April 6, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Tolbirt, Director of Public/Corporate/Community Relations
Phone: 909-941-7825
Email: ltolbirt@ontarioreign.com
STEELHEADS PUSH REIGN TO THE BRINK, 5-3, IN GAME 3
Idaho Tallies 3 in the 3rd Period to go up 2-1 in the Series
ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, fell to the Idaho Steelheads, 5-3, before 3,519 fans at Citizens Business Bank Arena Friday night in game 3 of their best-of-five quarterfinal series of the Kelly Cup Playoffs.
Idaho struck first, as Steelheads defenseman Michael Gergen fired a shot past a screened J.F. Berube for his first goal of the series. Derek LeBlanc assisted on the play. Despite a very physical period, both teams combined for just four penalty minutes in the opening frame as the Reign outshot Idaho by a margin of 13-11.
The Steelheads increased their lead to 2-0 at 8:35 of the second when Jacob Cepis beat a sprawling Berube with assists from Cody Purves and former Reign player, Steven Tarasuk. But when Idaho forward Ron Meyers was assessed a 5 minute major penalty and game misconduct for an illegal head check, the Reign went on the power play and wasted no time. Just 24 seconds into the outnumbered attack, Kevin Estrada got the Reign on the board with his first goal of the playoffs, assisted by Bill Bagron and Derek Couture. Just 33 seconds later, Geoff Irwin scored the equalizer with his second of the series, from Everett Sheen and CJ Stretch at 15:15. After a relatively penalty free first period, the second saw 27 total minutes as Ontario outshot Idaho 19-4.
The Steelheads jumped back out to a 2 goal lead getting power play tallies by Aaron Lewicki and Jacob Cepis’ second goal of the game just 2:16 apart. But Derek Couture got his first goal of the playoffs to bring the Reign to within one with just over eight minutes remaining. After what looked to be the equalizer just a couple of minutes later, the officials waved it off after a lengthy conference. With Berube pulled for the extra attacker, Cody Purves scored an empty net goal to seal the win for Idaho.
Jerry Kuhn was the victor for the Steelheads, stopping 39 shots, while Berube took the loss with 21 saves. The teams totaled 80 minutes in penalties.
To view the box score, go to www.echl.com.
Three stars:
1) IDH – Jacob Cepis
2) ONT – Derek Couture
3) IDH – Aaron Lewicki
Reign Drops:
The fourth game of the best-of-five series will be played on Saturday, April 7 at 6 p.m. and, if necessary, the decision-making game of the series is Monday, April 9 at 7 p.m.
Order your Reign playoff tickets today to get the best seats! Call an Ontario Reign ticket representative at 909-941-PUCK (7825) or visit ontarioreign.com. If you order your playoff tickets at the Citizens Business Bank Arena box office you will have a choice of gift of either a team photo or a Drive to the Kelly Cup rally towel!
