Reign Blank Aces 3-0
Published on January 1, 2014 under ECHL (ECHL)
Ontario Reign News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Ontario Reign (21-5-1-3), back-to-back Pacific Division Champions and proud affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and Winnipeg Jets, defeated the Alaska Aces (18-9-1-0) by a 3-0 score in front of a crowd of 5,072 on Tuesday at Sullivan Arena.
Reign goaltender Michael Hutchinson was excellent in net, picking up his third shutout of the season, while making 31 saves.
Ontario opened scoring in the first period at 14:37 when Derek Couture beat Aces goaltender Alex Kangas with a wrist shot from the right circle. The goal was Couture's ninth of the season, and first in three games. Defenseman Eric Springer picked up the lone assist on Couture's goal.
Gasper Kopitar, making his ECHL debut for Ontario, made his way onto the scoresheet at 5:42 of the middle frame, when he was whistled for holding Alaska's Tommy Mele. Kopitar's new teammates were able to kill the penalty; this was a recurring theme for the night as Ontario also prevented the Aces from scoring when Matthew Clune was called for hooking at 16:08. Kopitar finished the evening with two shots on goal as well.
Despite a game-high 11 shots in the second period, Alaska could not solve Hutchinson, who made a tremendous save at 10:57 to deny the Aces' Shawn Skelly.
Ontario would extend its lead early in the third period. J.T. Barnett's wrap-around attempt was initially saved by Kangas, but the Aces goalie was unable to maintain a hold on the puck, allowing Everett Sheen to bury the rebound from the slot at 1:29.
Alaska would get perhaps its best chance of the evening at 16:57 when Jake Hauswirth was sent off for hooking. The Aces would eventually pull Kangas for an extra skater, but they failed to beat Hutchinson. Couture would pick up his second goal of the night, an empty-net tally, at 19:46, to seal the win.
With the victory, the Reign picked up its first-ever win in a game held on New Year's Eve. In three previous Dec. 31 matches, Ontario had a 0-2-0-1 record.
Kangas took the loss for Alaska, making 16 saves.
Three Stars:
1. ONT - Michael Hutchinson
2. ONT - Derek Couture
3. ONT - Everett Sheen
Reign Drops:
The Reign are finished playing at home in 2013 - but will return to Citizens Business Bank Arena on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. to host the San Francisco Bulls for a Farmer John 2-for-1 Hot Dog Night. Hot dogs are buy one get one free at any concession stand while supplies last. For tickets to this game call 909-941-7825 to learn how to save money on parking and other fees.
ECHL Stories from January 1, 2014
- Wranglers Blanked 3-0 on New Year's Day - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Brossoit Records Fifth Shutout as Condors Start 2014 with 3-0 Win - Bakersfield Condors
- ECHL Transactions - January 1 - ECHL
- Cyclones Acquire Jeremie Malouin from Gwinnett - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Jeremie Malouin Heads to Cincinnati - Atlanta Gladiators
- ECHL Today - January 1 - ECHL
- Reign Blank Aces 3-0 - Ontario Reign
- Sullivan Arena turns out crowd of 5,072, Aces suffer first shutout home loss - Alaska Aces
- Grizzlies Thrill 5,066 Fans with 3-1 New Year's Eve Win against Las Vegas - Utah Grizzlies
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