OJR Stays Hot, Picks Up Fifth Straight Win

Don’t look now, but the boys in black and silver are on a roll, sweeping the Northwest division powerhouse Vernal Oilers (6-3-1) in this brief two game series. This game was very similar to last Friday’s game, but also different in some extremely good ways. The Ontario Jr Reign (9-4-0) were even more dominant in this game than they were in their last, holding an insurmountable 6-0 lead before the third period even began. 

Photo by Sophia Mitchell

The key to this victory for Ontario seemed to be implementing the same gameplan as last Friday’s, and why would they not when the results are this good. The excellent special teams play from the entire team carried over from the last game, but they took it to another level in this game. The Jr Reign converted three separate times on the power play, and killed numerous Oiler power plays. 

Monday’s morning’s game had the physicality turned up to 11. There were 26 total penalties compared to the last game’s 13. There were many more opposing power plays for the Jr Reign to kill in this game. Which makes it all the more impressive that they did not allow a single Oilers’ goal on a power play in this game. It is a good thing for the team to know that they can bring out their hard hat and lunch pail attitude when the game calls for it and still limit the amount of damage their opponents can do on the power play. 

The Jr Reign controlled the puck throughout the game and the passing game was on point. Seven different Ontario players recorded an assist. Eamon Julian led all players in assists with his two on the night, his seventh and eighth of the year. With six assists in his past three games, it seems as if something has really clicked for the Jr Reign captain. Through 13 games this season he is only one assist away from matching his total from last year.   

Tristen Friedman got the scoring started for Ontario with his fourth goal of the year. Kaedin Larocque-Wolfe doubled up on goals for the second straight game in a row. His 17 goals on the year have him sitting firmly in fifth place in the USPHL Premier, and only three behind the top spot. Larocque-Wolfe also converted two of Ontario’s three power play goals. Chris Lai chipped in two goals, it was his first multi-goal game of the season. Nicholas Fiolleau has scored a goal in three straight games, and has scored in four out of his last five. 

The Jr Reign return to action this Friday Nov. 3 at 8:40 p.m. when they welcome the rival San Diego Sabers back to Ontario Center Ice Arena. It’s Armed Forces Appreciation Night, tickets are free for all current and veteran servicemen and servicewomen with valid military ID. Don’t miss out on performances by Zzay & Fam Likely and as always tasty tacos provided by Bubba’s Tacos. 

Catch all the high flying, hard hitting hockey action and purchase your tickets today! 

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