Sunday afternoon in Coachella Valley will feature a rematch of Friday night’s tilt at Toyota Arena in Ontario. The Reign-Firebirds rivalry hasn’t been going well for coach Marco Sturm, though. After losing to their Pacific Division adversary last May, the Reign have now dropped two more contests to them during the 2024-25 regular season.
On the frontend of this weekend’s home-and-home series, Sturm had to ice a lineup without big Sammy Helenius due to an NHL recall (where he’ll remain for the time being, as he’s traveling with the Kings to Calgary today). Add in the fact Andre Lee has been up with LA all season and that takes away two-thirds of Ontario’s most effective line from last year.
Now, it appears the other shoe is about to drop.
Taylor Ward, the final piece of that effective trio with Helenius and Lee, seems to be injured. He did not skate during Ontario’s practice on Saturday and is expected to sit this one out. As a result, Sturm will be left with only 11 healthy forwards.
Given Helenius’ absence on Friday, the Reign went with rookie Aatu Jamesen at center. This afternoon in Coachella Valley, he should be able to slide over to his natural position at wing as part of an 11+7 configuration. Sturm may slide a defenseman up to round out his forward lines instead — something he’s done before in a pinch — however, that would largely just be a cosmetic move.
Based upon the fact rookie Jakub Dvorak was on late getting extra work after practice yesterday, we’re projecting him to be a healthy scratch for the second straight game.
There has not been any indication of who will get the call in net. While it wouldn’t be a total surprise to see Sturm go with veteran Pheonix Copley, we’re assuming he’ll once again turn to Erik Portillo.
REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. FIREBIRDS
Should Sturm opt to make any key changes during pregame warm-ups, this article will be updated.
Hudon – Gawdin – Malott
Madden – Studnicka – Fagemo
Jamsen – Pinelli – Chromiak
Element – Doty
Moverare – Millar
Booth – Hicketts
Krygier – Walsh
Rowe
Portillo (starter)
Copley
Other roster options include: (F) N/A (D) Dvorak
Injured: (F) Ward (D) Parker-Jones
Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 pm Pacific and the game can be viewed on FloHockey. An audio only feed is also available on the ESPN LA app.
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