Reign win franchise-high 45 games in Slukynsky AHL debut
Hampton Slukynsky takes the win in his AHL debut, finishing with 21 saves in Ontario’s 4-1 victory over Coachella Valley. Tonight’s game marks the Reign’s 45th win of the season, setting a season-high franchise record.
ONTARIO, CA. -- With just three games left in the regular season, the Ontario Reign decided tonight was the night for history to be made. With the Reign’s 4-1 victory over the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Reign have now won a single-season, franchise record of 45 games.
Ontario last won 44 games in its 2015-16 inaugural AHL season, also winning the AHL Pacific Division title that year. The division title they are extremely close to winning this season, as they hold a good lead in first place with 95 points and a 45-19-3-2 record. And not only did the Reign make history tonight, they have the opportunity to win up to 48 games with remaining matchups against Coachella Valley, San Diego and Abbotsford.
Winning 45 games in a season was a first for the Reign, but that wasn’t the only first tonight. 20-year-old Hampton Slukynsky made his AHL debut tonight at goalie, finishing with 21 saves. “It’s always been the dream to play pro hockey,” Slukynsky said in postgame interviews.
“So to be told I was playing tonight was really exciting, I had a lot of adrenaline going and it was fun. The fans brought the energy and the guys played really well in front of me and it made it pretty easy on me. It was unreal and I’m just happy to help the team get the win.