Reading Royals name area native as new president, GM

Hackman, a Saylorsburg native, will oversee business operations.

Among his goals are to boost lagging ticket sales, improve group sales and grow relationships with corporate sponsors, according to reports.

Hackman was vice president of front row marketing for the Phoenix Coyotes – now the Arizona Coyotes – of the National Hockey League in 2014-2015 and general manager of the Quad City Mallards of the International Hockey League in 2009-2010.

Prior to joining the Royals, Hackman was chief revenue officer of IRG Sports & Entertainment and was responsible for the commercial operations of four race tracks and the International Hot Rod Association. He is a Pleasant Valley High School and Penn State alumnus.

He replaces Ray Melcher, who had been interim general manager since March 2017 after Drew Bell resigned after three seasons as president.

Under Bell, the Royals became an ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and several improvements were made to Santander Arena.

“Shawn has shown a clear expertise in leading hockey teams and sports organizations throughout his career, and this made him the perfect candidate for the position,” team owner Jack Gulati said in a statement.

Gulati bought the team in 2014.

“His wealth of business skills will be essential in helping us fill Santander Arena and keeping Royal games fun and family friendly,” Gulati said.

The Royals’ home opener is Oct. 13.