Neither the Ontario Reign nor their parent club, the LA Kings, got off to the best of starts last season. However, just a few days ago the Kings saw a reversal of fortune at Staples Center. They produced a 6-2 victory over a division rival leaving them feeling pretty good entering the weekend. Now, their top affiliate is looking to do the same thing, when the Reign take on their own division rival in the San Diego Gulls on Saturday night.
To say the Reign and Gulls don’t like each other would be beyond an understatement. It’s often referred to as the best rivalry in all of the AHL. Yet, it’s taking on a bit of a new look this season, as both teams feature (fairly) new coaches. While John Wroblewski technically coached the Reign last season, he did so out of the team’s practice facility in El Segundo. Tonight will mark his official debut behind the bench at Toyota Arena in Ontario.
On the opposition bench, San Diego parted ways with Kevin Dineen and now have Joel Bouchard in charge. It was a move Ducks GM Bob Murray said was designed to emphasize the commitment to development being placed throughout the organization right now. And why not? With all of the high-end talent they have in the pipeline — similar to the Kings — what happens over the next two to three years could impact the direction of their NHL club for the next decade.
Two key changes for the Reign tonight are the absence of Rasmus Kupari and Christian Wolanin. One was recalled to the NHL and the latter was claimed by Buffalo on waivers. See the article linked below for more information.
Introducing No. 15 Austin Wagner of the @ontarioreign pic.twitter.com/ie0olcLrZg
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) October 15, 2021
In one of the more surprising Ontario Reign moves, we're hearing vet defenseman Cameron Gaunce will be sticking around for a bit. Came to camp on PTO.
Nothing against the player, just that Reign blueline is full (Clague, Durzi, Strand, Moverare, Spence, Grans, etc) – yet young.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) October 12, 2021
ONTARIO REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. SAN DIEGO GULLS on 10/16
Madden – Tynan – Frk
Johnson – Turcotte – Fagemo
Wagner – JAD – Dudas
Burke – Sutter – Sodergran
Other options include: Doty and Pavlychev
Clague – Strand
Moverare – Durzi
Gaunce – Spence
Other options include: Grans and Phillips
Villalta (starter)
Ingham
Other options include: Sparks
Puck drop is scheduled for 6pm tonight in Ontario and can be viewed via AHL TV.
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