Ontario Reign Open Five-Game Road Trip Today in Tucson
Dec 3, 2017Ontario, CA – The Ontario Reign, proud American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL), visit the Tucson Roadrunners today at 3:05 PT at Tucson Arena in Tucson, Arizona. Today is the first of eight meetings between the two clubs.
Preseason Preview:
The Reign and Roadrunners met in preseason action on September 29 with the Reign prevailing 5-3. Recap
Early History:
The Roadrunners celebrated their first season in the AHL and in the Pacific Division last season. Over 12 meetings, the Reign went 5-5-2-0 against their new division rivals. Forward Jonny Brodzinski, now with the Kings, led the Reign against the Roadrunners with 10 points (six goals, four assists). Goalie Jack Campbell went 5-2-1 in eight appearances against Tucson with a 1.88 goals-against average and .934 save percentage.
Start a New Streak:
On Friday, the Reign saw a season-high four-game winning streak come to a close in a 3-2 setback to the San Diego Gulls at Citizens Business Bank Area. Heading into today’s contest, the Reign are 7-2-0-1 in their last 10 games. Forward Andrew Crescenzi saw a five-game point streak come to a close (three goals, four assists).
Good Challenge Today:
The Roadrunner currently lead the Pacific Division with a 10-3-2-1 record and are 6-2-1-1 in their last 10 games.
Long Road Ahead:
Today’s contest starts a five-game road trip for the Reign, tying a season-long mark. The Reign will also be away from Citizens Business Bank Arena for five games January 17-27.
Home Ice Advantage for Roadrunners:
The Roadrunners are 7-2-1-0 on home ice so far this season compared to 3-1-1-1 on the road.
Not Murky for Merkley:
Roadrunners rookie Nike Merkley currently has 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) and is third among first-year players. His 11 tallies are second among rookies so far.
Capobianco Holds the Line:
Roadrunners rookie defenseman Kyle Capobianco is tied for 13 among AHL blueliners with 13 points (one goal, 12 assists).
Game Notes
The Ontario Reign continue a five-game road trip Tuesday, December 5 against the Roadrunners at 6:00 and move on to battle the Texas Stars (Dec. 9, 13) and San Antonio Rampage (Dec. 10). Follow along on Twitter at Twitter.com/OntarioReign.
The Reign return to Citizens Business Bank Arena on Friday, December 15 against the Stockton Heat at 7:00 for Throwback Night. Join Kinston and familiar friends, Blaze and the Dark Knight! The Reign will be wearing special throwback jerseys and hosting a silent jersey auction! Friday is also $2 Bud Light Friday! Pick up a Reign Power Play Pack and receive a ticket, hot dog and soda starting at $25 with NO FEES at OntarioReign.com!
Become a “Fan” of the Reign on Facebook at Facebook.com/OntarioReign, join the conversation on Twitter at Twitter.com/OntarioReign and follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/OntarioReignHockey.
2017-18 Regular-Season Records:
Ontario: 8-8-0-1, 17 points (5th, Pacific Division)
Tucson: 10-3-2-1, 23 points (1st, Pacific Division)
2017-18 Head-to-Head Schedule:
Dec. 3 Ontario at Tucson 4:05 pm MST
Dec. 5 Ontario at Tucson 7:05 pm MST
Dec. 16 Tucson at Ontario 6:00 pm PST
Dec. 31 Tucson at Ontario 6:00 pm PST
Jan. 5 Ontario at Tucson 7:05 pm MST
Jan. 6 Ontario at Tucson 7:05 pm MST
Jan. 12 Tucson at Ontario 7:00 pm PST
Feb. 2 Tucson at Ontario 7:00 pm PST
2016-17 Regular-Season Records
Ontario: 36-21-10-1, 83 points (3rd, Pacific Division)
Tucson: 29-31-8-0, 66 points (6th, Pacific Division)
Ontario vs. Tucson, All-Time and 2016-17 Season
5-5-2-0
Head Coaches
Ontario: Mike Stothers (4th season with LA Kings affiliate, 3rd with Ontario)
Tucson: Mike Van Ryn (1st year with Arizona affiliate, 1st with Tucson)
NHL Affiliate
Ontario: Los Angeles Kings
Tucson: Arizona Coyotes