November 16, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Slusarski, Ontario Reign PR Intern
Phone: (909) 941-7825
Email: pr@ontarioreign.com
Stretch Line Leads Reign to 4-2 Win
Kuemper Stops 35 Shots, Remains Unbeaten
Ontario, Calif. – The Ontario Reign (7-4-1-0), proud affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, defeated the Stockton Thunder (5-4-1-2) by a final of 4-2 before 5,999 at Citizens Business Bank Arena.
The first period started off slowly with both teams combining for seven shots at the half-way point. Time was waning in the frame when the Reign got a break in the form of a Thunder turnover. A pair of bang-bang passes from Chris Cloud and J.D. Watt put C.J. Stretch one-on-one against left winger Garet Hunt. Thomas Heemskerk came out of his net to cut down the angle, but Hunt collided with him and prevented the netminder from getting back into position as Stretch hurried around the net for an easy wrap around.
Kevin Baker scored the equalizer for Stockton at 12:57 of the second period and sent the game into the second intermission tied at one.
Ontario regained the lead early in the third on Geoff Irwin’s second power-play goal of the season. The Reign cycled the puck along the left boards and Stretch found Irwin all alone in the slot with a behind-the-back pass which Irwin fired over Heemskerk’s glove for the 2-1 lead. Irwin, Stretch, and Couture struck again at 8:32, as Irwin swatted Stretch’s pass off of the butt-end of Heemskerk’s stick, along his shoulders and into the net.
The Thunder made Reign fans nervous with a power-play goal at 8:32, but Cloud gave Ontario a 4-2 cushion at 18:32, as he skated to his left and slipped the puck around a sprawling Heemskerk for his fourth goal of the season.
Kuemper (5-0-0) and Heemskerk (5-1-0) each entered the game undefeated but, Kuemper won the duel, stopping 35 of 37 shots, while Heemskerk stopped 19 of 23 shots.
To view the box score, click here.
Three stars:
1) ONT – C.J. Stretch
2) ONT – Geoff Irwin
3) STK – Kevin Baker
REIGN DROPS
The Reign and Thunder continue their series with games Friday and Saturday. Friday is Boy Scout Night, as the Reign proudly welcome Inland Empire Boy Scout Troops to the game. Scouts are encouraged to wear their uniform.
Hooters Pre-Game Rally is also on Friday, so come by before the puck drops to get ready for the game. Be sure to enjoy Free Wing Fridays courtesy of Hooters. Bring your Reign ticket to Hooters within 24 hours of the game to receive five free wings!
Saturday is Military Appreciation Night, hosted by Stater Bros. Charities. The first 3,000 fans to enter the arena will receive a military-themed puck courtesy of San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino. Reign players will be wearing American flag designed jerseys, which will be auctioned at the end of the game to benefit local veteran organizations. Cameron the Super Fan will be there to lead the cheers for your Ontario Reign!
Saturday is also a Boston’s Post-Game Player Party. Come meet up with the players after Saturday’s game and enjoy some great food from 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.
For tickets please call us at (909) 941-PUCK (7825) or visit us online at www.OntarioReign.com.
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