If at first you don’t succeed, well, the Ontario Reign are living that mantra right now. After a tough couple of games against the Abbotsford Canucks post-All-Star break, the Reign are back on home ice, eager to turn things around.
Just a few weeks ago, Ontario was riding high. They had a solid start to 2026, boasting a three-game winning streak and even celebrated their first hat trick in 658 days.
They wrapped up the first half of the season sitting pretty at the top of the standings. Facing a series against the last-place Canucks seemed like a perfect opportunity to keep that momentum rolling.
However, the first two games didn’t go as planned, both ending in losses. But here’s the silver lining: Ontario hasn't lost three straight all season, and the Colorado Eagles have also stumbled, so the Reign haven’t lost ground in the Pacific Division.
In Monday’s matchup, Aatu Jamsen shone brightly, netting two of the team’s three goals. The Finnish prospect is on fire, with 13 points in his last 19 games.
Martin Chromiak is also keeping the scoreboard ticking, adding another assist to his impressive tally. With 17 points in his last 18 games, he’s closing in on last season’s total.
Tonight, Erik Portillo is expected to guard the net. Despite a rare slip-up recently, he’s been a rock, winning 11 of his last 13 decisions. He’ll be looking to steer the Reign back on course.
In roster news, Pheonix Copley, recalled to practice with the Kings, will still back up Portillo tonight. Coach Andrew Lord might tweak the forward lines, possibly reuniting the Lee-Connors-Wright trio, which was electric earlier this season.
Projected Lineup vs. Canucks:
- Alexandrov - Gawdin - Chromiak
- Lee - Connors - Wright
- Pinelli - Jamsen - Guttman
- Ziemmer - Hughes - Doty
Defense Pairings:
- Kirsanov - Booth
- Hicketts - Salin
- Bolduc - Millar
Goalies:
- Portillo (starter)
- Copley
Scratches include forwards Brown and Lawerence, and defensemen Dvorak and Rego. Ward has been recalled to LA, and Burroughs remains sidelined due to injury.
Puck drops at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time, available on FloSports and the Reign radio feed. Time for Ontario to show what they’re made of and break this mini-slump.