ALLEN, Texas – The Ontario Reign (8-5), four-time ECHL Pacific Division Champions and proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s 2014 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings and Winnipeg Jets, opened their Western Conference Finals series with a 8-2 loss to the Allen Americans (9-3) in front of a crowd of 3,452 on Sunday afternoon at the Allen Event Center.
Allen raced out to a quick three-goal lead before the game was even 10 minutes old, as Jamie Schaafsma (1:28), Chris Crane (3:52) and Ian Schultz (8:54) quickly scored to chase Jussi Olkinuora from the Ontario net.
The Reign got on the board when Matt White threw the puck on net from the bottom of the left circle, beating Riley Gill at 16:19.
The Americans quickly restored their three-goal edge with a power-play goal from Chad Costello, as the winger beat Joe Cannata glove-side at 19:41.
Allen continued its scoring in the second period, with goals from Greger Hanson at 3:53 and Patrik Valcak at 7:25.
Hanson converted again on the power play in the third at 7:58, and Gary Steffes redirected Konrad Abelthauser’s point shot on the man advantage at 13:08.
Ontario closed out the scoring when Garry Nunn stole the puck from an Americans defenseman and beat Gill low with a backhand at 14:31.
Olkinuora took the loss with one save on four shots in 8:54 of action, while Cannata made 13 stops on 18 shots in 51:06 of relief; Gill earned the win with 26 saves.
Three Stars:
1. ALN – Riley Gill
2. ALN – Greger Hanson
3. ALN – Chad Costello
Reign Drops:
The Reign remain in Allen to take on the Americans in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Monday, May 18 at 4:05 p.m. (PDT) at the Allen Event Center. Fans can join together and cheer on the Reign while the team hits the road for every away match during the Western Conference Finals at the Tilted Kilt Watch Party at the Tilted Kilt in Rancho Cucamonga located on 12770 E. Foothill Blvd.
Playoff tickets are on sale now and start at just $12. Tickets can be purchased online at AXS.com, or by visiting the Citizens Business Bank Arena box office. Fans can also purchase discounted playoff ticket plans and group tickets by calling the Reign front office at (909) 941-PUCK (7825). For more information, visit ontarioreign.com/tickets/playoff.
Climb aboard the #ReignTrain today! Visit ontarioreign.com/reigntrain and print out your fan banner to show your support as the Reign continue their run through the 2015 Kelly Cup Playoffs. Fans are encouraged to take and share photos through the Ontario Reign Instagram account.
Become a Reign Season Ticket Member today! Season tickets for the 2015-16 season – Ontario’s first as a member of the American Hockey League and the primary developmental affiliate of the LA Kings – are on sale now. All Season Ticket Members also receive free parking, ticket exchange, account manager access, an invitation to an exclusive Season Ticket Member event, guaranteed giveaways (one per account) and more.
Season ticket packages start as low as $340, and include payment options for your convenience. For more information on Reign season tickets – along with a comprehensive list of Season Ticket Member benefits – please click here or call 909-941-PUCK (7825) and click here to select and purchase your 2015-16 season seats today!
Visit us at ontarioreign.com, follow the team @OntarioReign and visit ontarioreign.com/ahl for additional information. And be sure to listen to all home games and select road matches for free via Spreaker.
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