Who could blame him?

The center received his first American Hockey League call-up since he joined the Reading Royals in October 2003.

The Royals loaned him to struggling Hershey, which is looking for new blood after having lost six of its last nine games.

Mischler, a fourth-year pro, returns to the AHL for the first time since the 2002-03 season. He spent his first two seasons with the AHL's Cleveland Barons.

Mischler's current seven-game point streak three goals and six assists has helped Reading win nine straight.

He is second in scoring with three goals and a team-leading eight assists for 11 points.

His call-up gives the depleted Royals seven players in the AHL and just 10 forwards and four defensemen in their lineup.

Mischler's absence also leaves a void on Reading's most experienced line. Royals coach Derek Clancey will have to find a new center for wingers Judd Medak and Mike Souza.

Aaron Smith, acquired in a trade that sent D'Arcy McConvey to Columbia, arrived in Reading last week while the Royals were in Peoria.

Smith, a skilled and quick forward, was scheduled for a physical late Monday morning and is expected to join Reading for this morning's practice at the Sovereign Center.

By Julie Pelchar