The organization has grown to more than 100 players, doubling its participation since its inaugural season. Two additional teams have been added for 2026–27, bringing Reading to nine teams spanning 8U through 16U.

But growth in numbers is only part of the story.

This season, the Jr. Royals are raising the competitive bar throughout the organization, challenging their players with stronger divisions and greater expectations.

Built from the Youngest Levels Up

The foundation of Reading’s growth can be seen at 8U and 10U.

The Jr. Royals will field three 8U teams and three 10U teams this season, giving the organization six teams across its two youngest travel age groups.

At 8U, Reading will have two C teams and a B team. The 10U program will feature teams at B National, A National, and AA.

Those numbers provide a glimpse of where the organization may be headed.

With a growing population of young players entering the program, Reading is building a foundation designed to support continued expansion as those players progress through the age levels.

The organization expects its three 8U teams to make a significant impact this season, while the 10U AA Jr. Royalsenter the year as another team to watch.

Ready for the Next Level

Virtually every Jr. Royals team will face a greater competitive challenge in 2026–27.

That’s intentional.

Reading wants its players competing in divisions that challenge them to improve rather than simply placing them in situations where immediate success comes easily.

The organization understands that could make the beginning of the season difficult.

But the expectation is that practices, games, and experience playing together will gradually turn those challenges into progress.

By the second half of the season, the Jr. Royals hope those early tests will have helped create stronger, more confident teams capable of competing with anyone on their schedules.

It’s all part of a philosophy that places development ahead of the scoreboard.

Development comes first. Winning is the bonus.

If players are noticeably better at the end of the season than they were at the beginning, Reading believes its coaches have done their jobs.

And the goal extends beyond hockey.

The Jr. Royals want to develop good players and good people.

Players to Watch

With teams moving into more competitive divisions, several Jr. Royals will be worth following as the season develops.

At 10U B National, Jack Silcox and Jack Schultz are players to watch, while Jacob Steuer and Colt Nein will look to make an impact for the 10U A National team.

The 10U AA group features Dylan Rightmyer, Cam Bedford, and Tyler Wehr, three players who could play important roles for one of Reading’s most anticipated teams.

At the older levels, Wyatt O’Brien and Luca Baggio will be players to follow at 12U A National, with Cole Farrar and Everett Corson at 14U A National.

The 16U A American group will look to Orin Papst, Preston Webber, and Will Swoyer as players capable of making an impact.

Beyond those individual names, Reading expects its returning players throughout the organization to embrace leadership roles.

As a young program continues to establish its identity, those returning Jr. Royals will play an important part in defining expectations for the players following them.

Growing Together Behind the Bench

Development isn’t limited to players in Reading.

It’s happening with the coaches, too.

Many of the Jr. Royals’ returning coaches now have at least a full season of travel hockey experience behind them, and the organization is excited to see their continued development alongside their players.

Reading will also welcome two new 8U coaches this season as the program expands at the youngest levels.

The philosophy throughout the coaching staff remains consistent: challenge players, teach the game, prioritize improvement, and understand that development takes time.

As the players become better, the expectation is that the coaches continue learning and improving as well.

A Connection to the Pros

Perhaps the most distinctive part of the Jr. Royals experience is found right at home.

The organization shares a unique connection with the ECHL’s Reading Royals, giving young Jr. Royals players opportunities to interact with professional players and coaches.

Throughout the season, members of the professional organization periodically participate in practices and clinics, giving young athletes a chance to learn directly from people competing and coaching at the professional level.

For a young hockey player, that’s powerful.

The players they watch and cheer for aren’t simply faces on the ice during a professional game. They can become instructors, mentors, and tangible examples of where the sport can lead.

That connection gives the Jr. Royals an identity few youth hockey organizations can replicate.

Nine Teams. One Growing Program.

The 2026–27 Jr. Royals lineup reflects just how quickly the organization has developed.

Reading will field:

8U B, C (2)
10U AA, A National, B National
12U A National
14U A National
16U A American

From three 8U teams through an emerging 16U program, the organization is beginning to create a pathway that can grow alongside its players.

And with more than 100 players already in the program, the future continues to take shape.

Year Three Begins

The first two seasons helped establish the Reading Jr. Royals.

Season three is about taking the next step.

More players.

More teams.

Stronger competition.

Higher expectations.

Reading knows the move into more competitive divisions won’t always be easy, particularly early in the season. But that’s precisely why the organization is doing it.

The goal is to challenge players to become better.

To teach them how to compete.

To give them opportunities to respond to adversity.

And ultimately, to create a program that develops young athletes who enjoy hockey and want to keep getting better.

When the final games of 2026–27 are played, the Jr. Royals hope opponents throughout the DVHL have learned something about this rapidly growing organization:

The Reading Jr. Royals are competitive, developing quickly, and building something unique in Berks County.

Year three is ready to begin.

Reading Jr. Royals at a Glance
Teams: 9
Players: 100+
2026–27 Growth: Two additional teams
Program: 8U through 16U
Teams to Watch: Three 8U teams and 10U AA
Club Philosophy: Development first; winning is a bonus.
Unique Connection: Relationship with the ECHL’s Reading Royals, including opportunities for professional players and coaches to participate in youth practices and clinics.

Players to Watch

10U B National: Jack Silcox, Jack Schultz
10U A National: Jacob Steuer, Colt Nein
10U AA: Dylan Rightmyer, Cam Bedford, Tyler Wehr
12U A National: Wyatt O’Brien, Luca Baggio
14U A National: Cole Farrar, Everett Corson
16U A American: Orin Papst, Preston Webber, Will Swoyer

What to Watch in 2026–27

The next step.

With more than 100 players, six teams at 8U and 10U alone, and teams moving into stronger competitive divisions, the Jr. Royals will test just how far the organization has come in only three seasons.

The results may not always come easily — but for a program built around development, that’s exactly the point.