Latest news with #OntarioReign
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Bruins name former winger Marco Sturm head coach
The Boston Bruins hired Marco Sturm as coach on Thursday to help the Original Six franchise get back to the playoffs after missing them for the first time since 2016. The Bruins picked the 46-year-old German to replace interim coach Joe Sacco, who took over from Jim Montgomery in November and led the team to a 25-30-7 record — much of it after a trade deadline roster purge. Sturm, who spent the past three seasons as head coach of the AHL's Ontario Reign and coached Germany to a silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, is a former Boston player — just like Bruins president Cam Neely and general manager Don Sweeney. 'Boston has always held a special place in my heart, and I know how much this team means to the city and to our fans,' said Sturm, who was a Bruins left wing from 2005-10. 'I've felt that passion as a player, and I can't wait to be behind the bench and feel it again. I'm excited to get to work and do everything I can to help this team succeed.' A three-time Olympian and first-round NHL draft pick who played most of his 14 seasons for the San Jose Sharks and Bruins, Sturm scored 242 goals with 245 assists in 938 career games and is No. 2 on the league's all-time scoring list for players born in Germany. As a coach, he worked as a Los Angeles Kings assistant guiding the Reign, the Kings' AHL affiliate, to a 119-80-11-6 record and three playoff appearances. 'His path — playing for multiple NHL teams, coaching internationally, and leading at both the AHL and NHL levels — has shaped a well-rounded coach who's earned this opportunity,' Sweeney said. 'As a former Bruin, he understands what this team means to the city and our fans. We're embracing a new direction with Marco behind the bench and are confident his energy, standards, and commitment to a competitive, hard-nosed brand of hockey reflect exactly what Bruins hockey should be.' Sacco, a Bruins assistant and former Colorado Avalanche head coach, replaced Montgomery 20 games into this season, but with the team unable to challenge for a playoff berth Sweeney traded away captain Brad Marchand and other veterans, and the Bruins stumbled to a 33-39-10 record overall, tied for the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Only three teams in the league were worse, and CEO Charlie Jacobs said after the season that the results were 'absolutely unacceptable' and apologized to the fans for the performance. 'We owe you a better team, and we aim to deliver a better team,' he said after the season. 'I share your disappointment and, frankly, embarrassment on how poorly things played out over the course of this season.' Sacco was a candidate for the permanent job. Others who reportedly received consideration were Washington Capitals assistant Mitch Love, former Chicago Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson and Bruins assistant Jay Leach. Montgomery, 55, was 120-41-23 in two-plus seasons in Boston. The Bruins finished with more than 100 points in each of his first two years — including a record-setting debut, when their 65 wins and 135 points were both the most in NHL history. But the team lost in the first round of the playoffs that season and advanced to only the second round last year. The struggles carried over into an 8-9-3 start this season before Montgomery was fired. He was hired five days later by the St. Louis Blues and was given a five-year contract; the Blues reached the playoffs and lost in the first round in seven games to the Winnipeg Jets. Boston never improved under Sacco. Heading into the trade deadline with a three-game losing streak that left them at 28-28, the Bruins traded Marchand — the only remaining member of their 2011 Stanley Cup championship team — along with forwards Justin Brazeau, Marc McLaughlin, Trent Frederic and Charlie Coyle and defenseman Brandon Carlo. And they left Sacco on the bench to ride it out. The depleted roster lost 10 straight games — the team lost only 12 in its record-setting 2022-23 season under Montgomery — and fell from possible playoff contender to the NHL draft lottery. Despite the disappointment, the Bruins signed Sweeney to a two-year contract extension, with Neely saying it would help to have stability in the front office during the coaching search. 'I am confident in the plan he has followed these past few months — and excited for what's to come for our team,' the former Bruins forward said of the former Bruins defenseman. 'The expectations in Boston have always been clear. It's about winning championships.'
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ajinomoto Foods North America Awards Hockey Player Development Scholarship to Local Ontario Family
ONTARIO, Calif., April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ajinomoto Foods North America, a specialty frozen food manufacturer of leading Asian and Mexican meals, is investing in the wellbeing of local youth by awarding two dedicated young athletes a $5,000 scholarship. As proud members of the Junior Reign, the official youth hockey club of the Ontario Reign, Michael and Joshua Herrera have demonstrated not only talent on the ice but also perseverance in their personal lives. With this scholarship, Ajinomoto Foods is helping Michael and Joshua move one step closer to achieving their goals. This scholarship represents empowering young athletes, fostering resilience, and strengthening families. The Herreras, ages 14 and 11, have been part of the Junior Reign since they were five years old. As a veteran family balancing homeschooling and caregiving for an injured service member, their journey is a testament to commitment, sacrifice, and the power of community support. "Our mission goes beyond food—we strive to enrich lives, promote wellbeing and uplift communities," said Hiroshi Kaho, President and CEO of Ajinomoto Foods North America. "Michael and Joshua embody the spirit of perseverance and passion, and we are honored to support them as they pursue their dreams both on and off the ice." For the Herrera family, this scholarship is more than financial support—it's a vote of confidence in the hard work, discipline, and love for the sport that Michael and Joshua have cultivated over the years. "The Junior Reign program has provided a foundation for our boys to grow not just as players, but as individuals," said Indira Herrera, mother of Michael and Joshua. "This generous scholarship from Ajinomoto Foods allows them to continue striving for excellence in hockey while reinforcing the incredible values of teamwork, dedication, and resilience." The scholarship was officially presented on March 29 at Toyota Arena in Ontario, during an Ontario Reign game. Ajinomoto Foods North America has partnered with the Hope Reigns Foundation to fund the Junior Reign scholarship, reinforcing their deep-rooted commitment to investing in the local community. With over a decade of impact in Ontario, California, Ajinomoto Foods North America continues to be a pillar of support for local families, proving that investing in the next generation is the ultimate game-changer. About Ajinomoto Foods North America, Foods North America, Inc. is dedicated to delivering high-quality and culturally inspired frozen food products that meet the ever-evolving needs of consumers. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life through food, making everyday eating a happy experience. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ajinomoto Group, a global leader in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of amino acid-based products. Leveraging the Ajinomoto Group's history with amino acids via "AminoScience", Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. is pioneering the science of wellbeing. Our quality and safety standards combined with our culinary expertise inspires our belief in sharing the joy of food. Our diverse range of frozen foods combines premium ingredients with exceptional flavor, making it easier for people to enjoy balanced meals without compromising on taste. Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. consumer brands include: Ajinomoto, Jose Ole, Ling Ling and Tai Pei. Our products can be found at Costco, Kroger, Sam's Club, Walmart and more. For more information, please visit About Ontario ReignThe Ontario Reign are the top minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings in the American Hockey League (AHL) and play their home games at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. The Reign play a total of 72 games during the AHL's regular season from October to April, with 36 home games at Toyota Arena before the league's Calder Cup Playoffs take place in May and June. Reign games consist of exhilarating hockey in Southern California, with exciting theme nights, group experience opportunities, and fun for all ages! View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Ajinomoto Foods North America
Associated Press
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
LA Kings and Ontario Reign Celebrate Read Across America Week With Local Southern California Students
AEG 's LA Kings and Ontario Reign took to the classroom instead of the ice to celebrate Read Across America Week, emphasizing the importance of literacy and education. Through special library and school visits, the hockey teams aimed to inspire young minds and foster a love for reading. To kick off Read Across America Week, on March 3, 2025, several Ontario Reign players, including Jack Millar, Angus Booth, Dryden McKay and Cole Krygier, visited locations across Southern California including the Upland Library, Oakmont Outdoor School, and Carnelian Elementary, and engaged young reader in fun, interactive storytelling sessions. The visits were a part of the club's Read to Reign program, which highlights the importance of reading and its impact on children's academic and personal growth. Participating young readers received two tickets to an upcoming Ontario Reign game. Additionally, on March 6, 2025, Daryl Evans, LA Kings alumni and broadcast announcer, along with the LA Kings Ice Crew, and the club's beloved team mascot, Bailey, visited Vista Hermosa School in Hermosa Beach, CA for a special reading of B is for Bailey, the team's first bilingual children's book. The book, which features English and Spanish translations, teaches kids the A-to-Zs of hockey while promoting bilingual literacy. The LA Kings' Read Across America Day activities are aligned with the organization's umbrella program, G.O.A.L.S, which encompasses all the club's sponsored character building and wellness activities. 'The ability to read opens the door to endless opportunities,' said Daryl Evans. 'It's inspiring to see the excitement in these students' eyes as they discover the magic of books. Through programs like these, we hope to encourage young readers to dream big, whether it's on the ice or in the classroom.'
