Reign Drops Match To Thunder, 4-2
Published on April 19, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Ontario Reign News Release
STOCKTON, Calif. - The Ontario Reign, proud affiliate of the NHL Los Angeles Kings and AHL Manchester Monarchs, fell to the Stockton Thunder, 4-2, on Sunday afternoon. 4,912 fans were in attendance when the Thunder took a 3-2 series lead over the Reign at Stockton Arena.
The Thunder was the first out of the gate in game five, opening up the match with the only two goals in the first period. Center Cory Urquhart beat Ontario netminder Jeff Zatkoff with a backhand for the first Thunder goal at 8:15. While on a power play less than five minutes later, defenseman Cleve Kinley made it 2-0 Stockton with his bid that made it through traffic and into the back of the net.
Ontario got on the board 2:09 into the middle frame. Defenseman Andrew Martens brought the Reign within one point of the Thunder with his goal in his first game back with the Reign since being loaned to the Toronto Marlies in March. Right wings Bud Holloway and Geoff Walker picked up the assists on the play, and Holloway extended his point streak to five games.
At 8:40, center Craig Valette answered back with his bid that slid over the goal line and in behind Zatkoff through the five-hole. Right wing James Bates extended Stockton's lead to three points at 16:51 with an unassisted goal. Bates threw a backhand into the net before Zatkoff could slide over to make the save. Bates' goal closed out scoring in the middle frame, and the clubs geared up for the final period of play with the Thunder leading, 4-1.
Center Jon Francisco scored his first goal of the playoffs and brought the Reign within two goals of the Thunder at 6:34 in the third. Francisco picked up the puck just in front of the crease and smashed a one-timer past Stockton goaltender Parker Van Buskirk. Andrew Martens and right wing Brad Mehalko notched the assists on the goal.
Francisco's goal ended scoring in the match, leaving Stockton to claim the win and a 3-2 series lead over Ontario with a final score of Thunder 4, Reign 2.
Three stars:
1. STK - P. Van Buskirk
2. STK - C. Valette
3. STK - R. Bina
Notes:
- Bud Holloway is currently on a 5-game point streak (5g, 6a) (4/10/09-4/19/09)
- Stockton leads the series, 3-2; the clubs will meet for game 6 in Ontario on Tuesday, April 21
REIGN DROPS
2009 Kelly Cup Playoff tickets are now on sale!! Call (909)941-PUCK (7825) to reserve your seats.
The Reign is back on home ice! Get your tickets now for game 6 (Tuesday April 21 at 7:00 p.m.) and game 7 (Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m., if necessary). The Reign is extending a special 2 for $25 offer for upper end seats. Please note: this is good for tickets purchased at the Reign front office ONLY by 2 p.m. on the day of the game. This offer is NOT AVAILABLE at the box office.
Playoffs are here!! Are you looking for a place to stay for the Ontario Reign playoff games? The Sheraton Ontario Airport Hotel is offering a special Reign rate of $82 (plus tax) per night. Be sure to call the Sheraton sales office to inquire about special group rates of 15 rooms or more. They have shuttle service to and from the airport, Citizens Business Bank Arena, as well as some other destination sites in the area. Call Dolly Fiacco at (909)937-8000 (ex. 660) to book your rooms today! For more information, go to sheraton.com/ontario.
Attention Reign Fans! Team action photos are now available for online purchase at www.ontarioreign.com under the "Multimedia - Photo Gallery" tab. The Ontario Reign team photographer is Lee Calkins.
Single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, at all TicketMaster locations, or by calling (213) 480-3232.
ECHL Stories from April 19, 2009
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- Devils Force Game Seven with Double Overtime Thriller, 3-2 - Trenton Devils
- Reign Drops Match To Thunder, 4-2 - Ontario Reign
- Checkers Season Concludes With Game Six Loss To Stingrays - Charlotte Checkers
- Wranglers Kelly Cup Daily - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Blades announce dates for opening games of round two - Florida Everblades
- Tifu's late goal pushes Blades into second round - Florida Everblades
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- Checkers Must Win Game Six Or Season Is Over - Charlotte Checkers
- Game Preview (game 5): Stockton Thunder Vs. Ontario Reign - Stockton Thunder
- Cyclones, Nailers Play 14th ECHL Game Seven Monday - ECHL
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