Reign ace test against Alaska for division title
Andrew Knoll, Daily Bulletin
ONTARIO - Not only did the Reign give their fans another division title, they literally gave them the shirts off their backs.
The Reign routed the ECHL-leading Alaska Aces 6-1 on Saturday in front a capacity crowd of 9,592 at Citizens Business Bank Arena and clinched the second Pacific Division championship in the franchise's four-year history.
Derek Couture had two goals and an assist while Jean-Francois Berube had 38 saves.
"We're gonna take what we did, we're gonna enjoy it tonight and tomorrow we're going to get ready for the playoffs," Couture said. "That's what really matters."
Couture set the single-season franchise record with 60 points on Fan Appreciation Night.
"He's the bare-chested warrior. He's a kid who loves coming to the rink every day, he's a professional and he's one of the kids who I've really enjoyed having in a jersey over all my years of coaching," coach Jason Christie said.
Twenty-five patrons received the players' jerseys after the game, fitting rewards for a fan base that led the league in attendance for the third time in four seasons.
"It's crazy here. If there are fans on the West Coast that deserve a winning team and a good product on the ice, it's Ontario," Couture said.
"Even through the last couple years where the team hasn't produced or made the playoffs, they've still come out and still supported us. I'm just happy to give them good hockey."
Geoff Irwin capped the scoring with a breakaway goal at 16:01. Bill Bagron added an insurance goal with 9:34 left to play.
With two minutes remaining in the second period, the Reign iced the game.
Couture collected a turnover on the forecheck, headed in on the Alaska net and scored past Gerald Coleman.
The goal marked Couture's team-leading 29th of the season.
"He's a big veteran for us, I think all the young guys look at him," Berube said. "His work ethic is good, he's strong on the puck, he never quits and he's a good example for the guys."
At 6:19 of the second period, Alaska got one back on a wrist shot by defenseman Brandon Gentille. The puck appeared to redirect into the net past Berube.
The Reign pressured early in the second period and finally scored on the power play. Couture's centering pass drifted wide but Alan Mazur got possession and scored at 3:36 for a 3-0 lead.
Couture gave the Reign a 2-0 advantage at 18:20 when he pounced on a rebound before Coleman could recover.
The Reign struck first as Chris Cloud scored through traffic at 13:40 of the opening period.
The Reign travel to Idaho for the opening round of the playoffs, which begin Tuesday. Their first home game will be Friday with games Saturday and Monday, if necessary.
"You can't be satisfied. It's good to play hard tonight but the real ballgame starts on Tuesday and we've got to be mentally and physically prepared for that," Christie said.
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