Coming off their first regulation loss in over a month last Saturday, the Reign road show touches down in Henderson on Wednesday night for a game against the Silver Knights. These same two teams rang in the New Year together just last week, with Ontario claiming a 4-3 victory on Dec. 31. That was near the end of a stretch that saw coach Marco Sturm’s club go on a 9-0-1 run.
Now looking to rebound from their recent loss at Coachella Valley, we’re expecting only one significant lineup change for Ontario. Rookie forward Kaleb Lawrence was reassigned back to ECHL Greenville after suiting up in four games during his recall. In 11 games with the Reign this season, the 6-foot-7 forward has scored three goals, while most often centering the fourth line.
We also have updates on two other Reign players to pass along. Unfortunately, we’re hearing that fellow rookie Aatu Jamsen is still not ready to return from injury. At this point, it has to be a little concerning, as he hasn’t played a game since Dec. 15 — a night in which he recorded a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. There was slightly encouraging news recently, when the 22-year-old native of Finland returned to practice (while wearing a red jersey). However, nothing has really advanced past that at this point, with no timetable established for his ongoing recovery.
In defensive news, Jakub Dvorak has returned to the club after winning a bronze medal with Czechia at the just completed World Junior Championship. A first-year pro in North America, the 6-foot-5 defender (selected by the Kings at the 2023 NHL Draft) will reportedly sit this game out before returning to the Reign lineup on Friday. From what we’re hearing, he had some baggage delays upon his return from the WJC in Ottawa.
As for Henderson, they’ve met up with Sturm’s squad five times previously this season. A 5-1 win by the Silver Knights kicked off their season-series in late October — ironically, a game where Jamsen scored his first AHL goal. Since then, the Reign have rattled off four straight wins over their Pacficic Division rivals by scores of 4-1, 8-3, 4-2, and 4-3. Overall, Kings prospect Sammy Fagemo has produced six points (3G, 3A) in those games.
Although these two teams will play twice more after tonight, both of those games will be at Toyota Arena. A victory in this one will give Ontario a clean sweep at Henderson for the 2024-25 campaign.
REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. SILVER KNIGHTS
If there are any key changes during pregame warm-ups, this article will be updated.
Hudon – Gawdin – Malott
Lee – Studnicka – Fagemo
Chromiak – Pinelli – Ward
Element – Madden – Doty
Hicketts – Millar
Jones – Walsh
Booth – Rowe
Portillo
Copley
Other roster options include: (F) Jamsen, Singleton and (D) Krygier
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 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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