The Ontario Reign swept past the San Diego Gulls in a 2-0 game Friday night. Photo by Chris Stone
The Ontario Reign swept past the San Diego Gulls in a 2-0 game Friday night. Photo by Chris Stone

The San Diego Gulls suffered their fifth shutout of the season, and second to the Ontario Reign, as Peter Budaj made 21 saves in a 2- 0 victory Friday night at Valley View Casino Center.

The hometown hockey team was held scoreless on its three power-play opportunities. They are 2-for-16 on the power play in their last four games.

Michael Mersch scored his 14th goal of the season on $2 beer night with 6 seconds left in the first period for the Pacific Division-leading Reign (25-10-3-1), the Los Angeles Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate.

A cup in each hand was a common sight during the Friday Night Beer Night. Photo by Chris Stone
A cup in each hand was a common sight during the Friday Night Beer Night. Photo by Chris Stone

Defenseman Jeff Schultz scored a power-play goal at 5:52 of the second period before a crowd announced at 11,583. Ontario was 1-for-4 on the power play.

Matt Hackett made 28 saves for the Gulls (19-18-1-1), the Anaheim Ducks’ AHL affiliate.

The shutout was Budaj’s sixth of the season.

Defensmen Stu Bickel of the Gulls and Kurtis MacDermid both drew five-minute major penalties for their fight at 6:47 of the first period.

Bickel and MacDermid both lead their teams in penalty minutes. Bickel has 125 and MacDermid 77.

The Gulls offer $2 beers at Friday night home games starting two hours before the game and running until one hour after puck drop.

The Gulls resume play Friday night, playing host to the Stockton Heat, the Calgary Flames’ AHL affiliate at Valley View Casino Center.

— City News Service

Photo by Chris Stone
Goalie Matt Hackett makes a stop. Photo by Chris Stone
A fan enjoys a lighthearted moment at the Gulls-Ontario game Friday. Photo by Chris Stone
Gull Joseph Cramarossa waits for the face-off. Photo by Chris Stone
Gulls Chris Mueller (left) and Andrew O’Brien discuss a previous play. Photo by Chris Stone
Jaycob Megna waits for the face-off. Photo by Chris Stone
Gull Joseph Cramarossa follows the puck. Photo by Chris Stone
Children cheer for the Gull audience cameras. Photo by Chris Stone
Opposing players are set for a face-off. Photo by Chris Stone
A fan buries his head in the final minute of the Gulls-Ontario game when the loss loomed. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Gull Antoine Laganiere. Photo by Chris Stone
A fan gestures toward the Gulls in the final minute of the game, encouraging a goal. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Gull Jaycob Megna fights for the puck. Photo by Chris Stone
A fan starts a cheer in the first period. Photo by Chris Stone
Gull Harry Zolnierczyk lies motionless after a spill. After a delay, he got up and was led to the bench. Photo by Chris Stone
The Ontario Reign goalie successfully guards the goal. Photo by Chris Stone
Children cheer and mug for the Gull audience cameras. Photo by Chris Stone
A gloves-off skirmish involving Gull Stu Bickel got fans cheering. Photo by Chris Stone
Harry Zolnierczyk, left wing, loses his helmet in a fall. Photo by Chris Stone
A cup in each hand was a common sight during the Friday Night Beer Night. Photo by Chris Stone
The Ontario Reign shut out the Gulls 2-0. Photo by Chris Stone
Kyle MacKinnon pursues the puck. Photo by Chris Stone
The Ontario Reign shut out the Gulls 2-0. Photo by Chris Stone
A gloves-off fight excited the crowd in the first period of the Gulls-Ontario game. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Gulls players watch from the bench. Photo by Chris Stone
Gull Shea Theodore goes after the puck along with an Ontario player. Photo by Chris Stone
Harry Zolnierczyk, left wing, protects his head after landing on his back during the Gulls-Ontario matchup. Photo by Chris Stone