Ontario, CA – Forward Mike Amadio and defenseman Zach Leslie collected a goal and an assist apiece to propel the Ontario Reign (10-5-5-0) to a 5-2 victory over the Charlotte Checkers (9-13-2-0) on Saturday night at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Forward Teddy Purcell and defenseman Paul LaDue each tallied two assists.
“I was happy with the way we came out and played,” said Head Coach Mike Stothers. “It might have been the fact that we didn’t allow ourselves to rest on our laurels.”
Amadio started the offensive surge in the first period, tucking the puck into the net after a LaDue shot went off the backboards at 4:50. Forward Patrick Bjorkstrand also scored, burying a lengthy rebound at 9:59 assisted by forwards Andrew Crescenzi and Michael Latta. Forward Adrian Kempe topped the first period scoring, netting a power-play goal at 16:15.
“We played a pretty good 60 minutes so I think this was a very important game for us,” said Kempe after the win. “I played more aggressive and desperate and I think that pays off.”
In the middle frame, the Checkers peppered the Reign in the first half before the Reign got things going late in the period when Kurtis MacDermid trickled a shot past Alex Nedeljkovic for his third goal of the season. Charlotte got on the board just before time expired to make it 4-1 at 19:46. Nedeljkovic finished with 11 saves on 15 shots.
Netminder Daniel Altshuller started in net for Charlotte in the third period and Ontario quickly put him to work as Leslie fired a one-timer at 2:00 for a 5-1 lead. Purcell picked up an assist on the play along with Amadio. The Checkers would score their final goal of the night at 12:28 when forward Levko Koper scored fresh off a faceoff for a two-goal performance.
Netminder Jack Campbell recorded his seventh win of the season with 17 saves. Ontario held Charlotte 0-for-3 on the power play.
“We keep battling. We’ve come from behind or we lose a couple and win a few. I guess that’s a step in the right direction,” commented Coach Stothers.
“I’m hoping that some of these lessons that we’ve learned we’ll take into the next segment of games coming up and more importantly, the remainder of this week.”
The Ontario Reign return to the road Tuesday, December 13 against the San Diego Gulls at 7:00 at Valley View Casino Center. Catch all the action at OntarioReign.com!
Celebrate the Holidays with the Ontario Reign on Wednesday, December 10 against the Stockton Heat at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. Buy Tickets
Enjoy $2 Bud Light Friday on December 16 at 7:00 p.m. against the Bakersfield Condors! Buy Tickets
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