November 30, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Slusarski, Ontario Reign PR Intern
Phone: (909) 941-7825
Email: pr@ontarioreign.com
Reign Battle Back, Fall in Shootout
Francois Brisebois Records Two Assists
ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign (9-6-1-1), proud affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, came from behind twice, but fell 4-3 to the Stockton Thunder (9-6-1-2) in a shootout before 4,998 at Citizens Business Bank Arena on Wednesday. Ontario goaltender Chris Carrozzi stopped 22 in his Reign Debut.
The Thunder jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Tony DeHart at 9:49 and Ian O’Connor at 13:25. O’Connor’s goal came on a short-handed breakaway. Derek Couture netted his ninth goal of the season while lying on the ice behind the net and with just 26.8 seconds left on the clock. Cameron Brodie cross-checked Couture to the ice, but Couture managed to sweep the puck off of Olivier Roy’s pad and into the net.
Geoff Irwin finished off a give-and-go with C.J. Stretch for the equalizer at 5:34 of the second before Jordan Foreman scored on a 5-on-3 advantage to re-establish a one goal lead for Stockton, 3-2. The Reign again drew the game even. Kyle Kraemer picked up the puck in the slot and negotiated a backhander through traffic and past Roy, who didn’t appear to see the shot.
Neither team could score in the overtime frame and the game went to a shootout. Only Stockton's Ryan Martindale converted on his opportunity and the Thunder won it 4-3.
"Obviously the short-handed one hurt us," said coach Jason Christie. "We can't give up goals like that. It was hard fought to a point, but we definately have to do better."
Olivier Roy (3-4-3) stopped 36 of 39 shots and all five shootout attempts for the win. All three of Roy's wins this season have come against Ontario. Carrozzi (0-1-1) stopped 22 of 25 shots and all but one shootout attempt for the tie.
To view the box score, click here.
Three stars:
1) STK – Jordan Foreman
2) ONT – Geoff Irwin
3) STK – Ryan Martindale
Reign Drops:
The Reign travel to Stockton for a 7:30 p.m. face-off against the Thunder this Friday before returning home to Citizens Business Bank Arena Sunday for a 5 p.m. game aginst the Thunder.
Holiday plans, made up of four games, are on sale now! Call 909-941-PUCK (7825) order yours today or visit us online at www.ontarioreign.com to learn more.
|
