First Period Battle Gives Reign 2-1 Win
Howe and Reinhardt Each Net a Goal in the Win
PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Ontario Reign, proud affiliate of the NHL Los Angeles Kings and the AHL Manchester Monarchs defeated the Phoenix Roadrunners, 2-1, Wednesday evening in front of 2,253 fans at US Airways Center in Phoenix. The Reign netted two power play goals in the match, with right wing Mike Howe and forward Dale Reinhardt each scoring in the match. Goaltender Jeff Zatkoff blocked 38 of the 39 shots he faced in his first game back with the Reign after being called up to the AHL Manchester Monarchs.
In the fifth match-up between the Ontario Reign (20-14-1-1) and the Phoenix Roadrunners (13-16-1-2), the Reign opened the scoring first getting on the board at 11:47 in the match. Phoenix defenseman Gord Burnett was sent to the box on a slashing penalty, giving the Reign their first power play opportunity of the night. Reign right wing Mike Howe capitalized on the opportunity, netting his second goal of the season, past Phoenix goaltender Craig Kowalksi, to put Ontario ahead, 1-0. Right wing Geoff Walker and defenseman David Walker registered the assists on the play with Geoff Walker extending his point streak to three games (1g, 3a).
Less than a minute later, Phoenix right wing Ashton Rome tied up the game at, 1-1, finding the net for the Roadrunners at 12:39 in the stanza. Ontario regained the lead at 16:24 in the first when forward Dale Reinhardt lit the lamp for the Reign’s second power play goal of the night, as he netted his fifth goal of the season to give the Reign a, 2-1 lead. Defenseman Shawn Germain and right wing Geoff Walker registered the assists on the play, with Walker recording his second assist of the night.
The final two periods of regulation ended with the clubs holding each other to a scoreless 40-minutes of play. The Reign held off Phoenix to clinch the win after scoring two first period goals to end the match with the final score, Reign 2, Roadrunners 1.
To view the box score click here.
Three Stars:
1. ONT – G. Walker
2. PHX – A. Rome
3. ONT – J. Zatkoff
Notes:
With the win in Wednesday’s game, the Reign snap a 3-game losing streak heading into a back-to-back home series against the Utah Grizzles on Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17.
REIGN DROPS
Join the Reign as they bring the Fire to the Ice on Saturday, January 17, at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Ontario Fire Department will take on the New York Fire Department in a charity match-up at 3 p.m. prior to the Reign vs. Grizzlies game at 7 p.m. Fans have a chance to win an autographed New York Fire jersey and a 52-inch LCD tv! Proceeds from the event will help benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation and the CCHS organization. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact the Reign front office at (909) 941-7809.
Saturday, January 17, is also the Reign’s first Bobblehead giveaway! The first 5,000 fans at the Reign vs. Grizzlies game will receive a Reign bobblehead featuring the Dragon Mascot! In addition, the winner of the “Name the Mascot” contest will be announced and the dragon will receive his name!
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.
-www.ontarioreign.com-
 |
