Royals re-sign Butcher, Heidt

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 forward Alec Butcher and defenseman Tyler Heidt have re-signed with the club for the 2023-24 season.Butcher returns to Reading for his fifth professional season after playing his first season with the Royals in the 2022-23 season. The Anchorage, Alaska native posted 49 points (21g-28a) and 43 penalty minutes in 72 regular-season games with Reading before adding four points (1g-3a) and six penalty minutes in 11 postseason contests. Butcher was one of two players (Colin Felix) to appear in all 72 regular-season games.Prior to Reading, the 29-year-old played two seasons for the Wheeling Nailers (2018-20) before joining the Rapid City Rush in the 2021-22 season. Before going pro, Butcher played four seasons of college hockey between Sacred Heart University and the University of Alaska-Anchorahge where he totaled 52 points (16g-36a) in 95 games. Heidt returns to Reading for his first full professional season after signing his first professional contract with the Royals on March 6, 2023. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native posted 13 points (4g-9a) and eight penalty minutes in 18 regular-season games. He appeared in all 11 Kelly Cup Playoff games for the Royals where he added one goal and six penalty minutes. Prior to Reading, the 24-year-old played three seasons at Merrimack College and two seasons at the University of Regina. Heidt led the Cougars in points (26) and assists (20) in his final collegiate season in 2022-23.