If you know anything about the Ontario Reign, you’re probably familiar with the raucous battle they had with the Bakersfield Condors last January. Their fight filled game – including the two goalies going at it – made national headlines.
Sunday’s match-up in Ontario was the first time the two teams had met on the ice since that infamous game. Although there were fewer fisticuffs, fans were treated to five goals by the home team – all from different players. First-year Reign forward Colton Yellow Horn continued to lead the way by scoring the first goal of the game. It was his seventh of the year (tops on the team) and gave him 10 points in the season’s first 11 games.
The Reign’s other goals came from Derek Couture (3), Kyle Kraemer (1), CJ Stretch (6) and an empty netter from Dan DaSilva (3).
Trevor Hendrikx scored both goals for the Condors. He was playing in only his second game for Bakersfield, after starting the season with the expansion San Francisco Bulls. This marks the seventh ECHL team he’s played for after being drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2003 (ninth round) and 2005 (seventh round) NHL Entry Drafts.
As shown in the photos, Chris Carrozzi was in net for the third straight game, with LA Kings prospect JF Berube still sidelined due to an injured finger. Although the team signed Kevin Stowell as an emergency back-up, per ECHL rules, he could only play if something happened to Carrozzi. As for Berube, his finger has sufficiently healed and he’s expected to start on Wednesday when the Reign host San Francisco.
In related news, another player could make his ECHL debut that night as well – Minnesota Wild forward Devin Setoguchi. Signed by the Reign last week, he’s yet to play due to visa issues. However, Ontario coach Jason Christie has confirmed to MayorsManor that he filed the necessary paperwork late last week and he’s hopeful of having things resolved in time for tomorrow night’s game.
[UPDATE: Confirmed, Setoguchi will play on Wednesday and he’ll wear #8]
It should be an interesting re-match too, as a few weeks ago the Bulls came to town and had a three goal lead with just a few minutes left to play in regulation. In an amazing turn of events, the Reign came back to tie things up and went on to win 5-4 in a shootout. Photos from that game can be seen here.
NOTE: all photos were taken by David Sheehan exclusively for MayorsManor
