Andrew Martens Nets Two Assists in Win

ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign, proud affiliate of the NHL Los Angeles Kings, defeated the Idaho Steelheads, 4-1, on Friday evening before 5,034 fans at Citizens Business Bank Arena.

Idaho left wings Michael Neal and Adam Huxley gave the Steelheads the first goal of the game and the lead at 2:09 in the opening period.  Huxley’s shot from a sharp angle at the right side of the net was saved, but the rebound went right out to Neal at the top of the crease, who chipped it past Reign netminder Curtis Darling. 

Midway through the second period, Reign defenseman Andrew Martens grabbed the puck just before it hit the blue line and held it in the zone before snapping a pass to forward Greg Hogeboom.  Hogeboom fired off a slap shot that made it through traffic in front of the crease and crossed the goal line behind Idaho goaltender Rejean Beauchemin at 11:14.  Center Tim Kraus also picked up an assist on the play.

Less than two minutes later, right wing Tony Voce sent the puck right to the tape of forward Michael Pelech’s stick.  Pelech wristed the puck into the open side of the net to give the Reign a 2-1 lead over the Steelheads.

Peter Lenes extended his club’s lead to two goals on a power play at 13:15 in the final period.  Lenes found a gap between Beauchemin’s right pad and the post and threw the puck into the net.  Center Jon Francisco notched the assist.

Idaho pulled Beauchemin from the crease in an attempt to catch up to Ontario, but Jon Francisco scored on the empty net, making it 4-1 Reign with 20 seconds left in regulation.  Ontario took the two points and the win with a final score of Reign 4, Steelheads 1.

To view the box score, click here.

To view current Pacific Division and league standings, click here. 

Three stars:
1. ONT – Andrew Martens
2. ONT – Curtis Darling
3. ONT – Jon Francisco

REIGN DROPS
ATTENTION REIGN FANS!  Please note that the start time for the Reign vs. Steelheads match on Saturday, February 20 has been changed to 6:00 p.m.! 

Saturday, February 20th is Pink at the Rink Night, sponsored by Toyota of San Bernardino.  Reign players will be wearing specialty jerseys and playing with pink hockey sticks, which will both be auctioned off immediately after the game to benefit the Stater Bros. Charities and the Inland Women Fighting Cancer Charity.  The first 500 ladies in attendance will receive a pink hat, compliments of Toyota.  Please note that the game start time has been changed to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday is also "Rancho Cucamonga Community Night.”  Purchase your tickets through the Reign front office and $1 per ticket will be donated to the Hearts for Arts Program at the Randall Lewis Family Play House.  Please email jcollins@ontarioreign.com or call the front office at (909) 941-PUCK (7825).

The Pacific Division-leading Bakersfield Condors are traveling to Ontario on Sunday, February 21 to take on the Reign at 5:00 p.m.  The Reign is extending a special 4-for-44 ticket offer to their fans (four upper level tickets, four sodas, and four hot dogs for $44) for this game!  Please note that this offer is available only at the Citizens Business Bank Arena box office.

-www.ontarioreign.com-