Condors drop heartbreaker in Ontario, 2-1

ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign (12-9-1-1, 26pts) scored a power play goal with just four seconds left in regulation, narrowly coming away with a 2-1 victory over the Bakersfield Condors (6-17-2-0, 14pts) at Citizens Business Bank Arena Wednesday night.

It didn’t take long for the home team to take the 1-0 lead. D Chris Huxley lit the lamp just 40 seconds in to give Ontario the advantage. It was the only tally of the first frame, with Condors G Matt Keetley stopping 16 shots and Reign G Dustin Carlson making nine saves. The goal came on Ontario’s first shot of the night.

Bakersfield was outshot 17-11 in the middle stanza. They missed several quality chances to tie it up, including LW Jesse Gimblett’s breakaway chance in the opening minutes of the period, and a pair of power plays, only to be denied by Carlson. Meanwhile, Keetly was strong, kicking out 33 shots through 40 minutes.

After killing off a two-man advantage for Ontario early in the period, the Condors went on the attack. They were rewarded when LW Matt Marquardt tied it up on a breakaway at 5:13. But an Ontario power play in the waning minutes led to the game winner. C C.J. Stretch poked home a loose puck with just 4.4 seconds left in regulation to record the game winner. Keetley finished the night with 48 saves, surrendering goals on only Ontario first and last of their 50 shots on the game.

Bakersfield’s road trip continues on to Las Vegas on Friday and Saturday, wrapping up their five-game, three-city road trip. Both games start at 7 p.m.

Tune in to all the action on Fox Sports Radio 970 AM, www.foxsports970am.com, or through the iheartradio app. In addition, the game will be streamed live through the official pay-per-view provider of the ECHL, www.americaone.com.

They return to home ice on Wednesday, Dec. 21 against the Colorado Eagles for High School/College ID Night, sponsored by My45 and La Campesina 92.5. Any high school or college student can purchase a lower level ticket for just $1 by presenting your student ID at the box office.

Holiday 4-Pack Plans are a great gift for those that like to have fun and need the perfect stocking stuffer for the Holidays! Plans start at just $32. For more information or to reserve your tickets call 324-PUCK (7825) today.

Individual tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and the Rabobank Arena box office by calling 1-800-745-3000. Box office hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays with extended hours on game days. For more information on ticket packages, exciting promotions, and to sign up for the Kids Club for just $10, log on to www.bakersfieldcondors.com.