“The Cardiac Kids are back in town.”
As Reign captain Joe Hicketts recently put it, the newly dubbed Cardiac Kids are sort of back — stationed less than 80 miles away at Acrisure Arena, they’ll be back in action on Friday night, taking on the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Ontario coach Andrew Lord has reassembled his group after a long, grindy road trip away from California — one that ended with the Reign taking three-of-four and pulling off a pair of unbelievable late comebacks. Hence, earning the nickname “Cardiac Kids.”
Despite the successful week-long trip, things ended on a sour note for Ontario. What felt like another comeback brewing instead ended in a 3-1 loss to the Texas Stars. As a result, tonight sets up as a bounce-back opportunity; and it comes with some good news for Lord & crew. Forward Andre Lee, who had been one of Ontario’s best players prior to his NHL call-up, has been loaned back to Ontario and is expected to suit up tonight in Coachella Valley.
These two teams have only met up once previously this season. Earlier this month, the Reign went bird-hunting, knocking off Coachella Valley 3-2 with — you guessed it — a third-period comeback. That game featured two unanswered goals late, capped by first-year pro (and rising Kings prospect) Kirill Kirsanov notching the game-winner and earning first star honors.
Interestingly enough, tonight marks Ontario’s first trip to Acrisure Arena in 363 days. The Reign last visited the building on Jan. 25, 2025, when they shut out the Firebirds behind an impressive performance from veteran Pheonix Copley.
While unconfirmed, we’re assuming Lord will follow his usual goalie rotation, which suggests Erik Portillo gets the nod tonight. Sticking with the theme, Portillo’s last appearance in Coachella Valley came during the 2024 playoffs, where he suffered two losses and struggled in Game 2, allowing five goals on 28 shots. Given how much time has passed, this isn’t necessarily a real chance at redemption. Yet it should be another opportunity to continue his recent hot streak. In the month of January, Portillo has won four straight contests.
Reign Projected Lineup vs. Firebirds
If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.
Alexandrov – Gawdin – Guttman
Lee – Connors – Wright
Chromiak – Pinelli – Hughes
Jamsen – Lawrence – Doty
Hicketts – Salin
Dvorak – Bolduc
Kirsanov – Booth
Portillo (starter)
Copley
Likely scratches: (F) Brown, Ziemmer and (D) Rego
Recalled to LA: Ward
Injured: Burroughs, Millar
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time and will be streamed via FloSports. Additionally, a Reign radio feed is available here.
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