Promising signs

What a difference a lead makes. After constantly playing from behind, the Royals got off to a quick start tonight building a 3-0 lead after one period on their way to a 6-2 win over Idaho -- the team's first at home.

Despite being outshot, the Royals played better defensively, and the offense found it's balance with several players grabbing multiple points. Goalie Danny Taylor made several key saves as the Royals held off the Steelheads' charge in the third as Idaho cut it to 4-2 before the Royals put the game away.

Royals head out on the road for four games with Northern Divison teams before returning home Nov. 9 against Dayton.

Familiar look

Although the uniforms were a different color - Royal blue instead of regal purple -- the outcome was pretty much the same for the Royals tonight, dropping another game, this time to the Cyclones, 5-3.

Hard to believe six months ago I made an 8-hour car trip to see the Royals play what turned out to be their last game of the season against the Cyclones in the playoffs. At the time, the Cyclones and Royals were two of the best teams in the conference.

Things sure have changed. The Cyclones came into tonight's game with 1 point on the season, while the Royals had a total of 2.

Tonight, the Royals again got down early. On the season they've been outscored 9-3 in the first period. D-zone breakdowns and playing from behind are costing the Royals. The Royals need to get it turned around soon before they fall too far behind.

Keeping it in perspective

You don't have to be a runner to enjoy Don Stewart's story in the Reading Eagle about Conrad Weiser cross country runner Zach Barker and his mother.

What happened?

What happened to fall? Only a couple days ago it was beautiful fall weather. Sure did take a turn today with snow north of us and lots of wind locally. It was a toss up today whether people were talking about the weather or the Phillies and how weather delayed their celebration plans.

Royals come up short again

Another disappointing loss for the Royals tonight, 3-2, to Augusta. Royals had chances throughout the game and scored in the third but failed to get Danny Taylor off the ice for the extra skater in the final minute. Another night of taking too many penalties didn't help the cause.