Chromiak Leads Ontario Reign to Victory, Slovak Players Shine in AHL Action
ONTARIO, CA – Martin Chromiak continued his impressive season in the American Hockey League, leading the Ontario Reign to a 3-2 victory over the Tucson Roadrunners on Saturday. The Los Angeles Kings prospect notched two goals and an assist, earning first-star honors in a game that secured the Reign’s playoff berth. Several other Slovak players similarly made significant contributions across the AHL, highlighting a strong showing for the nation’s talent in North America.
Chromiak’s Dominant Performance
Chromiak opened the scoring with just five seconds remaining in the first period, capitalizing on a power play opportunity. Finding space between the circles, he fired a quick shot that beat the Roadrunners’ goaltender. The goal ignited the Reign offense and set the tone for the evening.
The 23-year-old forward wasn’t finished there. In the second period, he registered an assist as the Reign extended their lead just before the intermission. Chromiak was instrumental in the play’s setup, initiating the sequence that led to the goal.
The decisive moment came early in the third period. A two-on-one rush saw Glenn Gawdin feed Chromiak, who buried his second goal of the night, securing the win for Ontario. This victory officially clinched a playoff spot for the Reign.
Season-Best Numbers for Chromiak
With the two-goal, one-assist performance, Chromiak now has 49 points (24 goals, 25 assists) in 63 games this season. This represents a significant improvement over his previous career high of 39 points last season. The fifth-round pick (128th overall in 2020) by the Kings is rapidly developing into a key offensive threat for the Reign. According to Elite Prospects, Chromiak possesses “above-average shot and passing skills” and a “legit weapon” of a one-timer.
Pekarčík and Jedlička Also Discover the Score Sheet
Chromiak wasn’t the only Slovak making waves in the AHL on Saturday. Juraj Pekarčík of the Springfield Thunderbirds also found the back of the net, scoring the game-winning goal in a 52nd-minute strike against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Pekarčík, in his first AHL season, has 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in 61 games. He also added an assist on a power-play goal by Hugh McGing.
Maroš Jedlička also contributed for the Colorado Eagles, scoring his third goal of the season in a 6-3 win over the Calgary Wranglers. Jedlička scored in the 9th minute and also engaged in a spirited fight, receiving a five-minute penalty. He currently has three goals and six assists in 37 games this season.
Looking Ahead
Martin Chromiak and the Ontario Reign will continue their push towards the Calder Cup playoffs. The team’s success hinges on Chromiak’s continued offensive production and the strong play of their goaltending and defense. Juraj Pekarčík and the Springfield Thunderbirds will look to build on their recent success as they battle for a playoff position in the Atlantic Division. Maroš Jedlička and the Colorado Eagles will aim to maintain their momentum as they navigate the remainder of the regular season.
The AHL season is heating up as teams jockey for playoff positioning. With several talented Slovak players making significant contributions, the league is showcasing a diverse range of skill and determination. Fans can follow the AHL season and track the progress of these players on the official AHL website: https://theahl.com/.
