Reign Shocked by Thunder in 5-1 Loss
December 22, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Ontario Reign News Release
ONTARIO, Calif. - The Ontario Reign (19-4-1-3), back-to-back Pacific Division Champions and proud affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and Winnipeg Jets, fell 5-1 to the Stockton Thunder (14-9-0-4) before a crowd of 8,214 on Sunday at Citizens Business Bank Arena.
The Reign couldn't get past Stockton netminder Brian Foster until their lone goal in the third period; Michael Hutchinson meanwhile faced a tough time stopping the few shots the Thunder put on goal.
Stockton opened the scoring at 12:12 of the first period when Garet Hunt deflected a quick pass from Matt Bergland past Hutchinson. Hunt was perched at the top of the crease and beat the Reign goalie as he was caught out of position expecting a shot from the point.
Just 2:20 into the second period Joey Martin skated in past the Reign defense, and as he was chased down by Kyle Kraemer his poke of the puck skidded in past Hutchinson giving the Thunder a 2-0 lead. Bergland picked up a backdoor pass and flung it toward the Reign net. The shot sailed through the slot and underneath Hutchinson's pads giving the Thunder a 3-0 lead at the 14:06 mark of the second period.
The Thunder extended the lead to 4-0 in the third period when Lee Baldwin tapped in a cross-ice pass from Mitch Bruijsten around the right skate of Hutchinson. At 15:48 Matt White got the Reign on the board slamming home the trailing puck from Brett Beebe's wraparound attempt. The Reign pulled Hutchinson with 3:05 left in regulation for the extra attacker. Stockton tried and failed three times on an empty-netter but was able to score on the open cage with 15 seconds remaining in the game.
Hutchinson took the loss with 11 saves; Foster earned the win with 42 stops on 43 shots.
Three Stars:
1. STK - Brian Foster
2. STK - Matt Bergland
3. STK - Mitch Bruijsten
Reign Drops:
The Reign have finished out their 2013 home games and have three more games in Alaska before saying goodbye to 2013. The team will return home on Sunday, Jan. 5 to open their 2014 home schedule against the San Francsisco Bulls.
Still have people on your shopping list you don't know what to get? Get them an Ontario Reign Holiday Pack! Starting at just $79, this is the perfect gift for anyone! The packs include a ticket for five Reign games, free parking, and a free admission voucher to Knott's Berry Farm, while supplies last! Purchase your HOLIDAY PACK today or call the Reign front office at 909-941-PUCK (7825).
ECHL Stories from December 22, 2013
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- Road Warriors Score Three Unanswered Goals in Win - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Broda Bangs Home a Game Winner in Boise, 4-3 - Bakersfield Condors
- Reign Shocked by Thunder in 5-1 Loss - Ontario Reign
- ECHL Transactions - December 22 - ECHL
- Daavettila Hat Trick Secures Eagles 6-4 Win Against Bulls - Colorado Eagles
- Bulls Can't Complete Comeback, Lose 6-4 to Colorado - San Francisco Bulls
- Thunder Finish off Series against Ontario - Stockton Thunder
- Game Preview - Ontario Reign vs. Stockton Thunder - Ontario Reign
- SF Bulls Meet Colorado in Rubber Match - San Francisco Bulls
- Game Preview: Solar Bears vs. Greenville Road Warriors - December 22 - Orlando Solar Bears
- ECHL Transactions - December 22 - ECHL
- Aces sweep Utah in Anchorage, win fifth straight home game - Alaska Aces
- Thunder Comeback Falls Short in 3-2 Loss - Stockton Thunder
- Reign Hang on for 3-2 Win over Thunder - Ontario Reign
- Alaska Wins Wild Contest 5-3 - Utah Grizzlies
- Eagles Gain Point in 4-3 Shootout Loss to Bulls - Colorado Eagles
- Montgomery, Robinson Trigger Win over Condors - Idaho Steelheads
- A Gritty Condors Effort Falls Short, 3-1, in Idaho - Bakersfield Condors
- Blades' Late Surge Not Enough - Florida Everblades
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