Reign Blanked in Series Opener
AHL Ontario Reign

Reign Blanked in Series Opener

Published on April 30, 2026 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Ontario Reign News Release


The Ontario Reign were shutout 3-0 by the Coachella Valley Firebirds in game one of Pacific Division Semifinals Wednesday night in front 3,274 fans at Toyota Arena. The best of five series will continue Friday at 7 p.m. PST from Ontario.

Nikke Kokko pitched a 23 save shutout for the Firebirds while J.R. Avon scored a pair of goals for the Firebirds including a power-play struck early into the second period giving Coachella Valley a 1-0 lead. The Reign went 0-for-2 on the power-play while Coachella Valley was 1-for-4.

The first period was scoreless as each team exchanged chances with Coachella Valley holding the slight edge in shots 13-12.

The Firebirds received their second power-play of the night 4:02 into the second period and 42 seconds into the man advantage J.R. Avon buried home a rebound at the side of the crease making it 1-0. The Reign were outshot 9-5 in the stanza as they went to the penalty box three times while the Firebirds were assessed two minor penalties.

Oskar Fisker Mølgaard doubled the lead 5:07 into the third period sending a wrist shot from the left circle into the top left corner. Then at 11:12 Avon grabbed his second of the game with another rebound score near the net. The Reign were outshot 11-6 in the final 20 minutes of play.

Nikke Kokko earned the shutout victory making 23 saves while Erik Portillo suffered the loss allowing three goals on 33 shots. Ontario was 0-for-2 on the power-play while Coachella Valley went 1-for-4.

Check out the Ontario Reign Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from April 30, 2026


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