ECHL Ontario Reign

Reign Top Salmon Kings, 4-3

March 14, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Ontario Reign News Release


VICTORIA, BC, Canada - The Ontario Reign, proud affiliate of the NHL Los Angeles Kings and AHL Manchester Monarchs, defeated the Victoria Salmon Kings, 4-3, Friday evening before a crowd of 4,629 fans at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

Ontario scored first in the match. During a power play that resulted from a Salmon Kings unsportsmanlike conduct minor, defenseman Chad Starling chipped the puck to right wing Bud Holloway. Holloway lifted the puck up and over the glove of Victoria goaltender Todd Ford and into the top corner of the net. Forward Dale Reinhardt registered the secondary assist on the power play goal, and the Reign took an early 1-0 lead.

The Salmon Kings countered with the equalizer less than two minutes later during a power play. Right wing Sean O'Connor streaked to the net on the left side, and tipped the puck in past Ontario netminder Jeff Zatkoff. Defenseman Matt Kelly picked up the assist on the game-tying goal at 9:35.

Sixteen seconds later, the Reign took their second lead of the game. Center Tim Kraus sent a pass over to right wing Geoff Walker, who took a shot on net that rebounded back out into the play. New roster addition forward Doug Spooner picked up the loose puck and chipped it in past Ford. Spooner's goal marked his first-ever in his professional career.

The Reign extended their lead, 3-1, when right wing Jon Rheault scored Ontario's second unanswered goal during a power play at 14:59. Bud Holloway left the puck for Dale Reinhardt. Reinhardt found open ice and fed the puck across to Rheault, who slammed the puck into the net behind Ford. The power play goal marked the second point of the match for both Holloway and Reinhardt. The clubs headed into the second period with the Reign leading, 3-1.

Victoria made it a one-goal game midway through the second period. Sean O'Connor notched his second goal of the night with a bid that beat Zatkoff through the five-hole. Defenseman Jordie Benn and center Chris St. Jacques picked up the assist on the goal. O'Connor's goal was the only scoring in the second period between the teams, and the Reign geared up for the third, hoping to hold on to their 3-2 lead.

At 3:39, Bud Holloway scored his second goal of the game when he launched a shot on goal that Ford couldn't get in front of. Dale Reinhardt and Jon Rheault picked up the assists. The goal marked Holloway and Reinhardt's third points of the match, while Rheault registered his second.

Less than a minute after Holloway's goal, right wing Wes Goldie found the back of the net with an unassisted goal. Goldie wristed a shot past Zatkoff, and Victoria found themselves within goal of the Reign. Victoria pulled Ford for the extra attacker with 58 seconds left in regulation, but was unable to capitalize on the man advantage. Ontario won the match with a final score of Reign 4, Salmon Kings 3.

Three stars:

1. ONT - B. Holloway

2. VIC - S. O'Connor

3. ONT - J. Zatkoff

Notes:

- Bud Holloway extended his point streak to 4 games (4g, 4a) (3/7/09-3/13/09)

- Jon Rheault is currently on a 2-game point streak (1g, 2a) (3/11/09-3/13/09)

- Chad Starling is on a 2-game assist streak (2a) (3/11/09-3/13/09)

- Tim Kraus is currently on a 2-game assist streak (3a) (3/11/09-3/13/09)

- Jeff Zatkoff made 40 saves on 43 shots in the match

- Dale Reinhardt notched three assists in the match

REIGN DROPS

2009 Kelly Cup Playoff tickets go on sale Monday, March 16 at 1:00 pm!! Tickets for all playoff rounds start at just $236/seat and range through only $428. Avoid additional facility and service fees by picking up your playoff tickets now. Call (909)941-PUCK (7825) to get a head start and reserve the best seats.

Wednesday, March 18, the Reign is extending a special ticket offer to their fans. Upper level tickets are only $5, and lower level tickets are only $10! Please note, this price does not include a $3 facility fee, and is subject to availability. This offer is only available at the Citizens Business Bank Arena box office.

Saturday, March 21 is Military Appreciation Night, presented by the Ontario USO! Come out and salute your armed forces and help raise money for the kids! Your Reign players will be wearing special military-themed jerseys, sponsored by Ice Town. These game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off after the game and a portion of the proceeds will go to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. Be sure to arrive early as the military festivities will begin at 5:00 pm with miniature F-18's on display. All active and non-active military personnel with valid military id can purchase any upper level seat for ONLY $6! This offer is good only for advanced purchase tickets, and is available by calling the Reign front office at (909)941-7825. **AN EXTREMELY LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR THIS GAME!!**

Saturday, March 21 is also the third and final bobblehead giveaway night! The first 3,500 fans in attendance will receive a limited edition Karl Taylor bobblehead!

Sunday, March 22, the Reign is honoring their fans on Fan Appreciation Night! All fans will have the opportunity to win prizes throughout the game! All season ticket, club view, and suite holders: make sure to come to today's game, as your name could be pulled as the winner of a game-worn jersey (you must be present to win)! The Reign players will be wearing their orange jerseys tonight and you will get the sweaters off their backs... that is, if your name is selected!

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 March 14, 2009


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