Although their parent club has already played two games this season, the Ontario Reign will officially launch their 2025-26 AHL campaign tonight at Toyota Arena. It will mark the first of a two-game weekend series against the visiting Tucson Roadrunners.
This season brings not only a revamped roster to Ontario but also a new presence behind the bench. With former head coach Marco Sturm departing for an opportunity in Boston, Andrew Lord steps in as the Ontario’s new bench boss.
Unlike last year, the Reign boast a youthful lineup loaded with future LA Kings hopefuls. Emerging prospects Jared Wright, Kenny Connors, and Otto Salin will all experience their first opening night as pro players, bringing an extra layer of excitement to Ontario’s first game.
Also making his North American debut will be Russian defenseman Kirill Kirsanov, who is expected to be paired with second-year blueliner Jakub Dvorak (LA’s top pick at the 2023 NHL Draft). Both are eager to put forth a strong impression, as they help anchor a much different looking Reign blueline.
Fellow defenseman Angus Booth will begin this year on the sidelines after suffering a lower body injury during training camp. When he returns next month, look for him to once again be the team leaders among time on ice.
Up front, familiar faces return to lead the offensive charge. Kings prospects Francesco Pinelli and Martin Chromiak are expected to flank veteran center Glenn Gawdin on the top line, giving Ontario a blend of youthful energy and proven experience.
Meanwhile, indications are young Aatu Jamsen will get an extended look in a middle-six role after spending most of last season on the fourth line.
After an injury-shortened campaign last season, Erik Portillo enters the year as Ontario’s No. 1 goaltender. With top prospects Hampton Slukynsky and Carter George on the horizon, this season serves as an important ‘prove-it’ year for the 25-year-old netminder.
Statistically Speaking
— Ontario’s roster features 13 players who were drafted by the Kings, believed to be the most at one time since the franchise moved to SoCal from Manchester.
— Of those 13 prospects, Chromiak had the most goals with the Reign last season, finding the back of the net 18 times.
— Portillo will be playing his first AHL regular season game since February 17. An injury limited his 2024-25 campaign to 24 appearances, where he posted a 15-5-3 record along with a 2.82 goals-against average.
What You May Have Missed
LA Kings Prospect Tracker: Week Ending October 6, 2025 LINK
Kings Prospect Angus Booth Intent on Avoiding Sophomore Slump LINK
Kings Of The Podcast, Ep. 235 with Andrew Lord, New Reign Head Coach LINK
Reign Projected Lineup vs. Roadrunners
If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.
Pinelli – Gawdin – Chromiak
Jamsen – Guttman – Ward
Lee – Thomas – Wright
Lawrence – Connors – Doty
Hicketts – Millar
Bolduc – Salin
Kirsanov – Dvorak
Portillo
Saville
Likely scratches: (F) Hughes, Ziemmer and (D) Rego
Injured: Berge, Brown, Parker-Jones
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm Pacific Time and will be streamed for free via FloSports. Additionally, a Reign radio feed is available here.
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