Reign Aim to Clinch Division Title in Coachella Valley Showdown

Ontario Reign look to capture second ever regular season division championship with win over Firebirds

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense action of a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and the energy of the match.The Reign and Firebirds clash in a crucial Pacific Division showdown with playoff positioning on the line.Palm Desert Today

The Ontario Reign (45-19-3-2) hit the road for the final time this season, taking on the Coachella Valley Firebirds (38-24-5-0) with a chance to clinch the Pacific Division title. The Reign have won four straight games, outscoring opponents 19-5, and can lock up the division with a win or a Colorado loss. Coachella Valley sits fourth in the division but is just two points back of third place Henderson.

Why it matters

This matchup between the top two teams in the Pacific Division has major playoff implications. The Reign are looking to secure their second ever regular season division championship, while the Firebirds are fighting to improve their playoff positioning in a tight race. The outcome of this game could determine home-ice advantage in the first round of the postseason.

The details

Ontario has been on a tear lately, going 14-3-2-1 in their last 20 games. They've scored four or more goals in 32 contests this season, posting a 29-2-1 record in those games. The Reign have also been dominant at home, going 25-5-2-2 and earning points in 12 straight games. Coachella Valley, meanwhile, has dropped its last two games but still holds an 11-4-0 mark in its last 15 outings. The Firebirds are 19-12-3 at home this season.

  • The Reign and Firebirds last met on April 1, when Ontario won 7-0 in Coachella Valley.
  • Ontario defeated Coachella Valley 4-1 at home on April 10.

The players

Ontario Reign

The Ontario Reign are the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. They are currently in first place in the Pacific Division with a 45-19-3-2 record.

Coachella Valley Firebirds

The Coachella Valley Firebirds are the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. They are currently in fourth place in the Pacific Division with a 38-24-5-0 record.

Cole Guttman

The Ontario Reign forward leads the team in scoring in the season series against the Firebirds with nine points (5 goals, 4 assists).

Lleyton Roed

The Coachella Valley Firebirds forward has five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in the season series against the Reign.

Pheonix Copley

The Ontario Reign goaltender has been on a hot streak, going 8-0-1 in his last nine games with a 1.64 goals against average and .933 save percentage.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue our strong play and focus on finishing the regular season strong. Clinching the division title would be a great accomplishment for this team.”

— Marco Sturm, Ontario Reign Head Coach

“This is a big game for us as we try to improve our playoff positioning. We know Ontario is a tough opponent, but we're ready for the challenge.”

— Dan Bylsma, Coachella Valley Firebirds Head Coach

What’s next

If the Reign win tonight, they will clinch the Pacific Division title. If they lose, they will have one more chance to clinch the division in their final regular season game on April 15.

The takeaway

This matchup between the top two teams in the Pacific Division has major playoff implications. The Reign are looking to secure their second ever regular season division championship, while the Firebirds are fighting to improve their playoff positioning in a tight race. The outcome of this game could determine home-ice advantage in the first round of the postseason.