AHL Ontario Reign

Third-Period Comeback Stopped Short for Reign

Published on December 15, 2016 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Ontario Reign News Release


Ontario, CA - The Ontario Reign (11-6-5-0) scored three goals in the third period, but fell short to the Stockton Heat (14-6-1-1) 5-4 at Citizens Business Bank Arena Wednesday evening. The loss snaps Ontario's season-high six-game unbeaten streak.

The Heat jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period. Forward Mark Jankowski capitalized on the game's opening power play by smacking a pass from Linden Vey past Reign netminder Jack Campbell (L, 12 saves on 17 shots) at 6:12. Moments later, forward Morgan Klimchuck broke free for a 2-on-1 and power a drive past Campbell at 8:51.

In the second period, the Heat continued the onslaught with a tally from defenseman Kenny Morrison 12 seconds into the frame. Forward Mike Amadio put the Reign on the scoresheet with his sixth goal of the season at 10:36, beating Heat goaltender David Rittich (W, 26 saves on 30 shots) under the blocker from the left-wing faceoff circle. Forward Matt Frattin reclaimed the three-goal advantage at 16:13, stealing the puck in the neutral zone and burying his sixth of the year past the blocker of Campbell. Defenseman Oliver Kylington made it 5-1 Stockton at 18:27.

Backs against the boards, the Reign mounted a wild comeback in the third period with three tallies. Forwards Michael Mersch and Teddy Purcell picked up power-play markers early in the frame to swing momentum. Mersch deflected in a Sean Backman shot past Rittich at 1:44. Purcell looped around the right-wing circle before sneaking in a feed from defenseman Vincent LoVerde past the glove at 5:27. Backman gave the Reign their final push at 17:40 with an unassisted goal off a faceoff. Goalie Jack Flinn (11 saves on 11 shots) stepped in for Campbell at the start of the frame.

The Reign finished the contest 2-for-5 on the power play while the Heat went 1-for-3.

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American Hockey League Stories from December 15, 2016


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