Ontario Fends off the Aces in 2-1 Overtime Win
March 31, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Ontario Reign News Release
ONTARIO, Calif.- The Ontario Reign (42-21-5-3), proud affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, came one step closer to earning the Pacific Division title with an overtime win over the Alaska Aces (43-17-3-8) before a crowd of 8,223 Friday night. With a win tomorrow, the Reign will take the title and the second seed in the Western Conference Kelly Cup Playoffs.
The Reign began the game on the defense being outshot by the Aces 11 to 4. Halfway through the first frame, Alaska's Wes Goldie received a pass from Dan Kissel from the right faceoff circle and managed to tip it past J.F. Berube. Ontario played shorthanded for most of the period but denied all four Aces power-play opportunities.
Ontario continued to keep their opponents out of the net during the second frame extending their second-period shutout streak to nine games. The Reign had more offensive chances but were met with physical play from the Aces. A few scraps broke out on the ice with one resulting in two Reign penalties to give Alaska a two-man advantage.
Geoff Irwin got Ontario on the board at the 4:58 mark of the third period. The Reign charged the Aces net while on the penalty-kill. Irwin met the puck in close to the net as Aces goaltender Gerald Coleman lost control of it. The Reign forward managed to jab it past Coleman for the tally. Kevin Estrada and Vincent LoVerde picked up the assists. The rest of the period remained scoreless forcing a sudden death overtime frame.
Exactly one minute into the extra period, Mike Gabinet kept the puck in the Aces zone taking it up to the net where he sent a pass back to Tristan King who was in a perfect position to score the top-shelf winner. Kyle Kraemer also earned an assist on the play.
Berube kept away 24 of 25 shots earning the win, and Coleman received the overtime loss stopping 18 of 20 shots.
Three Stars:
1) ONT - T. King
2) ONT - J. Berube
3) AK - W. Goldie
Reign Drops:
Saturday night is the last regular season home game for the Ontario Reign. This is the night you have all been looking forward to, Fan Appreciation Night brought you by Toyota! The Reign will take on the Alaska Aces for the final time with the puck dropping at 6:00 p.m., doors open at 5:00 p.m. Be sure to get your Drive to the Kelly Cup rally towels which will be given out at the arena entrances.
The Toyota Tundra Chuck-A-Puck giveaway will happen at the game! One lucky fan will get to drive a Toyota Tundra home, as they will win a two-year lease with Toyota. Former LA Kings player, Glen Murray will be at the game signing autographs at the Toyota vehicle located in the main entrance of the arena (time TBA). Lastly, the Reign/Toyota jerseys off our backs will happen immediately after the game. To enter to win one of the Reign's orange game-worn jerseys, you MUST submit your entry at the Toyota vehicle display at the main entrance of Citizens Business Bank Arena Saturday ONLY! Twenty five lucky fans will be picked at random and brought down to the ice to receive your jersey from each of our players.
Cameron the Super Fan will help cheer on the Reign in their last regular season game.
Come meet up with the players after the game and enjoy some great food from Boston's Gourmet Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar located on the corner of Milliken and 4th St. (11260 4th Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730). Show your ticket stub and receive 15% off your food order.
Remember, with playoffs just around the corner, every game counts! Don't miss a minute of Reign hockey, call 909-941-PUCK (7825) or visit www.ontarioreign.com today for tickets to Reign home games.
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