Despite them not playing each other very often, the Eagles and Reign have proven to be fairly evenly matched over the past several years. Even this season, Ontario held a 1-1-1 record over Colorado in 2021-22 heading into this week’s trio of games.
And although the Eagles can’t really claim a true ‘playoff win’ over the Reign after eliminating them in a makeshift, single elimination tournament last season — along with any lack of real geographic rivalry — there’s been something brewing under the surface.
Even without all the usual hockey clues that would point to something rather serious between two clubs, the tension doesn’t go unnoticed. On paper, they’re they’re really built quite differently; yet there remains this odd mix of respect, dislike, and parity between the clubs that seems to find its way to the forefront every time they play.
After the Reign took Game 1 of their three-game series in Colorado this week, the Eagles rebounded with a decisive victory last night. Now, in the rubber match, they’ll try to settle things… before possibly facing off again in the postseason — should each team advance out of the first round.
There will be a few lineup changes for tonight — including David Hrenak and Vladimir Tkachev drawing in. The most noteworthy change will be the AHL debut of Tyler Inamoto on defense.
Ontario Reign roster move…
They've signed defenseman Tyler Inamoto to a PTO. He just completed his senior season at Wisconsin (under coach Tony Granato). Inamoto is 22yrs old, 6-foot-2 LHD. Originally drafted by FLA, traded to CAR (who hold his NHL rights). Interesting.
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) April 13, 2022
Fun fact of the day:
How can Tyler Inamoto sign with AHL Ontario Reign if #LetsGoCanes own his right?
Scott Parse (U. of Nebraska-Omaha) was drafted by LA Kings, signed a PTO with AHL Grand Rapids at the end of his college career. Then signed ELC with Kings later that summer.
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) April 13, 2022
Meanwhile, been checking in with sources on Tyler Inamoto (as it's an eyebrow raising signing)…
— Unreal team player. Hard-nosed. Loves to block shots. Skates well. First pass type dman. Solid defender that can play against other teams' top-6 fwds. Great kid, very coachable.
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) April 13, 2022
More on Inamoto via 3rd source:
Strong defensive d-man, skates well, adds an element of physical play. Improved details in his game. Very solid on top pair this yr. Calming presence, strong defensive instincts. Character, intangibles, leadership. Understands & embraces who he is.— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) April 13, 2022
ONTARIO REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. COLORADO EAGLES
Fagemo – Tynan – Frk
Ward – JAD – Tkachev
Sutter – Thomas – Dudas
Lee – Helenius – Doty
Other options include: Wagner
Injured: Madden (not expected to play in Colorado series)
Unavailable: Turcotte (explained here)
Gaunce – Nogier
Inamoto – Hickey
Wolanin – Allard
Other options include: Grans, Nousiainen
Hrenak (starter)
Villalta
Puck drop is scheduled for 6pm PST tonight and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
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Lead photo courtesy of Colorado Eagles
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