flyers. Five players have played in at least one game with the Flyers during that period.

Three players suited up in the orange & black during 2021-2022: Felix Sandstrom, Hayden Hodgson, and Max Willman.

Photo by Chris Kohley/Icon Sportswire