
MANCHESTER, N.H. – The Manchester Monarchs concluded their first homestand of the 2018-’19 season on Saturday with a well-earned win against division rival Reading, a 4-3 shootout victory.
After an uneventful start, both teams concluded the first period with a flurry of goals.
That barrage began as Manchester’s Austin Strand one-timer just in front of the blue line, creating a Monarchs lead until Dan Milan evened up the contest with a shot sailing just over the glove hand of Monarchs goaltender Charles Williams.
Manchester quickly responded, as Stepan Falkovsky set up shop between the faceoff circles and slotted home a goal through a congested crease.
Reading’s Steven Swavely provided one last goal heading into the intermission, a trickling shot that nudged its way just past the right post.
Nick Luuko gave Reading its first lead halfway through the second period, but the Monarchs were able to make the game level once again with just under five minutes left in the third period as Tony Cameranesi put home his third goal of the season.
Without any resolution in the overtime period, the deadlock ended thanks to a shootout goal from Manchester’s Gaspar Kopitar.
Former Monarch Brandon Komm ended the night with 30 saves, with Williams ending the night with 29 saves.
With the loss, Manchester climbs to 2-1-0-1 on the season while Reading falls to 2-0-1-1.
The Monarchs return to the ice on Wednesday with a short road trip, making a jaunt to Portland their first ever regular season contest against the Maine Mariners.