Coming off a well-earned breather, the Ontario Reign are back in action tonight-and they’re diving headfirst into a critical stretch that could shape their playoff trajectory. Over the next five days, they’ll face the Abbotsford Canucks three times, and the stakes couldn’t be clearer: this is a golden opportunity to build real separation atop the AHL’s Pacific Division.
Let’s set the scene. Ontario enters the weekend riding a three-game win streak and sitting in first place in the division.
Confidence is high, and momentum is on their side. On the other end of the ice, Abbotsford is in a far different spot.
After hoisting the Calder Cup last season, the Canucks have struggled to find their footing in 2026 and currently occupy the basement of the Pacific. It’s been a steep fall, and Ontario will be looking to take full advantage.
The Reign went into their break on a high note, thanks to a standout performance from forward Koehn Ziemmer. In what was one of the most electric nights of the season, Ziemmer lit the lamp three times, notching Ontario’s first hat trick in nearly two years.
You’d have to go back to April 2024, when Alex Turcotte pulled off the feat, to find the last time a Reign player scored three in a game. It was a statement performance that sent Ontario into the break with swagger.
And while the Reign rested, one of their own was still on the ice representing the team at the AHL All-Star Game in Rockford. Forward Andre Lee, a Kings prospect, got the nod and showcased his skills among the league’s best. It’s another sign of the talent Ontario is developing-and a reminder of the depth they can lean on during this playoff push.
Now, the focus shifts to this three-game mini-series against Abbotsford. The first two matchups will be played north of the border, with the final contest coming back home in Ontario next Wednesday.
And make no mistake: these are games the Reign need to capitalize on. Anything short of five points out of a possible six would feel like a missed opportunity, especially given the Canucks’ struggles this season.
Why the urgency? Take a look at the schedule.
Second-place Colorado doesn’t have it nearly as easy in the coming weeks. Ontario has a real shot to create breathing room in the standings-if they handle business.
Helping to anchor that effort is goaltender Erik Portillo, who’s been an absolute rock in net. He’s slated to start tonight and comes in having won 11 of his last 12 decisions. When he’s locked in, the Reign play with a different level of confidence, and his consistency has been a major reason for their success this season.
One small but fun note for jersey-watchers: the AHL has a unique twist when it comes to uniforms. Home teams wear white for the first half of the season, then switch to darks after the All-Star break. That means tonight, for the first time all year, Ontario will wear their white sweaters on the road-a look they’ll stick with for the rest of the regular season.
Here’s how the Reign are expected to line up tonight against Abbotsford:
Projected Forward Lines:
- Alexandrov - Gawdin - Guttman
- Lee - Brown - Chromiak
- Pinelli - Connors - Wright
- Jamsen - Hughes - Ziemmer
Projected Defensive Pairs:
- Hicketts - Millar
- Bolduc - Salin
- Kirsanov - Booth
Goaltenders:
- Portillo (starter)
- Copley
Scratches (expected):
- Forwards: Doty, Lawrence
- Defensemen: Dvorak, Rego
Unavailable:
- Recalled to LA: Ward
- Injured: Burroughs
Game Info:
Puck drops at 7:00 p.m.
PT. Fans can catch the action live on FloSports or tune in via the Reign’s radio feed.
With the division lead in hand and a favorable schedule ahead, Ontario has a chance to make a statement this week. These are the types of stretches that define a season-and the Reign look ready for the moment.