Ontario’s three-game winning streak came to an end Saturday night in the Arizona desert. In five previous games vs. Tucson this season, the Roadrunners and Reign had combined for an average of 9.8 goals per game, and they exceeded that mark in the first of their back-to-back series this weekend. A goal by Sammy Fagemo with about two minutes remaining in regulation made things interesting, yet the Reign ended up on the wrong side of a 6-5 final.
Spence ties the game at 1 with his 3rd goal of the season!
ASST Wolanin(9), Tynan(49)#Reign pic.twitter.com/OnwqF4hKVl
— Eric (@kingsgifs2) February 27, 2022
Kupari gives the #Reign the lead 4-3!
Assisted by: Vilardi(19) pic.twitter.com/z00hFj6AmD
— Eric (@kingsgifs2) February 27, 2022
Fagemo scores on the powerplay! His 16th goal of the season. #Reign
ASST: Spence(34), Tynan(51) pic.twitter.com/I6Y2mhgkTu
— Eric (@kingsgifs2) February 27, 2022
For Sunday’s rematch, the Reign have three roster changes in play from what we’re hearing. Defensively, Markus Phillips will be replaced by Christian Kasastul to round out the six blueline players. Up front, Akil Thomas is set to sit out, allowing Aidan Dudas to draw back in. Thomas had double shoulder surgery last summer and returned to the lineup in early December. After being a runner-up for Player of the Year honors last season and tabbed as Most Likely to Breakout in 2021-22, the 22-year-old forward has been slow to regain his previous form. In 17 games thus far this season, Thomas has recorded a single assist. He joined us on KOTP a few months back to discuss his journey (linked below).
In goal, the Reign will give John Lethemon his first AHL start. Signed as a depth goalie, the former Michigan State netminder has appeared in 20 ECHL games this season, posting a 2.40 goals against average and .914 save percentage.
ONTARIO REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. TUCSON ROADRUNNERS on 2/27
Vilardi – Kupari – Fagemo
Madden – Tynan – Frk
Tkachev – JAD – Dudas
Wagner – Sutter – Doty
Other options include: Burke, Sodergran, Turcotte, Thomas
Gaunce – Spence
Wolanin – Grans
Kasastul – Strand
Other options include: Phillips
Lethemon (starter)
Villalta
Puck drop is scheduled for 2pm today and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
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Lead photo via Mike Zitek
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I believe we previously had Lethemon at some point in the past but never played. Am I correct.???
He’s been up with Reign previously, yes (on an AHL contract).