It’s Hammer Time!
Riding the momentum of a big overtime win Tuesday night, Ontario coach Andrew Lord and his squad now head into a home-and-home set against the Coachella Valley Firebirds this weekend.
And Friday night’s series opener is highly anticipated, largely because of a rookie goalie expected to appear in net. LA’s No. 1 goaltending prospect, Hampton Slukynsky, is scheduled to make his pro debut.
As if that isn’t enough to look forward to, there’s still plenty more in play. With their win last time out, the Reign now control their own destiny in the AHL’s Pacific Division. Having already clinched a playoff spot, they’re aiming for something bigger. Sitting two points ahead of the Colorado Eagles, their magic number is seven. Capturing a division title would be their first since the team’s inaugural season in Ontario a decade ago.
Adding another subplot to tonight, a win by the Reign would set new franchise records in both wins and points, surpassing marks established in that inaugural campaign.
Sneak peek at Hammer's new look for his expected pro debut tomorrow night in Ontario.
Love the backplate. Never forget your roots.
via skinfxwraps Mark Magnanti on Instagram: "@hamptonsluky.1 has turned pro after and amazing college career at @wmu_hockey. He has joined the @lakings and @ontarioreignhockey. Best of luck in your next chapter of your hockey career! @nhl @theahl @ncaaicehockey #nhl #theahl #ncaaicehockey #westernmichiganhockey #lakings @bauergoalie" pic.twitter.com/pFPNEnPQq3
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) April 10, 2026
Back to Slukynsky, he’s coming in fresh off his sophomore season at Western Michigan University, where he led the NCAA with 27 wins while recording a 2.30 GAA. Additionally, as a freshman, ‘Hammer’ — as he’s referred to by nearly everybody — backstopped the Broncos to a national championship, earning recognition on the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team and the NCHC All-Rookie Team.
Slukynsky’s debut comes 363 days after fellow high-end prospect Carter George made headlines with a shutout against the San Jose Barracuda in his first AHL game.
Replicating that performance won’t be easy, but what if Slukynsky can?
Checking in with Lordo
Lord on getting Hammer ready for his AHL debut:
I’m going probably do absolutely nothing! I’ve talked to him the last few mornings over breakfast, just trying to get to know him. His and his brother have character off the charts. You like both of them; they’re just both great people, they care. They got right into the mix over their first 48 hours here. [Hammer] has had some good skates. He’s been out with Buckley, he’s been out with Brownie. He’s obviously been around from development camp and all those times too. I think he’ll do a great job, so I’m really not giving it much thought at all, to be honest. And that’s not blowing smoke or downplaying it. He’s had an unbelievable last couple of seasons, and I think he’s ready.
On prepping a goalie and the wizardry of that position:
There’s certainly an element of goalie-speak, where you let the goaltending coaches do their thing. But I think, as the head coach, you can still have an impact on helping a guy feel comfortable in the room and with the team, trying to get him acclimated. These guys are all pros for a reason too. There’s been a lot of effort put in from management to scouts to everybody to bring a player of this caliber in. We’re excited to have them. And sometimes, or I would say almost always, I think under coaching is really important early on. You have to get to know a guy — what makes him a good player in a big moment, what’s his demeanor, what’s his attitude like? It’s a little bit different for everybody, and I think you have to give it a little bit of time. Almost see how things go, and then maybe correct afterwards.
On where he’s at mentally going into the final week of what’s been a successful first season behind the bench in Ontario thus far – having already qualified for the playoffs, with a division title still possible, and the postseason coming up quickly:
I just love the game. Personally, I’m just pumped for Friday’s game because I just really enjoy every game night. [In between games], we just get back to work with practice and prep, and nothing really changes. We have a good process that works, and we just have to keep staying the course; not take our foot off the gas. I think we went through a really good amount of adversity for a couple weeks there [in March], before these last three games. As much as you don’t like that in the moment — as much as it fires you up and makes you question things — it makes you find ways to be better.
I think it was perfect timing for our group. I think we needed a bit of that, and it’s certainly hardened us now. You can see it. Guys are getting shift-to-shift, the importance of the little details, and the structure. They’re making the play that maybe nobody notices, ones that don’t get you on the score sheet, but that really helps your team win. So, I like our mindset. I like where our group’s at right now. I think that when you’re feeling that, you have a little bit more calmness come over you as a coach, for sure.
On the growth he’s seen in Kenny Connors this season:
It’s a great question because you like him so much, right from rookie camp on. He’s just been so consistent, he does things the right way. Everything’s gotten a little bit better, game in and game out. Whether it’s face-offs or defensive play, or a little bit more offense – like what he’s done on the power play. Just reps and reads, and getting to know your opponents. I think it’s just been a steady growth throughout the year, and he’s going to be a real driver for us come playoff time.
On Martin Chromiak:
He’s been great, particularly the second half of the year. The amount he’s grown over the season is immense. He’s learned to be grittier and competes, really use the speed and his shot. Obviously, the production’s been there. His defending’s gotten better also. He’s been a driver for us of late, for sure.
Reign Projected Lineup vs. Firebirds
If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.
Lee – Gawdin – Guttman
Alexandrov – Connors – Chromiak
Brown – Pinelli – Jamsen
Isogai – Hughes – Ziemmer
Kirsanov – Booth
Hicketts – Brzustewicz
Novikov – Millar
H. Slukynsky (starter)
Portillo
Likely scratches: (F) Doty, Jenik, G. Slukynsky and (D) Dvorak, Salin and (G) Copley
Practicing with the team: (F) Chovan, Mastrodomenico
Injured: Burroughs
Recalled to NHL: Wright
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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