With three points in their past two games, including their first win of the 2021 season on Wednesday, the Reign will take to the ice later tonight for a rematch with the visiting Colorado Eagles.
As of around 1pm, the lineup situation was still a bit in flux.
From what we’ve been able to gather, rookie Alex Turcotte is likely out again tonight. He remains day-to-day.
In goal, the Reign will turn back to veteran netminder JF Berube, who was solid in his last start – coming last Sunday against the Tucson Roadrunners.
There is a possibility they’ll roll with a 11 forwards and 7 defensemen again. However, we’re led to believe that decision likely won’t come until the pregame skate.
Ontario Reign Projected Lineup for Friday 2/19 vs. Colorado Eagles
Tyler Madden – Quinton Byfield – Arthur Kaliyev
Blaine Byron – Rasmus Kupari – Sammy Fagemo
Mikey Eyssimont – Akil Thomas – Nick Halloran
Aidan Dudas – Brett Sutter – Jacob Doty
Daniel Brickley – Kale Clague
Cameron Gaunce – Sean Durzi
Cole Hults – Mark Alt
JF Berube (starter)
Matt Villalta
With so many things still TBD, we’ll throw this out for fun…
MayorsManor Suggested Reign Lineup for 2/19 vs. Eagles
Tyler Madden – Rasmus Kupari – Sammy Fagemo
Mikey Eyssimont – Akil Thomas – Aidan Dudas
Blaine Byron – Quinton Byfield – Arthur Kaliyev
Nick Halloran – Brett Sutter – Jacob Doty
Daniel Brickley – Kale Clague
Cole Hults – Mark Alt
Cameron Gaunce – Sean Durzi
JF Berube (starter)
Matt Villalta
Puck drop is scheduled for 6pm PST. All Ontario Reign games can be streamed through AHL TV. Special reminder, tonight’s game can also be streamed for free as part of the AHL’s Facebook Game of the Week.
Below are some brief pregame comments from Quinton Byfield:
On any differences he’s noticed between the AHL and OHL
I think it’s a lot faster, the guys are a lot older, physically more mature. The corner battles are definitely a little bit tougher. I’m getting used to that and getting up to speed, is something I’ve been working on. I think I’ve gotten better as the season progresses. I just want to keep improving on that, but it’s definitely a little bit more of a challenge and big step up from the OHL.
On the vision and hockey IQ of Tyler Madden
He’s a great player, a great skater, has a good shot, and sees the ice really well. He’s just easy to play with. You get him the puck and you’re probably gonna get an entry in the zone, and get some o-zone time. I think we’re gonna create quite a bit of plays together. He’s a outstanding player.
On what the developmental staff would like to see him improve on in the short-term
Staying under the puck a little bit more and coming under wingers with speed. Picking up the puck and being able to carry it throughout the neutral zone and attacking off the rush, things like that. My faceoffs have improved lately, but the first two games I wasn’t too solid. I need to work on that quite a bit.
On what he is gaining from playing in the AHL versus the OHL
It’s a pro league and it’s a lot of NHLers have played in the American League and a lot of guys who could be in the NHL right now are in the American League. It’s very competitive and everyone’s looking to make the next step to the NHL. Everyone has those goals. It’s a lot older league, as well. The OHL you can only play up to 20, here you can play for however long you can. I think it’s just more physically mature and more professional.
On playing with Akil Thomas
He’s a great 200-foot player. He’s a great competitor, you see it all around the ice – he’ll block shots, he’ll make hits, his skills just unbelievable. He can just make plays and he creates a lot of plays for his linemates. I think he’s a real key part of that line, as well.
On if he has worked with Jarett Stoll on faceoffs and some of the other developmental coaches
I was working with Stoll on faceoffs; we worked together a few times now on timing and different strategies to counter face-offs, little things like that. He was a really good centerman on draws and I’m trying to pick up all the points he’s given me and trying to use them. It takes time, but once I get used to that, I think I’m gonna be really good at it.
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