The Ontario Reign kicked off their Calder Cup defense and inaugural season in style last Saturday, dominating Edmonton affiliate Bakersfield Condors 5-0.
The Condors never had a chance. Ontario's defensive discipline was stifling, while their forecheck feasted. Ultimately, Bakersfield was doomed by their own carelessness with the puck and netminder Laurent Brossoit's poor rebound control. Some player observations:
- Mersch was magnificent, demonstrating that he was neither fazed by his demotion nor the loss of star linemates Jordan Weal and Brian O'Neill. He created multiple scoring chances with his forecheck, including a couple while shorthanded.