Ontario Jr. Reign Dominate San Diego Sabers to Open 2024 Campaign

The Ontario Jr. Reign opened the 2024 season with back-to-back games against the San Diego Sabers on Sept. 21 and Sept. 22. The Jr. Reign showcased offensive dominance, scoring 15 goals across both games and securing a weekend sweep over the Sabers.

Game 1 at Center Ice Arena started with a flurry of action as the Sabers found the back of the net within the first minute. Darian Sinclair tied the game for the Jr. Reign just a minute later, marking the team's first goal of the season.

The Jr. Reign briefly fell behind, but Luke Cannon capitalized on a power-play opportunity to tie the game at 2-2. The Sabers responded with a power-play goal of their own, only for returning playmaker  Chris Lai to even the score at 3-3 by the end of the first period.

The second period belonged to the Jr. Reign. Lai scored his second goal of the night within two minutes of play, and Eddie Cochrane added a short-handed goal to extend the lead. Cannon followed up with his second goal of the game, bringing the score to 6-3.

Ayden Henry joined the scoring action, making it 7-3 just five minutes into the second period. San Diego pulled one back with a power-play goal, but Dylan Gerber quickly responded with a power-play goal of his own, putting the score at 8-4 after two periods.

In the third period, Lai completed his hat trick, and Henry netted his second goal, bringing the Jr. Reign’s total to double digits. The Sabers managed one more goal, but Ontario held on for a decisive 10-5 victory. Jr. Reign goalie Nikolas Charles made 28 saves on 30 shots through 40 minutes of play.

The Ontario Jr. Reign then traveled to Carlsbad for their first road game of the season, aiming to maintain their offensive momentum.

The opening period was quiet compared to the previous game, with neither team scoring despite each side recording 12 shots on goal.

Sinclair again opened the scoring for the Jr. Reign early in the second period. Continuing the offensive pressure, defenseman Mason Geng added another goal, making it 2-0 by the end of 40 minutes.

The Sabers made things interesting in the third period by cutting the lead to 2-1. However, Lai answered with a short-handed goal, followed by back-to-back short-handed goals from Henry and Jason Andrade in the final minutes. The Jr. Reign secured a 5-1 victory. Goaltender Domenik McInenly made 33 saves, allowing only one goal.

The Ontario Jr. Reign continues the 2024 campaign as their next opponent is the Ventura Vikings. Come out and support at the Center Ice Arena on Friday Sept. 27 at 8:45pm.