Reign Recap: Ontario Defeats Coachella 4-2; Lee and Fagemo Each Score A Pair

Backed by strong performances from forwards Andre Lee and Sammy Fagemo, the Ontario Reign defeated the visiting Coachella Valley Firebirds 4-2 on Friday evening at Toyota Arena. Both players netted two goals in the victory, including Lee’s first multi-goal game of his pro career.

Ontario’s offense was firing on all cylinders early in the first period. Lee opened the scoring by firing home a wrister shortly after forcing a turnover in the offensive zone. Less than three minutes later, the Swedish native found the back of the net for a second time, as he pounced on a loose puck around the crease to give the Reign a two-goal cushion. However, Coachella would strike seconds later to get within one.

Past the midway mark of the middle period, Fagemo tallied his 15th goal of the season when he blasted a one-time shot into the back of the net. Once again, though, Ontario’s two goal lead would not last long. Coachella answered back just 18 seconds later, making it a 3-2 game after 40 minutes.

In the early going of the final frame, defenseman Helge Grans thought he had scored; however, it was immediately waived off due to goaltender interference. Moments later, Fagemo potted his second of the evening to extend Ontario’s lead to a pair, capping off a beautiful passing play by T.J. Tynan with a one-timer missile. From there, the Reign managed to stifle a late comeback bid by the Firebirds to complete one of their more impressive wins of late.

Goaltender Cal Petersen made 20 saves en route to his 12th win of the season.