‘Expect the unexpected,’ is a common phrase in the world of minor league hockey and it certainly rings true today.
Friday night was supposed to bring the opening frame of a two-game weekend set in Ontario. Instead, the Reign and visiting Bakersfield Condors will likely be getting a night off thanks to an ice machine issue at Toyota Arena.
Details remain a bit sketchy at the moment. However, from what we understand, the ice machine was deactivated sometime on Thanksgiving afternoon — meaning the ice had potentially been melting for somewhere between 12-24 hours.
Team officials have been left scrambling this morning to determine if the game can be saved. From what we’re hearing, though, it doesn’t sound too promising. When we inquired with our Reign management sources about possible alternate solutions — i.e. the game being played at TSPC in El Segundo or being relocated to Bakersfield — we were told “if needed” the game will be postponed to a later date.
Given the gravity of the situation and time needed for proper ice repairs, that appears where things are headed.
If an official announcement is released soon, we would also expect more information to be made available regarding Saturday’s scheduled game vs. the San Jose Barracuda. Early indications provided to MayorsManor suggested that game was probably not in jeopardy.
We shall see, as this story further develops in the hours ahead.
UPDATE: Both the Friday and Saturday games have officially been postponed. The new dates are TBD.
NOTE: The image used in this article is from our inventory, it was not taken today.
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