It is deja vu all over again for Marco Sturm’s Ontario Reign, as they look to bounce back from a loss in Iowa less than 24 hours ago. Now, for their Sunday afternoon rematch with the Wild, goaltender Jacob Ingham is expected to get the starting nod.
He’ll be making just his third start at the AHL level this season and is seeking his first victory. Earlier this week, Ingham replaced veteran Pheonix Copley during the first intermission of a game in Texas and delivered an impressive performance, stopping all eleven shots he saw over the last 40 minutes of regulation — after the team had fallen behind 3-0 in the opening frame.
Even in the loss to Iowa last night, Ontario can probably find a bright spot in the form of Kings prospect Martin Chromiak. His goal in the opening minute of play provided his third point (2G, 1A) over the last four games. A recent change in linemates, where he has joined veterans Charles Hudon and Glenn Gawdin, has seen Chromiak display an increased level of involvement. As the playoffs approach, Chromiak has the opportunity to redefine his season if he can maintain this momentum and finish the year on a strong note.
Former Reign forward Tyler Madden — a mainstay of the team’s offensive attack over the past few years — scored yesterday, as well. It was his first goal with the Wild since being traded from Ontario to Iowa last month. The 25-year-old forward seemed ultra-energized to face his old squad, creating a strong presence when he was on the ice.
We’re not expecting Sturm to make too many other lineup changes. However, first-year pro Kaleb Lawrence should be a solid candidate to slot back into the lineup this afternoon. After a good showing at Development and Rookie Camps prior to the 2024-25 campaign getting underway, he’s split time between ECHL Greenville and AHL Ontario. During his most recent recall to the Reign, Lawrence has made spot appearances yet has not suited up for a game since Mar. 11 in Tucson.
REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. WILD
Malott – Pinelli – Fagemo
Lee – Studnicka – Ward
Hudon – Gawdin – Chromiak
Element – Jamsen – Doty
Hicketts- Cecconi
Jones – Millar
Dvorak – Walsh
Ingham
Copley
Other roster options include: (F) Lawrence, Olson and (D) Rowe
Injured: (D) Booth, Krygier and (G) Portillo
Puck drop is scheduled for 1:00 pm Pacific Time and the game can be viewed on FloHockey. An audio only feed is also available on the ESPN LA app.
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