Sunday Matinee Massacre - Nine Different OJR Players Score in 10-2 Victory To Sweep Shredders

The Ontario Jr Reign (7-4-0) completed the series sweep against the Long Beach Shredders (5-8-0) on Sunday night. It was about as complete a game as you could ask for, with contributions coming from every Jr Reign player that touched the ice. On a night where everyone contributed, Kash Henkelman was the player of the game with two goals and two assists. 

Ontario played with physicality, pace and purpose all night long. Several bone crushing hits were delivered to unfortunate Shredders throughout the night, Amir Shakirov the hits parade leader, living up to his reputation as the most feared man in the Pacific division. 

Photo by Mike Zitek

Just as they did on Friday, the OJR stormed to a commanding lead and never looked back. Noah Maley opened the scoring burying a feed from Eamon Julian. Koch and Henkelman added one goal a piece before the first intermission.  

Long Beach tried to make a game of it with a goal a minute into the second period, however, Ontario responded shortly only minutes later. Goals from Cooper Kantola on a powerplay, Nicholas Fiolleau, and Diego Flota gave the Jr Reign a commanding 6-1 lead heading into the third period. 

To begin the third Henkleman added his second of the night, Rhys Doyle got in on the scoring parade with his seventh of the season. It was also a night of firsts for two members of the Jr Reign. Long Beach scored their second goal of the night, but Mason Welsh responded immediately with his first goal of the season tickling the top corner twine not even a minute later. Finally, Baden Powell wrapped a bow on Ontario’s outstanding performance with his first goal as a member of the Jr Reign as the game came to a close. 

Photo by Mike Zitek

Eight different Jr Reign players recorded an assist, including seven with multiple assists. 

The afternoon was particularly eventful with a number of special guests and performances. An incendiary performance by local inland empire all girls rock group Tommorows Anthem entertained the crowd during the intermissions. A sublime figure skating performance by young Aalia Cheng. Billet brother to Amir Shakirov and Diego Flota and local youth Empire hockey Ethan Burr got the OJR dressing room fired up with a rollicking starting lineup announcement prior to puck drop. The friends of the Upland animal shelter were proud game sponsors and shared with the crowd their programs important mission.  The night was capped off with the IE's tastiest taco man, Bubba's Tacos generously providing a delicious post-game meal for the entire team and staff celebrating the victory in the parking lot of Center Ice. 

The Jr Reign are back in action next week Friday Oct. 27 840 PM when they host the Vernal Oilers at Ontario Center Ice Arena. Catch all the high flying, hard hitting hockey action and purchase your tickets today! 

Purchase Tickets