Play for the Reign old

Program Overview

The Ontario Junior Reign is a Junior A hockey team playing out of Center Ice Arena in Ontario, California. Ontario is a quiet bedroom community 40 minutes east of Los Angeles. The Reign plays in the United States Premier Hockey League within the pacific division.

The Reign's primary objective is player development, both on and off the ice.

In two seasons, the Reign have progressed from an expansion team that made the playoffs on the final night of the regular season, to contending for the top spot in the pacific division while being ranked among the top teams in the nation. 

Our player's on-ice development boasts a number of advantages. In two seasons we have seen a number of our players advance to higher levels of Junior, College, and Professional. Along with developing our on-ice program, another source of pride for our team is our players' off-ice development. 

Our coaches, organization, and community value character, commitment, and accountability, while we all work towards getting better each and every day. 

President's Message

Ben Frank

Ben Frank

Jr Reign President

As President of the Ontario Jr. Reign, I could not be more pleased to introduce you to our organization. With over two decades of experience in hockey, a successful junior hockey program must possess both the drive to win championships and the core value of creating better people as a result of the team experience.

Guided by the leadership of Head Coach and General Manager Jeremy Blumes, our team took another step forward in our second season while staying true to our value of developing players both on and off the ice.

The Ontario Jr. Reign is supported by professional staff including experienced education consultants, physical therapists, sports psychologists, the marketing department, and, of course, coaches. We have the infrastructure in place to help our athletes navigate the junior-hockey experience with a tremendous amount of support, setting them up for success.

Great things are ahead for our organization and we are ready to welcome you.

Testimonial

DAMON AGYEMAN

DAMON AGYEMAN

Grande Prairie Storm, AJHL

I've enjoyed playing for the jr reign and coaching staff here in Ontario. They not only push me to be a better player but also to become a better person outside the sport of hockey.

Testimonial

AIDEN SZAUTNER

AIDEN SZAUTNER

#19 Forward

Playing for the reign was an experience I won't forget for a long time. The weather is what brought me to Ontario but the teammates and friends I made along the way are what made me stay.

THE REIGN ADVANTAGE:

  • Professional Coaching and leadership from experienced and dedicated full-time staff
  • Games - Exhibition Games, 46 Regular Season + Post Season Games, Vegas Showcase, Nationals
  • Schedule - Daily practice, dryland, video sessions, individual/ team meetings, and community responsibilities, which will help our athletes organize their study and work schedule
  • Dryland Training with professional instruction in a spacious, modern gym
  • Yoga and Active Recovery Sessions instructed by world-class figure skater Moe Okuda
    • Additional Workouts including Spin + Boxing Instruction
  • Goaltending Instruction Spencer Mclay, Southern California USA Hockey Goaltending Development Lead
  • Shooting Pad practice stickhandling and shooting accuracy 
  • Instat Reports - Advanced stats, give away / take away, blocked shots, FO, + more: provides real-time quantifiable feedback to players.
  • Compete Sports Athletic Therapy, complete instruction, and care provided by a team with NHL experience 
  • Apex Power Skating
  • Road Trips Hotel accommodations+ Pre and Post Game Meals
  • Mental Performance Coach, Seth Anderson 
  • Volunteer experience in the community
  • Team Building activities that help create our team-first environment.  
  • Dressing Room large custom dressing room with individual stalls.
  • Skate Sharpening is provided for all practice and games.
  • Supplies & Nutrition provided for all games, tape, wax, and laces, including healthy snacks, fruit, and energy drinks.
  • Host Homes Room and Board with a supportive billet family vetted by the organization. 
  • Media Exposure through social media channels and live internet streaming on hocketv.com hosted by play-by-play phenom Steve Grannado.
  • Development & Opportunity - The USPHL has a proven track record for development and player advancement.

Meet the Coaches

Jeremy Blumes

Jeremy Blumes

Head Coach

Jeremy Blumes B.A., B.Ed. has been involved in hockey for over twenty years in a number of roles: Player, Coach (Junior A, B, Midget AAA, AA), General Manager, Scout, Mentor, Coach Coordinator, Board Member, Consultant, Web Developer, as well as Commissioner of the Calgary Summer Hockey League.

Jeremy Blumes B.A., B.Ed. has been involved in hockey for over twenty years in a number of roles: Player, Coach (Junior A, B, Midget AAA, AA), General Manager, Scout, Mentor, Coach Coordinator, Board Member, Consultant, Web Developer, as well as Commissioner of the Calgary Summer Hockey League.

Coach Blumes joins the Ontario Jr. Reign after a year as an Assistant Coach with Nipawin in the SJHL. Before Nipawin, Coach Blumes was in Golden, BC (KIJHL) as Head Coach and General Manager. While in Golden, BC, he engineered a remarkable turnaround for the franchise. Blumes recruited a team consisting of 20 rookies that would win more games in their first season than the previous three years - combined. The franchise also made the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Coach Blumes would then go on; to help advance more than a third of those athletes to a higher level.

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Tony Vargas

Tony Vargas

Assistant Coach

Coach Vargas grew up playing youth hockey in Southern California, where he developed his skills and hockey knowledge before heading to Texas to play in the WSHL for the Texas Brahmas.  

Coach Vargas grew up playing youth hockey in Southern California, where he developed his skills and hockey knowledge before heading to Texas to play in the WSHL for the Texas Brahmas.  

Afterward, Coach Vargas attended Finlandia University to play NCAA D3 hockey. While attending Finlandia University, Coach Vargas earned his bachelor's degree in Business Management, with a focus on Entrepreneurship.

Since then, he returned to Southern California to help grow the game of hockey by partnering with Empire Hockey Club as a Head Coach and Assistant Coach for the California Wave.

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SPENCER MCLAY

SPENCER MCLAY

GOALIE COACH

A native of La Verne, CA, Spencer is the USA Hockey Goaltending Development Lead for the Southern California region. 

A native of La Verne, CA, Spencer is the USA Hockey Goaltending Development Lead for the Southern California region. 

Spencer competed in Juniors for the Walpole Express before being recruited to the ECHL by the Ontario Reign. Shortly afterward, he moved to the Southern Pro Hockey League to compete with the Mississippi RiverKings and Pensacola Ice Flyers.

He is also the co-founder and director of Goaltending Development at Rose City Pats Tier Hockey Program. 

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Previous Players Say

“Jeremy has the best interest of his players in mind and wants to move as many of them on to the next level as possible. His consistent winning record as a coach speaks for itself, he always seems to get the most out of his players. Very knowledgeable not only about the game and systems but about team dynamics and how to win!” - Everett Putz, Calgary Mustangs, AJHL

“Coach Jeremy has had a great impact on my playing career. Having played for him my last two years of midget, Jeremy was very influential on my development and preparation for junior hockey. Jeremy has a great sense of what it takes to run a team in terms of identifying player’s strengths both on and off the ice and placing them in positions that will help not only the team succeed but for the player to grow as well.” - Nicholas Sandy, - Iowa State University, ACHA

“Jeremy Blumes was my head coach for 2 seasons. He gave me my first and only commitment to play junior hockey and made sure that I had the opportunity to grow as both a player and a citizen. Jeremy was always the first person at the rink, and the last to leave. This devotion to the game allowed him to create a winning culture and build a strong relationship between the team and the community that supports them.” - Colton Hutchinson, University of Victoria, BCIHL

“Jeremy Blumes is a positive influence on young players. He held our team accountable on and off the ice. At the same time, he was very approachable. I feel because of this I improved as a player under his leadership.” - Ben Sanderson, Vernon Vipers, BCHL, NCAA Colorado College

Testimonial

Josh Teves

Josh Teves

Coach Blumes was instrumental in my development and helped me in midget get to the NCAA today. His coaching style rewarded hardworking players and created a positive platform for skill development and improvement. Jeremy’s ability to find untapped potential in players will lead his teams and players to success.

- Josh Teves, Princeton Tigers, RBC National Junior A Scholarship (Merritt Centennials) 2016-2017, NCAA (ECAC) All-Tournament Team, NCAA (ECAC) Champion 2017-2018, Vancouver Canucks, NHL 2019

Support Staff

Scouts
  • Wayne Kosior - Director of Canadian Scouting
  • Braden Bystrom - Southern Alberta Scout 
  • Brennan Foreman - Kootenays, BC Scout 
  • Brett Kramers -  Edmonton, AB Scout
  • Michael Morrow - Calgary, AB Scout 
  • Trevor Sabo - Saskatchewan Scout
  • Anthony Sharp -  Massachusetts Scout
  • Connor Vermeulen - Vancouver, BC Scout
Supporting Staff
  • Ben Frank - President
  • Joyce Frank - Vice President
  • James Alami - Athletic Director
  • Tomas Kapusta - General Manager
  • Kim Gough - Chief Marketing Officer
  • James Karr - Director of Operations
  • Amanda McPherson - Billet and Public Affairs Coordinator
  • Jennifer Gehringer - Administration 
  • David Weidert - Equipment Manager
  • Nick Mish - Goalie Consultant 
  • Rick Roberts - Educational Advisor
  • Seth Anderson - Mindset Coach
  • Sam Laplante - Video Analyst
  • Ryan Kearney - Operations  
  • Steve Grannado - Play-by-play Announcer
  • Jason Hernandez - PA Announcer
  • Mike Zitek - Photographer
  • Dr. Chris Koutures - Team Physician
  • Dr. Hiep Nguyen - Team Dentist
  • Chris Phillips, ATC, CSCS - Athletic Trainer
  • Mike Hannegan, MS, ATC - Athletic Trainer
  • Jenna Janadi, MS, ATC - Athletic Trainer

Testimonial

Jackson Wade

Jackson Wade

#17 Defenceman

Playing for the Reign gave me an opportunity and experience like I’ve never had and am very happy I made the decision to play in Ontario. Being able to live in a place I’d never be able to, all while letting me play the game I love which is incredible. Our coaching staff is great and coach Jeremy is a big reason I came to play for the Reign.

United States Premier Hockey League

The Ontario Jr. Reign belongs to the Pacific Division of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), which operates in 24 of the 50 United States. The league is currently the largest amateur ice hockey league in the United States. 

Founded in 2012, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) comprises more than 550 teams, fielding more than 11,000 athletes in more than 100 organizations, with player ages ranging from 6 to 21. Teams are geographically diverse, ranging from North and South to the Midwest and West Coast. 

The Structure

The USPHL is uniquely positioned to facilitate a clear pathway for athletes graduating from Bantam who are looking to progress through Midget and Junior Hockey on to college and professional hockey.  Each division provides a critical step in the progression to fulfilling a player’s ultimate goal of becoming a collegiate or professional hockey player. 

Teams have been selected to participate in specific USPHL divisions based upon geography, strong player pools, rink ownership, financial strength, and history of success and integrity at the highest level.

The Mission

The ultimate goal of the USPHL is to prepare and develop athletes for college hockey and beyond through a tiered development program. 

Unlike any other league in North America, within the USPHL it is possible for a player to advance through an organization starting at mites and ending in junior hockey.

THE RESULTS

The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is the Nation’s largest amateur ice hockey league. Players in the USPHL Premier are 16 to 21 years of age.  Overall, the USPHL has had over 2,500 athletes advance to the collegiate level and NHL. Alumni of USPHL organizations currently skating in the NHL include players such as Jack Eichel, Charlie Coyle, John Marino, Jimmy Vesey, and Stanley Cup Champions Zach Sanford, Trevor Van Riemsdyk, and Brian Dumoulin.

Meet the Strength Coaches

CHRIS PHILLIPS

CHRIS PHILLIPS

HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER

Chris is the Founder and Owner of Compete Sports Performance & Rehab and sets the standard for Compete’s performance training and sports medicine programs. He is a recognized board-certified Athletic Trainer (NATA) and Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA) that possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of performance training and sports rehabilitation. Chris is also an Integrative Corrective Exercise Specialist, Certified Power Plate Trainer, certified Sports Safety Specialist, a member of the Medical Fitness Network, and a preferred provider for US Figure Skating’s National Network of Sports Medicine.

Chris is the Founder and Owner of Compete Sports Performance & Rehab and sets the standard for Compete’s performance training and sports medicine programs. He is a recognized board-certified Athletic Trainer (NATA) and Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA) that possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of performance training and sports rehabilitation. Chris is also an Integrative Corrective Exercise Specialist, Certified Power Plate Trainer, certified Sports Safety Specialist, a member of the Medical Fitness Network, and a preferred provider for US Figure Skating’s National Network of Sports Medicine.

With more than 20 years of experience in professional sports, Chris has served as the Athletic Trainer for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League, The Los Angeles Sol of the Women's Professional Soccer League, and has served as both the Head Athletic Trainer and Head Strength Coach for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League. More recently, Chris has supervised the sports medicine and performance training programs for the Orange County Blues of the Men’s USL Pro League and Anaheim Bolts of the Professional Indoor Soccer League. Chris is also one of the Co-Founders for 90strong.com, a soccer performance training website where Chris frequently contributes his knowledge of sports medicine and strength & conditioning. He has written for High School Illustrated Magazine, Cali Rubber Magazine, OC Parenting, and Men’s Journal.

While working in the NHL, Chris’s proudest moment was being a member of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finalist, Mighty Ducks. He was also selected as the Head Athletic Trainer for the 2002 Men’s USA Hockey National Team that competed in Sweden. Throughout his career, Chris has worked with elite athletes including Alex Ovechkin, Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, JS Giguere, Joy Fawcett, Marta, Shannon Boxx, and Mariah Bell.

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MIKE HANNEGAN

MIKE HANNEGAN

ATHLETIC TRAINER

Mike Hannegan comes to Compete following 15 years as an Athletic Trainer in the National Hockey League. An Orange County native, his resume includes over 17 years of experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer in professional sports including over 1000 Professional Hockey games worked. 

Mike Hannegan comes to Compete following 15 years as an Athletic Trainer in the National Hockey League. An Orange County native, his resume includes over 17 years of experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer in professional sports including over 1000 Professional Hockey games worked. 

Hannegan received his B.S. in Movement and Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology from Chapman University and went on to complete his Masters of Science degree in Athletic Training from the California University of Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength Coaches Association, Level 1 Precision Nutrition Coach, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and Performance Enhancement Specialist with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

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JENNA JANADI

JENNA JANADI

GAMEDAY ATHLETIC TRAINER

Jenna is a certified athletic trainer and graduate of Plymouth State University, where she received her Master’s in Athletic Training. She attended Cal State University, Fullerton for undergrad, where she got her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology. Her primary responsibilities at Compete include serving as the Athletic Trainer at Capistrano Valley Christian School, the Ontario Avalanche Junior Hockey Team, and Socal Blues club soccer. Jenna also manages Athletic Training coverage of events.

MOÉ OKUDA

MOÉ OKUDA

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Moé Okuda is a professional figure skater, performer, and coach with 17+ years of skating experience and 8+ years of coaching experience. Moé is also a 5x Southwest Pacific Regional competitor and has earned the title of US Figure Skating Double Gold Medalist. Moé works with various athletes in the Inland Empire area, specializing in skating skills, edge work, on and off-ice conditioning, yoga, and dynamic stretch.

Home sweet Home

Player Housing

Ontario Town Square Townhomes is the official home away from home of the Ontario Jr Reign athletes featuring an exclusive community and household amenities like walk-in closets, a fireplace, and granite countertops. Outside your front door, you’ll find a limitless opportunity for relaxing, socializing, and staying active. Enjoy their patio equipped with gas barbecues and outdoor eating areas, as well as their relaxing pool deck. The convenience continues with their state-of-the-art fitness center.

Conveniently located across the street from Ontario Center Ice Arena with easy access to the 10 freeway, Ontario Town Square Townhomes is just minutes away from Toyota Arena, Ontario International Airport, and Ontario Mills Mall, as well as all of the shopping, dining, and entertainment that downtown Ontario has to offer.

Billet Families

Families (Billet Families) who open their homes and hearts to Ontario Jr Reign student-athletes play a vital role in our success on and off the ice. Billet Families enable our athletes to pursue their dreams by providing them with a place to live and creating an environment where they can thrive physically, academically, and emotionally. Meanwhile, the essential values and principles to become a successful member of the Ontario Jr Reign will come from the rink, the home, school, and the community.

Testimonial

Junah Croteau

Junah Croteau

#9 Forward

Playing for the reign is about gaining experience as a player, but also growing up as a person. During a season, there are always highs and lows but the staff is always there to build on the positive and help the team achieve their maximum potential.

Leadership & Community

Our coaches recruit and develop athletes into champions who carry on the Reign’s championship tradition with integrity. We believe that exceptional performance extends beyond athletic accomplishments, and it’s our responsibility to provide them with the skills they need to have a competitive advantage not only in the athletic arena but also in life. Our approach to developing leaders involves programming centered on personal development, leadership, and community engagement.

Personal development

We equip our athletes with the tools necessary to live a fulfilling and successful life, as an athlete and beyond the Reign experience. As a part of our personal development initiatives, we promote self-discovery, healthy relationships, self-reliance, cultural competency, and confidence, while helping them manage stress, develop their personal brand, and augment their strengths.

Community Engagement

The Ontario Jr Reign’s community programs connect our athletes with local non-profit organizations to create mutually beneficial experiences. Our athletes explore their interests through meaningful, educational experiences, while our local organizations benefit from their donated time, energy, and passion. We focus on providing a diverse range of community service opportunities, so our athletes are able to select the ways they can give back. 

youth hockey

Our youth program “fuels passion” for young people by using the great sport of ice hockey to provide an environment where players enjoy coming to the rink every day. Our athletes help inspire and train the next generation of Southern Californian players by donating their time and experience on the ice during practices at both our Riverside and Ontario rinks. As our players teach the game it helps them consider their own development and learning process. 


California Dreaming

Greater Ontario, Southern California’s inland experience is where big-city sophistication, incredible shopping, and hometown hospitality meet. The perfect home base to enjoy all Southern California activities in less than an hour in any direction, your gateway to outdoor adventures, mountains, deserts, beaches, wineries, Disneyland, and Hollywood. Located where two major interstates intersect and convenient to all freeways, Ontario International Airport, commuter rail.

GET OUTDOORS

Snow-capped mountains, parks, hiking trails, and more – there’s a lot to explore in Greater Ontario. After all, you are in the center of sunny Southern California, and that means more than 300 days a year you can golf, hike, fish, bike, or enjoy a leisurely nature walk.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

If you’re looking to pump up your adrenaline, explore the nearby attractions to fill your days. From the nearby Auto Club Speedway, home of NASCAR and NHRA races, to Universal Studios and Disneyland.

your adrenaline, explore the nearby attractions to fill your days. From the nearby Auto Club Speedway, home of NASCAR and NHRA races, to Universal Studios and Disneyland.

Exciting Nightlife

When the sun goes down the evenings are spent enjoying great dining, live entertainment, arcades, and more.  Fun is the focus for a night out in Greater Ontario!

Testimonial

Andrew Cervantes

Andrew Cervantes

#63 Defenceman

This year has been a roller coaster of emotions. Going from injury to injury I wasn't sure if I would have bounced back without the support of this organization. The coaches and teammates I met here are more than peers and elders, they became family. I look forward to the future of this team.

Alumni header

NCAA D1

  • Joe O’Brien - Niagara University

NCAA D2

  • Alex Bouchard - Curry College

NCAA D3

  • Adam Plonski - Becker College
  • Basil Reynolds - Becker University
  • Brett Norman - University of Southern Maine
  • Chris Skeates - Daniel Webster University
  • Coby Downs - Norwich College
  • Connor Duffy - Stevens Point
  • David Sovik - King’s College
  • Jesse Gordichuk - Stevens Point
  • Kyle Mugica - Gustavus Adolphus
  • Luke Rendino - University of Southern Maine
  • Manny Mancha - Chatham University
  • Matt Ettinger - Daniel Webster University
  • Nick Trefry - Northland College
  • Sean Reynolds - Lawrence University
  • Tre Mason - Daniel Webster University
  • William Ma - SUNY Canton

USHL

  • Coby Downs - Omaha Lancers
  • Lubomir Fetkovic - Sioux Fall Stampede

SPHL

  • Sean Reynolds - Evansville

ACHA D1

  • Angelos Tsalafos    - University of Nevada
  • Brett Ruiz - Grand Canyon University
  • Brian Skillicorn - Indiana Tech
  • Declan Curtis - Calvin College
  • Drake Koegel - Adrian College
  • Drew Crilly - Liberty University
  • Drew Hill - University of Arkansas
  • Eric Williams - University of Nevada
  • Ethan Bock - Calvin College
  • Ethan Montoya - University of Nevada
  • Filip Subrt - Rochester University
  • Henrik Lohman - Missouri State University
  • Jackson Giammona - University of Oklahoma
  • Jesse Simone - University of Nevada
  • Joseph Aguirre - Grand Canyon University
  • Levi Hulston - Arizona State University
  • Michael Thomas - Liberty University
  • Sam Hernandez - Grand Canyon University
  • Sean Murphy - Johnson Calvin College
  • Sean Plonski - University of Nevada
  • Victor Blomberg - Liberty University
  • Zechariah Roberts - Liberty University
  • Brendan Bauer - Davenport University
  • Armen Arabyan - ASU

ACHA D2

  • Brandon Mills - Marian University
  • Brody Cavataio - Boise State
  • Coleman Anderson - Loyola Marymount
  • Kyle Meyer - Boise State
  • Motohiro Hobara - Robert Morris University
  • Taylor Emerick - Southern Illinois
  • Terel Colemon - Boise State
  • Tyler Hascall - Aurora University

NJCAA

  • Alec Suquette - Williston State
  • Cameron Maycock - Williston State
  • Kyle Barrett - Williston State
  • Nick Anderson - Williston State
  • Thomas King - Williston State

BCIHL

  • Donovan Shambeau - University of Victoria
  • Matt Martin - Selkirk College

ACAC

  • Alex Roihjert - Concordia College of Alberta
  • Matt Martin - Selkirk College

NAHL

  • Coby Downs - Minnesota Wilderness
  • Dylan Hadfield - Kenai Brown Bears
  • Grant Morford - Amarillo Bulls
  • Lubomir Fetkovic - Wenatchee Wild

AJHL

  • Damon Aygeman - Grand Prarie Storm

FPHL

  • Jesse Gordichuk - Danville Dashers
  • Joe Cangelosi - Carolina Thunderbirds
  • Michael Thomas - Menton Ice Breakers
  • Sage Cetrone - Battle Creek Rumble Bees
  • Tyler Sybil - Watertown Privateers

Testimonial

James Palmer

James Palmer

#34 Goalie

The team, staff, and Coach Blumes have made the transition to a new team feel easy. I’m really excited to see what this team has in store for the future.

Testimonial

Nico Vazquez

Nico Vazquez

#3 Forward

Playing for the reign was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. The atmosphere of the team is amazing and the locker room was always energetic. The coaches are always pushing everyone to be the best version of themselves and it really helped the team grow and become better.

California Rubber Article

INAUGURAL USPHL SEASON FOR JR. REIGN BREEDS OPTIMISM, ENCOURAGEMENT FOR FUTURE

The Ontario Jr. Reign came into the USPHL at the start of the 2021-22 season with many question marks.

After going 19-23-2 and qualifying for the USPHL Pacific Division playoffs in their inaugural campaign, several of those questions were answered by the Jr. Reign over the course of the season.

“We came a long way this season,” said Ontario head coach Jeremy Blumes. “As a first-year club, we went from an expansion team prone to mental lapses to a hard-working, capable opponent, to the hottest team in a 64-team league down the stretch. After beating Fresno two of three games on the road, we had a very challenging schedule, and the final week of the season, we played five games in eight days and collected nine of 10 points, earning a playoff spot against the San Diego Sabers (with a 6-4 win), the team we were chasing on the final night. Come playoff time, we didn’t get the results we wanted, but I believe the foundation for success in the future has been paved.

“I was very proud of our efforts. The boys played, won races, finished checks, blocked shots, did all the little things to earn our way in. Along the way, we learned valuable lessons, that when we play the game the right way, the hard work pays off.”

When asked what players stood out to him the most, Blumes noted that “our first rule is that the team comes first.”

“I really believe our success was a result of everyone buying in – ‘we supersedes me,’” said Blumes. “That being said, our leadership group of our graduating 20-year-olds all elevated their level of play and led the way, both on and off the ice. Being a first-year team, it was critical that we found the right leaders, and looking back, I am certain we got the right guys with Jackson Wade, Junah Croteau, Aiden Szautner, and Brendan Bauer.”

Blumes was also impressed with the USPHL as a whole.

“The USPHL is a well-established league that offers players a clear path to advancement,” said Blumes. “I believe that we will see a handful of our players make the jump to a higher level next season. At the end of the day, player development, both on and off the ice, is what this all about. Transitioning to the USPHL, which plays by NCAA rules, meant an adjustment for players, coaches, and officials, but I think that by the end of the season, what fans enjoyed were fast, physical and extremely entertaining games.

“Naturally, with this being the first season of the Pacific Division in the USPHL, I think it’s important that we help educate the local hockey community that this is a strong option for player development.”

This season is complete for the Jr. Reign, the organization is already looking ahead to the 2022-23 season.

“I’m optimistic that we can build off of our second half,” Blumes said. “That being said, there is always a lot of turnover at this level, so it is critical that we identify and find talent going into next season.”

The Jr. Reign will be hosting tryout camps in the coming months to find players for next season – May 27-29 in Ontario, Calif., and June 3-5 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

To register for camp or learn more about the Jr. Reign program, visit www.ontariojrreign.com.

Top photo/Mike Zitek Photography; above photo/Mark Mauno

— Matt Mackinder

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