Royals bring back Paliani, Mongo

Reading, Pa. -The Reading Royals, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Philadelphia Flyers and American Hockey League's Lehigh Valley Phantoms, announced that forwards Devon Paliani and Yvan Mongo have re-signed with the club for the 2023-24 season.Palianireturns to Reading for his third professional season after playing his first season with the Royals in the 2022-23 season. The 26-year-old LaSalle, Ontario native posted 30 points (15g-15a) and 61 penalty minutes in 64 regular-season games with Reading. He appeared in 11 Kelly Cup Playoff games for the Royals where he added five points (2g-3a) and 25 penalty minutes. Prior to Reading, he played his first professional season in the ECHL between three different teams (Maine Mariners, Worcester Railers and Toledo Walleye). Before going pro, Paliani played five seasons for Ryerson University in the U Sports and two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. Paliani began his OHL career with the Sudbury Wolves before joining the Saginaw Spirit for the remainder of the 2014-15 season. In the 2015-16 season, Paliani played 35 games for Saginaw before closing out the season with the Sarnia Sting where he registered eight points (2g-6a) and 26 penalty minutes in 30 regular-season games.

Mongo returns to Reading for his second professional season after playing his first full professional season with the Royals in the 2022-23 season. The 26-year-old Gatineau, Quebec native posted 13 points (5g-8a) and four penalty minutes in 50 regular-season games. He appeared in nine Kelly Cup Playoff games for the Royals where he added two points (1g-1a) and four penalty minutes. Prior to Reading, he played four seasons at the University of Ottawa in the U Sports (2018-22). Mongo served as the Gee-Gees' team captain for two seasons, including his senior year where as led the club in points (14) and assists (10).