ECHL Ontario Reign

Reign Win 3-1 as Defense Lowers Boom on Thunder

Published on February 16, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Ontario Reign News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Ontario Reign (29-15-3-2), proud affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, earned a 3-1 victory againt the Stockton Thunder (23-21-1-4) before 3,457 at Stockton Arena Wednesday night.

There were no goals in the first period of the contest between the Reign and Thunder, but there was lots of action as both Chris Carrozzi and Olivier Roy withstood sustained pressure and outnumbered attacks by their opponents. Roy turned aside a point-blank shot by Kyle Kraemer while Carrozzi stopped Jordan Fulton's solo bid.

The second period saw less pressure hockey and more end-to-end runs with both goalies making spectacular saves to keep the game scoreless until 18:50 when Kevin Estrada gave the Reign a 1-0 lead. Chris Huxley fired a slap shot from the blue line that went wide and bounced off the rear dasher boards and out toward the right corner. Estrada chased down the puck and, while facing away from the net, slapped a backhander past Roy from a steep angle. C.J. Stretch also had an assist.

Ontario extended its lead to 2-0 just 1:27 into the third period on Tristan King's 14th marker of the season. Geoff Irwin fed King in the slot and he flicked it over Roy's glove. Kyle Kraemer extended his scoring streak to eight games with an assist on the play. The Thunder cut the Reign lead to 2-1 on Ian O'Connor's goal at 9:11. The Reign put the lead in jeopardy as Bill Bagron and Huxley were both assessed minor penalties late in the frame, and Stockton had a two-man advantage for 1:08.

Irwin intercepted a pass at the Reign blue line and raced into the Thunder zone where he appeared to score a short-handed goal. However, the puck bounced out quickly and was covered by Roy. The turnover happened so quickly that referee Nick Leduc was too far behind the play to confirm the goal and the score stood at 2-1.

The Reign penalty-kill unit absorbed the late Thunder onslaught and newcomer Mike McKenzie iced the game for Ontario with an empty-net goal at 19:01 as Ontario went on to win 3-1.

Carrozzi (11-6-3) made 30 saves on 31 shotsin the win, while Roy (10-15-5) stopped 29 of the 31 shots he faced in the loss. Three stars: 1) ONT- Chris Carrozzi 2) STK- Colten Hayes 3) STK- Olivier Roy

Reign Drops

The Reign return home for three games in three nights beginning Friday, Feb. 17 against Colorado Eagles at 7 p.m. Get the night started off right with a Hooters pre-game rally and enjoy food and drink specials, prize giveaways and more.

Friday is Police Night, where all Police Officers are invited to enjoy the Reign vs. Eagles game with a group rate ticket price ($9-$23). Police Officers and their families MUST contact Nathan Barnett to receive this special group rate. For more information contact Nathan Barnett at 909-204-5508 or nbarnett@ontarioreign.com . Be sure to enjoy Free Wing Fridays courtesy of Hooters after the game. Bring your Reign ticket to Hooters within 24 hours of the game to receive five free wings!

Saturday's 6 p.m. game against the Idaho Steelheads features Fire on Ice IV, a charity match between the Ontario Fire Department and the New York Fire Department, presented by the DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont. The game starts at 2 p.m. and one ticket is good for admission to both games.

The first 3,000 fans in attendance at Saturday's game will receive a Jon Francisco bobblehead, sponsored by Progressive Energy Solutions. The bobbleheads will be handed out starting at the 2 p.m. game. For more information on discounted group tickets contact Brad Spetnagel at 909-204-5509 or bspetnagel@ontarioreign.com .

The Reign wrap up their home stand Sunday with a 5 p.m. game against the Steelheads. Come meet the players after the game and enjoy some great food at Boston's Gourmet Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar located on the corner of Milliken and 4th St. (11260 4th Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730). Show your ticket stub and receive 15% off your food order.

Be sure to stop by and visit George and the crew at the Royal Caribbean table during the all Reign home games to take advantage of these exclusive "Reign Fan" offers! Offers to include $50 shipboard credit per cabin, "Passport to Savings" booklet, book Allure & Oasis of the Seas by March 31st and receive a FREE spa treatment (some restrictions apply) and any bookings made by February 29 with a sail by March 31 they will receive a FREE Specialty Restaurant dinner on ANY Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Call (888) 798-9133 with any questions.

Call 909-941-PUCK (7825) or visit www.ontarioreign.com today for tickets to Reign home games.

Check out the Ontario Reign Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from February 16, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central