The Reading Royals have added two new faces to the roster with the addition of rookie forward Liam Devlin and Defenseman Matt Araujo. With these signings, the Royals now have six defensemen and nine forwards signed for the 2025-26 season.
Matt Araujo
Araujo, 28, is coming off his first year in the ECHL as he’s spent time with the Rapid City Rush and Utah Grizzlies. In 40 games, he put up two goals and two assists for four points. All four of his points came during his 19-game stint in Utah. Araujo began his career in the SPHL with the Fayetteville Marksmen. In 65 games with the Marksmen, he had eight goals and 30 assists for 38 points. He saw action in three playoff games in 2023. During the 2023-24 season, he would be named to the SPHL All-Rookie Team after putting up seven goals and 29 assists for 36 points in 56 games.
“Matt is a mobile defenceman who has great poise with the puck,” stated Anthony Peters, Head Coach & General Manager. “Bringing in Matt gives us another great option on defence. We are excited for Matt to be a Royal.”
Head Coach Anthony Peters on the signing of Araujo (via Reading Royals Press Release)
Prior to going pro, the Brookhaven, NY, native spent four seasons at SUNY-Plattsburgh. He spent his last two seasons serving as the team’s captain. In 107 games with the Cardinals, he put up 13 goals and 41 assists for 56 points. He would be named to the SUNYAC Second Team All-Conference three times during his collegiate career. In 2023, the Cardinals won the SUNYAC Championship.
Liam Devlin
Devlin,24, spent the last four seasons at the University of New Hampshire, where he put up 43 goals and 40 assists for 83 points in 132 games. He would be awarded the Frank “The Fan” Halbert Fan Favorite Award for the 2023-24 season. He made his ECHL Debut at the end of last season, appearing in a game with the Orlando Solar Bears.
“Liam skates really well and has very high compete, he plays the game hard,” stated Peters. “Fans will enjoy seeing him out there every night.”
Head Coach Anthony Peters on the signing of Devlin (via Reading Royals Press Release)
Prior to playing in the NCAA, the Needham, Massachusetts, native spent his junior career in the NAHL. Devlin began his NAHL career with the Chicago Steel, where he put up six goals and two assists for eight points in 37 games. He finished his junior career with the Omaha Lancers, putting up 12 goals and nine assists for 21 points.
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