McKenna, Laberge lift Stars to 2OT win

Photo: Jessica Harsen

Samuel Laberge scored 17:38 into the second overtime period to give the Texas Stars a 5-4 win over Ontario on Sunday evening and a 2-1 lead in their Pacific Division semifinal series.

Game 4 of the best-of-five set is Tuesday night in Ontario.

After Mike McKenna made a sprawling stop on Michael Mersch in the Texas end, Gavin Bayreuther sprung Laberge with a long outlet pass and Laberge snapped a shot from between the circles that beat Cal Petersen, ending the longest game in both teams’ histories.

McKenna (2-1) came on in relief for the Stars at the 9:19 mark of the second period after Landon Bow had allowed four Reign goals on 22 shots. McKenna went on to stop all 44 shots he faced, including 28 in the sudden-death OT periods.

Justin Dowling and Travis Morin recorded a goal and an assist each for Texas while Remi Elie and Colin Markison also scored. The Stars came back from 2-0, 3-1 and 4-3 deficits to win.

Mike Amadio led the Reign with a goal and two assists on the night. Petersen (1-2) finished with 39 saves.

Pacific Division Semifinals – Series “H” (best-of-5)
P2-Texas Stars vs. P3-Ontario Reign
Game 1 – Thu., Apr. 19 – TEXAS 4, Ontario 3 (OT) | Recap
Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 20 – Ontario 5, TEXAS 1 | Recap
Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 22 – Texas 5, ONTARIO 4 (2OT)
Game 4 – Tue., Apr. 24 – Texas at Ontario, 10:00
*Game 5 – Mon., Apr. 30 – Ontario at Texas, 8:00
*if necessary… All times Eastern