Still looking for their first victory of 2019, the San Diego Gulls dropped their fifth consecutive match to continue their dreadful start. At home, the Gulls lost to the upstate rival Ontario Reign in a 6-2 affair.

Ontario started off the scoring in the first period with a goal by left wing Carl Grundstrom four minutes into the game.

The Gulls were unsuccessful in two power plays in the opening third of the game, while the Reign were unsuccessful in one power play. The Reign led 1-0 after 20 minutes.

The start to the second period of hockey looked promising for San Diego, who quickly got a shot off Ontario’s goaltender within 11 seconds and went on a power play two seconds later. However, the Gulls did not get the full two minutes as San Diego’s left wing Blake Pietila was penalized for interference.

Later on in the middle third of the rivalry game, just 17 seconds after going down 2-0 to the Reign, Gulls’ center Simon Benoit scored his first goal of the season, assisted by centers Sam Carrick and Antoine Morand. Carrick recorded his second assist and point of the year, while Morand earned the first point in his professional career.

Through the first 40 minutes, fourth-year veteran Kevin Boyle saved 14 shots but gave up two scoring goals to Ontario. The Reign led 2-1 going two-thirds through the game.

The third period was a mess for the San Diego Gulls as they blew their shot at taking the lead from the Reign. Kevin Boyle gave up four goals on 11 shots while Chris Wideman scored the Gulls’ lone power play goal.

The Gulls continually struggle while on the power play. They went 1-for-8 with the advantage on another disappointing night for San Diego.

The two teams will rematch in Ontario Saturday at Toyota Arena. The puck drop will be at 6 p.m. PT with streaming available on AHL TV and available on radio on San Diego Gulls Audio Network.