Reading Royals sign two defensemen to ECHL deals

Matthew Knaub, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·1 min read

Sep. 21—The Reading Royals announced the signing of defensemen Jake Ryczek and Jared Brandt to ECHL contracts on Tuesday.

Ryczek was selected by Chicago in the seventh round of the 2016 NHL draft and most recently played for the ECHL's Indy Fuel during the 2019-20 season. He recorded 17 points in 46 games.

Ryczek played five collegiate games for Providence during the 2017-18 campaign before leaving to join the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Over the span of two seasons, the defenseman scored 60 points in 84 contests with Halifax.

Brandt played collegiate hockey at Miami (Ohio) and Niagara, where he registered 37 points in 115 games from 2016-21. He scored 11 points during the 2019-20 season as a member of the Purple Eagles, a collegiate career high.

Brandt is one of six ECHL rookies on the 2021-22 Royals. He joins newcomers Brendan van Riemsdyk, Cam Strong, Kenny Hausinger, Jackson Cressey and Ryan Ruck.