The Inland Empires “Ontario Reign” are quickly becoming one of the most popular sports teams in the region. Most people weren’t even aware of the teams existence for the first couple of seasons. Here’s a little information on what it’s all about.
On February 26, 2008, the ECHL announced that the former Texas Wildcatters membership would be transferred to Ontario. After receiving numerous entries in a “Name the Team” contest, Mike Brewster of Fontana’s entry, the Ontario Reign, was selected as the official team name and the logo was announced on March 17, 2008.
The official team Web site, ontarioreign.com, was launched on August 19, 2008. The same day, the Reign’s first Zamboni was delivered to the Citizens Business Bank Arena, marking the 9,000th ice resurfacing machine manufactured by the Frank J. Zamboni Co. in the company’s 60 year history.
The Ontario Reign opened their inaugural season with a road game in Bakersfield on October 18, 2008, where they came away with their first-ever win with a score of 2-1. The first home game in club history was played October 25, 2008 at the brand-new Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario. The Reign defeated the Las Vegas Wranglers 4-1 to claim the victory in their home opener.
During the team’s formative years, the Reign continued to build on the success established in the club’s inaugural campaign, as the team proceeded to take the ECHL attendance title for the next three seasons, averaging 6,451 fans in 2009-10, 6,683 in 2010-11 and 6,309 in 2011-12. In this time, Ontario’s front office garnered a number of league accolades, including Web Site of the Year in 2009-10 and ECHL Ticket Department of the Year for 2010-11.
Approaching the Reign’s fourth season, Coach Taylor took on an assistant coaching position with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, leaving an opening for a new head coach. The 2010-11 CHL “Coach of the Year,” Jason Christie, joined the Reign August 23, 2011. For the first time in franchise history, the team brought in an assistant coach. Mark Hardy, former Los Angeles Kings assistant coach, joined the Reign bench on August 24, 2011.
In the new year the Ontario Reign promises to be an increasing attraction to the region.