READING, Pa. — An LIU men's ice hockey alum has earned his second professional contract.
 
Max Balinson officially signed with the Reading Royals of the ECHL on Tuesday.
 
Balinson, a 6-foot defenseman from Ancaster, Ont., spent the conclusion of last season with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL after completing his Sharks career. He played in 13 regular-season games, scoring a goal and notching four assists, then also played a pair of playoff games.
 
Appearing in 17 games last season with the Sharks last season, Balinson tallied four goals and four assists.

The ECHL's Royals open their season on Oct. 29.

"We are so excited for Max to continue his pro career in Reading," LIU coach Brett Riley said. "Max has been an integral part of this program's build, both and on and off the ice, since Day 1. We look forward to watching him do great things in his professional career."