Recap: Monsters, Reign Split Weekend Series
Ontario Reign (2) at Cleveland Monsters (1)
Attendance: 6,290
Starters
Monsters
Vigneault-Thurkauf-Koules
Siebenaler-Benoit
Kivlenieks
Reign
Sutter-Luff-Herr
Gravel-LaDue
Campbell
Monsters Lines
Forwards
Broadhurst-Pendenza-Bittner
Motte-Camper-Hodgson
Thurkauf-Vigneault-Koules
Gallant-Scott-Maletta
Defense
Ramage-Gaunce
Benoit-Siebenaler
Kukan-Collins
Goal Recap
Sean Walker fired a rocket from just below the blue line to kick things off for the Ontario Reign 5:30 into the game.
The next Reign goal would come about a minute later when Michael Mersch scored after scooping up his own rebound.
The Monsters finally got on the board 7:27 into the second period. Tyler Motte scored his fourth goal of the weekend after receiving a beautiful pass from Dean Kukan.
But Wait! There's More
Quick Thoughts
- The Monsters had a lackluster first period. The play was slow. The fight between Brett Gallant and Jamie Devane was uneventful. Even the “Woo Birds” needed a pep in their woos. There were nine turnovers by the Monsters at the Reign's blueline in the first period. By the third period, the Monsters were back in normal shape. /
“It was a tough game to get going on but I thought the second period we played better. The third period we played pretty good as well.” - Coach John Madden
- The PK Unit of Ramage, Scott, Benoit, and Maletta let in both of the Reign's goals. The special teams still need to tighten up their play.
- Calvin Thurkauf laid some nice board-rattling hits during the second period.
- The Reign were left alone at the blueline a lot. A good number of their shots on goal were fired from the blue line or just below the blueline.
- Carter Camper's passes are unbelieveably skilled. Some of his drop passes are straight fire.
- Joe Pendenza spent the third period attacking the net like a madman. It's a shame none of those shots turned into goals.
- The Monsters had 24 minutes worth of penalties tonight. The best thing they can do from here on out is stay out of the box. /
“We've got to stay out of the box. No team in the league can take four penalties in the first period and expect to have a good first period.” - Coach John Madden
- For two teams who started the season struggling on the power play it was interesting all three goals were power play goals. /
3 Stars
1st – Jack Campbell (34 saves, 35 shots faced, TOI:59:11)
2nd – Michael Mersch (1g, 0a)
3rd – Tyler Motte (1g,0a)
Game Stats
Milestones
Sam Vigneault's fight with Kevin Gravel was his first professional fight.
Captaincy Report
Still no captain in sight. However, Andre Benoit, Alex Broadhurst, and Carter Camper were all rocking the A tonight.
What's Next
The Rockford IceHogs come to town on Halloween. The game starts at 7pm and there will be trick-or-treating before the game on the concourse. Don't forget to dress up!