Curtis Darling Saves 28 of 29 Shots
ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign, proud affiliate of the NHL Los Angeles Kings, defeated the Utah Grizzlies, 3-1, on Saturday evening in front of 8,038 fans at Citizens Business Bank Arena.
Utah got the scoring started at 1:53 in the opening period with a power play goal from right wing Vlady Nikiforov. Ontario netminder Curtis Darling was on his back when Nikiforov received the puck from left wing AJ Perry and wristed the puck into the net. Forward James Sixsmith also assisted on the play.
Ontario tied the game at 1-1 when center Jon Francisco went top shelf over Utah goaltender Beau Erickson’s stick side. Right wing Tony Voce and forward Michael Pelech picked up the assists on the play. 
Defenseman Mike Egener gave the Reign the lead when his slap shot from just inside the blue line beat Erickson at 11:57 in the second period. Pelech pick up his second assist of the night and right wing Todd Jackson also assisted on the goal.
In the third period, the Grizzlies could not put the puck past Darling and pulled Erickson for the extra skater with a minute remaining in the game. Ontario’s Francisco passed the puck to right wing Mike Howe who found the empty net. Curtis Darling saved 28 of the 29 shots he faced and the Reign won their fifth straight game with the final score of Reign 3, Grizzlies 1.
To view the box score, click here.
To view current Pacific Division and league standings, click here.
Three stars:
1. ONT – Curtis Darling
2. ONT - Mike Egener
3. UTA - Vlady Nikiforov
REIGN DROPS
Sunday's are Jr. Reign Kid's Club nights and we also have a 4 for $44 Family Night special each Sunday home game (4 Upper End Tickets, 4 Hot Dogs & 4 Sodas). This offer is only available at the arena box office.
Sunday, there will be a “Weddings On Ice” event at the arena. A bridal show will take place in the main concourse starting at 3:00 pm. During the first intermission a wedding will take place on the ice. For more information please contact Evan Flagg at (909) 941-PUCK (7825).
Also on Sunday, come out and meet your Reign players at the Boston’s post-game player party (4th St. and Milliken Avenue location). Show your ticket stub from the game and enjoy 15% off of your total bill (not including alcoholic beverages).
Friday, March 5th is 2-1 Farmer John hot dogs and free oil change Friday courtesy of Certified Transmission and car care. Saturday, March 6th is Girl Scout Night and also the first 5,000 fans receive the 3rd set of player cards featuring Kraus, Lenes, Martens, and Voce. Sunday, March 7th is Jr. Reign Kid’s Club night and also 4 for $44 offer (4 Upper level tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas). This offer is only available at the arena box office. There is a post-game play party at Boston’s restaurant.
-www.ontarioreign.com- |
