Just like they did on Wednesday with Tucson, it’s time for Ontario to close out another season series on Friday night at Toyota Arena. When the Calgary Wranglers arrive in town, it will be for their eighth and final regular season game vs. the Reign in 2023-24.
Coach Marco Sturm will likely remind his players that the past doesn’t matter, they need to earn another victory tonight. Ontario has won four of the previous seven games, including sweeping a back-to-back set in Calgary earlier this month. Sammy Fagemo — who is challenging for the AHL goal scoring race with 37 goals in 42 games — had a hat trick in one of those games north of the border. He’s remained red hot, having scored in three of the four Reign games played since then.
While defenseman Brandt Clarke has only one goal in five games vs. Calgary this season, his highlight reel from the season series actually includes something he isn’t really known for:
As for Thomas, he missed the most recent game vs. Calgary after receiving a blindside hit by Wranglers forward Clark Bishop (who was assessed a major penalty for kneeing). Ultimately, Thomas ended up missing several games, but has suited up for the last three Reign games, even scoring the game winning goal last time out.
Look for rookie goalie Erik Portillo to get the nod in net. He’s holding a .924 save percentage on the season (third best in the AHL) and has two wins against Calgary in four tries.
REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. WRANGLERS
Chromiak – Tynan – Fagemo
Ward – Thomas – Madden
Pavlychev – Helenius – Doty
Young – Pinelli – Francis
Hicketts – Clarke
Connauton – Santini
Nousiainen – Wylie
Portillo (starter)
Dell
Other roster options include: (F) Hudon and (D) Inamoto, Krygier, Rowe
Suspended: Hodgson
Injured: Lee (skating, looking at late March)
Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm Pacific Time and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
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