
Much like their NHL parent club, it was a summer of change for the Ontario Reign. New players cycled onto the roster at both forward and defense. However, Erik Portillo stood tall as the team’s returning No. 1 netminder.
After posting solid numbers during his rookie campaign in 2023-24 and signing a three-year contract extension last month, it’s been a bit of a slow start for the 6-foot-6 netminder. After starting on opening night — and giving up five goals — Portillo has been sidelined for about 10 days with an undisclosed illness.
Fortunately, he returned to practice on Saturday, making him the presumed started for Sunday’s matinee affair vs. Henderson.
Practice | 10.26.2024#ReignTrain
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— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) October 27, 2024
Coach Marco Sturm has had his hands full as he attempts to sort through all of his new parts. A wonky schedule in October, where the team has only played four games thus far, hasn’t helped the team find any rhythm just yet. For the most part, Sturm has opted to keep the majority of this top three lines intact, just shuffling around the fourth line a bit — with players like Aatu Jamsen and Jacob Doty part of the rotating individuals.
Given the lack of production from his top-six forwards, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Sturm to shake things up a bit today. Sammy Fagemo could drop down a line or two, with players like Tyler Madden and Jeff Malott serving as potential replacements on the top line.
On defense, young Angus Booth has been a surprisingly steady addition to the team’s top pair. Standing 6-foot-1 and playing in his first AHL season after turning pro over the summer off of three years in the QMJHL, Booth continues to draw praise from his coach.
Fellow rookie Jakub Dvorak could draw back in today. He’s looked good over his pair of games played thus far and management wants to continue working on the development of their top pick at the 2023 NHL Draft. He’s another player who brings a lot of size to the lineup, listed at 6-foot-5; however, he’s only 19 years old and is still adjusting to North American ice.
REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. SILVER KNIGHTS
Ontario did not hold a morning skate at TSPC today. Should Sturm opt to make a few changes during pregame warm-ups, this article will be updated.
Hudon – Gawdin – Fagemo *
Malott – Helenius – Ward
Chromiak – Studnicka – Madden
Element – Pinelli – Doty
* See above
Booth – Hicketts
Moverare – Walsh
Dvorak – Millar
Portillo (starter)
Copley
Other roster options include: (F) Jamsen, Lawrence, Wise (D) Krygier, Parker-Jones, Rowe (G) Ingham
Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 pm Pacific Time and the game can be viewed on FloHockey.
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