After picking up a win in Henderson earlier this week, the Ontario Reign is preparing to host the Iowa Wild at Toyota Arena on Friday in what will be the first half of a two-game weekend series.

It’s a rare matchup between the two Western Conference clubs as they last played each other almost five years ago. Still, Reign coach Marco Sturm is probably a little optimistic as his club comes into the season with some momentum. In addition to the 2-1 win against the Silver Knights, their efforts were bolstered by the return of Charles Hudon to the top spot (he had been away for a few weeks during a tournament in Europe with Team Canada).

Meanwhile, defender Jakub Dvorak is also expected to rejoin the forward squad this weekend. The 6-foot-5 Kings prospect won a bronze medal with the Czech Republic at the just-concluded World Junior Championships. He was on the ice late after morning skating, which could indicate he’s more likely to return on Sunday.

One thing that remains in question, however, is the status of rookie Aatu Jamsen. He was sidelined for several weeks due to an injury and there is still no timetable for his return.

There are signs that Pheonix Copley will be in the starting lineup on Friday before Sturm switches to Eric Portillo in Sunday’s rematch against Iowa.

On the Wild bench is striker Graeme Clarke – the older brother of Kings defender Brandt Clarke. The 6-foot winger has eight points (6G, 2A) in 24 AHL games this season.

ICYMI – Sammy Fagemo has been named to the AHL All-Star Classic, which will take place later this month in the Coachella Valley.

HEY NOW, YOU'RE AN #AHLAllStar🌟💫

Details on the 2025 AHL All-Star Rosters presented by @FloHockey: https://t.co/NmWwydqTkD

🎟️: https://t.co/suusyYRIQC pic.twitter.com/jDQeRzvPfo

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) January 8, 2025

REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. WILD

If any significant changes occur during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.

Hudon – Gawdin – Malott
Lee – Studnicka – Fagemo
Chromiak-Pinelli-Ward
Element – ​​​​Madden – Doty

Hicketts-Millar
Jones-Walsh
Krygians – Stand

Copley
Portillo

Other roster options include: (F) Jamsen, Singleton and (D) Dvorak, Rowe

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time and the game can be watched on FloHockey. An audio-only feed is also available on the ESPN LA app.

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