On Friday, August 7th, the Reading Royals announced the signing of Brendan van Riemsdyk for the upcoming season. With his signing, van Riemsdyk becomes the sixth player to sign with the Royals for 2020-21.
The forward is the first rookie to be signed by Reading and the first new face who didn’t skate for them last season. Van Riemsdyk completed his collegiate career with 22 goals for a 50 point total. He was named by Hockey East to the 2019-20 All-Academic Team in his senior year. Both of Brendan’s brothers currently play in the NHL – James van Riemsdyk plays for the Philadelphia Flyers while Trevor van Riemsdyk plays for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Brendan van Riemsdyk stands at six-foot-four and weighs in at 210 pounds. Having signed van Riemsdyk on Friday, head coach Kirk MacDonald stated, “Brendan adds size and a power-forward presence that we hope he can translate into his first season. We’re excited he will begin his professional career with the Royals after a few strong years playing in Hockey East.”
Van Riemsdyk will join returning forwards Brayden Low, Hayden Hodgson, and Frank DiChiara when the puck drops in December. The Royals will take to the ice celebrating their 20th anniversary season.