Looks like the ECHL's Kelly Cup is the Reading Royals', barring a historic collapse.
The Royals, behind two goals from Yannick Tifu and 28 saves from Riley Gill, won 3-1 at Stockton tonight to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-7 Finals. Game 4 is Friday at Stockton Arena, where the Thunder will have to begin mounting one helluva comeback if they want to extend the season.
Tifu leads the playoffs with 12 goals in 20 games.
The Royals also include former Aces center Ethan Cox, who assisted on one of Tifu's goals; former Aces defenseman Patrick Wellar, who is seeking his third Kelly Cup; and former Aces defenseman Bryant Molle of Anchorage and former Aces defenseman Brock Shelgren.
Doyle Woody, dwoody@adn.com
Anchorage