Reign Triumph Over Thunder in Shootout, 4-3
December 31, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Ontario Reign News Release
STOCKTON, Calif.- The Ontario Reign (15-12-1-1), proud affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, earned a 4-3 shootout win over the Stockton Thunder (12-13-1-3) before 6,096 at Stockton Arena Friday. Reign goaltender Chris Carrozzi stopped 36 shots and four of six Thunder shootout chances for his second consecutive win.
The Reign jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period with goals by Brady Calla at 1:57 and Derek Couture at 3:54. Calla took a feed from Francois Brisebois at the left circle and launched a shot through traffic for his third goal of the season. Bill Bagron also assisted on the play. C.J. Stretch threw a behind-the-back pass to a streaking Couture who deked Thunder goalie Olivier Roy to the ice and put the puck into a wide-open net.
The Thunder wasted no time, as they scored goals 1:02 apart a few minutes later to tie the game at 2-2. Cameron Abney scored on a sharp-angle shot at 8:02 and Jesse Fratkin beat Carrozzi from the left circle at 9:05.
Milan Kyntar gave Stockton its first lead of the game at 6:46 of the thrid period, but Ontario answered on the power play. Stretch wheeled around the top of the right circle and wristed a shot through a gathering of bodies. The puck hit Roys arm and rolled slowly over the goal line to tie the game at three with nine minutes left in regulation. Neither team scored for the remainder of regulation or in the overtime period and Ontario went to its third shootout of the season.
The Reign were down 2-1 in the fifth round when defenseman Chris Huxley scored to pull Ontario even. Ryan Martindale missed on Stockton's sixth-round attempt, but Estrada put it away for the Reign as the big winger skated in and beat Roy on the glove side.
Bagron and Couture each recorded the 150th points of their professional careers in the win. Chris Carrozzi (3-5-1) got the win, while Roy (4-8-4) made 38 saves in the loss. Three stars: 1) ONT- Kevin Estrada 2) STK- Milan Kyntar 3) ONT- C.J. Stretch
To view the box score, click here . Reign Drops: The Ontario Reign invites fans to the first game of the new year on Jan. 3 against the Bakersfield Condors. It is a 2-for-1 Tuesday presented by State Farm so be sure to pick up vouchers at your local State Farm agent to receive two tickets for the price of one for this game! Also, stop by Chick-fil-A (Ontario Mills Parkway location) in your Reign gear to receive one free brownie. Give the gift of hockey with a four game Holiday Plan, starting at $35, including at $25 gift card from Boston's Restaurant or other options. Call 909-941-PUCK (7825) or visit www.ontarioreign.com today.
ECHL Stories from December 31, 2011
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- Bakersfield Uses 3rd Period to Beat Exhausted Grizzlies - Utah Grizzlies
- Road Warriors Ring In New Year In Dramatic Fashion - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Nailers' Penalty Kill Completes Perfect Week - Wheeling Nailers
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- 6,096 turn out for Dallas Braden appearance, Thunder snap regulation losing skid - Stockton Thunder
- Aces, Courchaine Ground Eagles 4-0 - Alaska Aces
- Reign Triumph Over Thunder in Shootout, 4-3 - Ontario Reign
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