Trailing most of the game at Toyota Arena on Sunday, the Ontario Reign – more specifically, Samuel Helenius – erupted with two quick goals in the final 1:15 of regulation to flip the script and pull out a win against the visiting San Jose Barracuda.
Facing-off in the second of their back-to-back opening weekend series against the Barracuda, it was coach Marco Sturm’s squad who struck first, just 1:33 after puck drop. Tyler Madden (1) finished a rebound off the back boards and snuck home a 1-0 lead. Martin Chromiak and rookie Jakub Dvorak were credited with assists.
From there, Ontario lost the edge and allowed three consecutive goals to San Jose across the next 20 minutes of play. In that stretch, Ontario had the shooting advantage of 14-8; however, San Jose was able to get three goals past Phoenix Copley on only eight shots.
At 2:12 of the second period, Chromiak (1) narrowed the deficit to 3-2 when he took a pass from Tyler Madden and fired a swift wrister from the high dots to beat the Barracuda goaltender – screened by Jack Studnicka.
It was just the spark Ontario needed, as the home team mounted a strong effort against the visitors to find the equalizer, outshooting the visitors 24-14 the rest of the way.
With Copley pulled and skating with six attackers, Helenius (1) one-timed the game-tying goal from the slot after passes from Glenn Gawdin and Joe Hicketts with 1:15 left in regulation.
Then, just 41 seconds later, Helenius (2) did it again, snapping another one-timer from nearly the same spot in the slot — this time off a crisp pass from newcomer Jeff Malott.
The Reign held on for a rather spirited first win of the season, splitting the opening weekend series 1-1.
Copley’s Return: Copley picked up his first professional win since his major knee injury nearly one year ago. While a few pucks snuck by him early, the 32-year-old veteran netminder seemed to get better as the game wore on, which was to be expected after being held out of competitive play since December 10, 2023 with the LA Kings.
Dvorak; First Game, First Shift, First Point: Playing in his first professional game in North America, Dvorak picked up his first assist on the game’s opening goal. It was a sequence that all began when the 19-year-old held the blue line on a clearing attempt and directed the puck to remain onside. From there, Chromiak was able to get the puck towards the net for Madden to put away. It was a skillful play requiring poise from such a young player.
Hello Helenius!: The big pivot was one of the last players cut from NHL training camp after convincing many he might stick around a bit longer than he did. Partly due to the crowded Kings roster in LA, Helenius was sent to Ontario to start the season and continue upon the progress he’s already shown. Playing in an elevated role and seeing usage late in games that he didn’t always see last season, the 6-foot-6 centerman will likely be leaned on to be an impact player for the Reign. He certainly rose to the occasion Sunday, with two goals – the game-tying and game-winning goals. More on Helenius, here.
Multi-point Night: Reign veteran Madden (1G, 1A), the aforementioned Helenius (2G), and Chromiak (1G, 1A) led the team with multiple point efforts against San Jose.
Up Next: Ontario will host the Bakersfield Condors this coming Friday at 7:00 pm Pacific Time at Toyota Arena.
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