Rampage Spoil Season Opener for the Reign
- Updated: October 9, 2017
Gone are Jonny Brodzinski, Adrian Kempe, and Paul LaDue since they are on another team about 40 miles due west of the 10 Freeway, but the Ontario Reign still promises to be a winner, given its three preseason victories – over the San Diego Gulls 4-3, the Tuscon Roadrunners 5-3 and the Gulls 2-1.
Just not in the season opener.
A 2-1 loss to the San Antonio Rampage at the AT&T Center Saturday spoiled that win column already.
Outshot 32-19, the Reign’s lone goal came from Michael Mersch at 13:23 of the second period after he stole the puck from goalie Spencer Martin.
The team was already down 2-0, and there wasn’t much spark available for a complete comeback.
Said Reign coach John Strothers, “We just need to be ready to play right from the start. Took too long to get our feet moving. You can’t make plays standing still. We will get back to work this week with some good practices.”
Reign goalie Jack Campbell made 30 saves in the loss. Martin made 18 saves.
In the Reign’s 10th season, forward Justin Auger appeared in his 200th professional game. Next time, maybe we can also celebrate with a win.
The Reign’s next game is Friday, October 13 against the Iowa Wild at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
*Featured Photo provided by Michael Zitek.
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