On Friday, August 21st, the Reading Royals announced the re-signing of forward Luke Stork for the upcoming season. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for 2020-21. Stork played 24 games with the Reading Royals in 2019-20 and now re-joins the hockey club as part of their upcoming 20th anniversary season.
Stork is the team’s ninth signing announced so far – seven of which are returning players. Stork has spent two seasons in the ECHL, spending time in Maine, Atlanta, and Reading. The forward has combined total of six goals and 23 assists for 21 points over 68 career games. Before hitting the ECHL, Stork played for Ohio State from 2014 to 2018. There, he collected 17 goals along with 46 points in 143 NCAA games.
Luke Stork is a native of Upper St. Clair, PA which is about four and a half hours outside of Reading. In an interview released by the Royals, the forward mentions how great it is to be staying in his home state for another season.
“Luke played well for us out of the gate last season and continued to work hard at growing his game. He is another two-way forward that we feel can contribute in our up-tempo system.” said Kirk MacDonald, Head Coach of the Reading Royals. Stork is the team’s fifth forward locked up as of now for the season ahead.
He will be playing alongside returning players such as Brayden Low, Hayden Hodgson, and Frank DiChiara. He will also be joined on the ice by rookie center man Brendan van Riemsdyk.