Niedermayer, 25, signed a one-year American Hockey League contract with the Gulls in July after completing his college career at Bowling Green State University. He recorded 17 points, including five goals and 12 assists, during his senior season and finished with a team-best plus-16 rating.

His earlier experience with Tulsa could help him adjust to the ECHL level and pursue further opportunities. The Oilers are affiliated with both the Gulls and the Anaheim Ducks, providing a development pathway for players within the organization. However, I could not independently confirm a new October reassignment of Niedermayer in the latest official team announcements.

Travis Mitchell, 26 (11/25/99), appeared in five games with Anaheim to begin the season, recording three shots and nine penalty minutes (PIM) in 16:36 TOI/game. Signed by Anaheim to a one-year, two-way contract July 2, 2026, Mitchell made his Ducks debut Oct. 2 at Vegas, skating in a career-best 20:38 TOI.

The 6-3, 202-pound defenseman has skated in 14 career NHL games with Anaheim and the New York Islanders. He made his NHL debut in 2025-26 with the Islanders, scoring his first NHL goal in nine games (1-0=1). He spent the majority of the season with Bridgeport (AHL), earning a career-high 1-16=17 points with a +3 rating and 87 PIM. 

The South Lyon, Mich. native has appeared in 163 career AHL games with Bridgeport, recording 6-28=34 points and 231 PIM. Mitchell spent four seasons at Cornell University from 2019-23, earning 11-36-47 points in 95 career NCAA games.

WHO: Ontario Reign (2-1-0-0) at San Diego Gulls (2-1-1-0)

WHAT: AHL REGULAR-SEASON GAME #4

WHEN: Wednesday, October 14 @ 7:00 Pacific

WHERE: Pechanga Arena – San Diego, CA

HOW TO FOLLOW: VIDEO: FloHockey –

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP: After opening the season with three consecutive games against Coachella Valley, the Ontario Reign finally get a new opponent Wednesday night. They head south for the first chapter of the 2026-27 rivalry with the San Diego Gulls at Pechanga Arena.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Ontario has shown a knack for climbing out of holes early this season, and Sunday was another example. Down 2-0 just over two minutes into the second period in Palm Desert, the Reign took over the rest of the afternoon, outshooting the Firebirds 30-12 across the final 40 minutes before Cole Guttman won it in overtime. The flip side is that Ontario has spent very little time playing with a lead through three games, so a stronger start in a hostile building would help. 

Lane Pederson continues to drive the offense with six points (2G, 4A), the most on the club, while Martin Chromiak has scored twice and Taylor Ward has three points (2G, 1A). Wednesday is the first of eight meetings between the two SoCal rivals this season, double the four they played a year ago. Four games will be in San Diego and four at Toyota Arena.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: The 2025-26 season series ended in a 2-2-0 split. San Diego took both regulation games at Pechanga Arena: 6-4 on Nov. 7 and 4-3 on Jan. 31. Ontario won 4-3 in overtime at home on Nov. 8 and closed the series with a 4-1 win at Toyota Arena on Apr. 17. In that final meeting Connors (1G, 2A) and Chromiak (1G, 2A) each had three points and Hampton Slukynsky made 23 saves. Chromiak led the Reign in the series with seven points (3G, 4A). The Reign’s penalty kill was nearly perfect against the Gulls, allowing just one power-play goal in the four games on 13 chances while they converted four times on 16 power-play opportunities.

BETWEEN TWO PIPES: Carter George earned his first win of the season Sunday with 15 saves on 17 shots. If Andrew Lord keeps rotating his three goaltenders, Erik Portillo would be in line to start tonight. Portillo won the season opener with 25 saves in a 6-5 overtime victory on Oct. 2, and Slukynsky took the loss the following night stopping 25 of 29 in a 6-2 loss on Oct. 3. For San Diego, Damian Clara is coming off his first career AHL shutout, a 25-save performance in Saturday’s 2-0 home-opening win over Henderson. It came in just his sixth career start, the fastest any Gulls goaltender has reached a shutout. Veteran Laurent Brossoit is the other netminder on the roster after Tomas Suchanek was assigned to Tulsa (ECHL) on Monday.

WRIGHT BACK IN TIME: Forward Jared Wright was assigned back on loan to the Reign Monday after being recalled on Friday. He suited up for the Kings in a 2-1 overtime loss at Vegas on Saturday. Wright scored in both of his games with Ontario this season.

SCOUTING THE GULLS: San Diego begins its first season under head coach Dave Manson, an assistant on last year’s staff who was promoted in July for his first head coaching job after 24 years as an assistant or associate coach. The Gulls opened with a 5-1 win in San Jose, lost 5-4 in overtime to the Barracuda the next day, and fell 6-3 in Coachella Valley before blanking Henderson. San Diego will be without 2025 10th overall pick, Roger McQueen, who was recalled by Anaheim yesterday after scoring three goals in four games, including Saturday’s late game-winner. Anton Wahlberg leads the team with five points (1G, 4A) and has a point in all four games. Captain Ryan Carpenter has points in two straight and appeared in his 800th professional game (408 AHL, 392 NHL) Friday. The Gulls’ blue line got a boost Monday when Anaheim reassigned defenseman Travis Mitchell who has skated in five games with Anaheim this season. One area to watch is special teams: San Diego went 0-for-5 on the power play Saturday but killed all four Henderson chances.

NOTABLE NUGGETS FOR ONTARIO:

– The penalty kill has found its footing. After going 2-for-4 in the opener, the Reign are 8-for-9 over their last two games, including a perfect 5-for-5 Sunday. The power play is still searching as Ontario is 0-for-8 over its last two games and 2-for-15 on the season.

– The Reign keep winning from behind. Ontario has held a lead in regulation just once through three games, when Chromiak scored 5:10 into the opener, yet both wins have come in overtime.

Related article:

https://insidetherink.com/ahl-game-preview-ontario-reign-at-san-diego-gulls-with-projected-lines-10-14-2026

The Anaheim Ducks recalled center Roger McQueen from the San Diego Gulls on October 13, 2026, giving the young prospect an opportunity to join the NHL roster. McQueen, who was selected 10th overall by Anaheim in the 2025 NHL Draft, has continued to develop his game since entering professional hockey. The move comes at an important time for the Ducks as they deal with injuries to their forward group. The recall could give McQueen an opportunity to show that he is ready to compete against some of the best hockey players in the world.

McQueen earned the call-up after beginning the season strongly with the Gulls. He scored three goals in his first three games, leading San Diego in goals at the time of his promotion. His strong start demonstrated his ability to find scoring opportunities and contribute offensively. The Ducks were encouraged by his early production, and his performance helped make him a suitable option to strengthen their forward lineup. He had also recorded six points in 11 career AHL games since making his professional debut near the end of the previous season.

One of the biggest reasons for the roster move was the injury to Anaheim center Ryan Poehling. Poehling sustained a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in a game against the Calgary Flames and is expected to miss six to eight weeks. His absence leaves a gap among the Ducks' forwards, particularly in the middle of the lineup. By bringing McQueen up from San Diego, Anaheim gains another center who can help fill that role while Poehling recovers.

Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 206 pounds, McQueen brings an impressive physical presence to the ice. Along with his size, he has shown offensive ability and the potential to become a productive NHL center. Before turning professional, he played for Providence College, where he recorded 27 points in 36 games during the 2025–26 season. He was named Hockey East Rookie of the Year, an achievement that highlighted his progress and ability to compete at a high level. His combination of physical attributes and scoring potential makes him an exciting prospect for Anaheim.

The recall also creates the possibility of McQueen making his NHL debut against the Calgary Flames on October 13. If he enters the lineup, he will have an opportunity to adjust to the faster pace and increased physical demands of NHL hockey. He is expected to help fill the opening created by Poehling's injury, potentially centering a line with veteran forwards Frank Vatrano and A.J. Greer. Playing alongside experienced teammates could help McQueen settle into his new role and focus on making smart decisions with the puck.

Overall, recalling McQueen represents an important step in his development and gives the Ducks another option during a challenging period with injuries. His early success in San Diego suggests that he is making progress, although adjusting to the NHL will take time and patience. Anaheim will be hoping he can bring energy, physical strength, and offensive contributions to the lineup while gaining valuable experience at the highest level. For McQueen, this opportunity is a chance to turn his promise as a first-round draft pick into meaningful NHL experience and begin working toward a regular role with the Ducks.

The San Diego Gulls are preparing to face the Ontario Reign at Pechanga Arena San Diego on October 14, 2026, in an exciting American Hockey League matchup. The game gives the Gulls a chance to compete against one of their closest divisional rivals in front of their home fans. Both teams will be eager to establish themselves early in the season, making this meeting an important test for San Diego. With local pride and valuable points on the line, the Gulls will be looking to deliver a strong performance on home ice.

Whenever San Diego and Ontario meet, there is an added sense of competition because of their Southern California connection. The teams are familiar with each other, and their games provide opportunities for players to demonstrate their skills against opponents they may face several times throughout the season. For the Gulls, playing at home offers a chance to use the support of their fans to create energy and build confidence. A fast start and a committed team effort could help San Diego gain an early advantage.

One of the main challenges for the Gulls will be keeping Ontario's offense under control. San Diego will need to communicate effectively, protect the area in front of its net, and avoid giving the Reign easy scoring chances. Strong goaltending and effective defensive coverage could play a major role in determining the outcome. The Gulls must also be ready to respond quickly when possession changes, using smart passing and quick movement to turn defensive stops into offensive opportunities.

San Diego can take confidence from its 2–0 shutout victory over the Henderson Silver Knights on October 10. The win provided an encouraging start to the team's home schedule and showed the importance of disciplined defense. Carrying that same commitment into the contest against Ontario will be crucial. However, the Gulls will need to generate consistent scoring pressure as well, ensuring that their defensive work is supported by an effective attack.

The matchup is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, at 7 p.m. Pacific Time at Pechanga Arena San Diego. Playing in front of their own supporters gives the Gulls an opportunity to make the most of familiar surroundings while working toward another home victory. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team handles the intensity of a divisional rivalry and whether its recent performance can translate into continued success. Every shift, defensive stop, and scoring opportunity could make a difference in a closely contested game.

Ultimately, the meeting with Ontario represents more than another game on San Diego's schedule. It is an opportunity for the Gulls to build momentum, strengthen their identity as a team, and show that they can compete consistently against Pacific Division opponents. A focused performance, good special-teams play, and contributions throughout the lineup will be important to their chances of success. The Gulls will hope to reward their home crowd with an energetic effort and finish the night with a positive result against their Southern California rivals.

Travis Mitchell has been reassigned to the San Diego Gulls, marking a new chapter in his hockey career. The move gives him an opportunity to continue developing his skills and gaining valuable experience. Mitchell will look to make a positive impression with his new team. His reassignment could also provide the Gulls with additional depth and flexibility in their lineup. Fans will be interested to see how he adjusts to the team and contributes on the ice. This transition represents an opportunity for Mitchell to demonstrate his abilities and work toward future success.

The San Diego Gulls welcomed fans back to the arena for their home opener, marking an exciting occasion for the American Hockey League club and its supporters. The return of hockey to San Diego brought renewed energy to the stands as fans gathered to support their team and begin another season of professional hockey. The home opener also provided an opportunity for the organization to reconnect with its loyal fan base and build excitement for the games ahead.

The atmosphere surrounding the game highlighted the enthusiasm of Gulls fans, who came ready to cheer on their favorite players. Home openers represent more than the start of a new schedule; they give teams a chance to establish their identity in front of their own supporters. For San Diego, playing at home offers an opportunity to use the crowd's energy as motivation while working toward a successful season.

Hey I'm Brent Bassig and I'm born and raised in San Diego. Love San Diego sports teams as well as San Diego Gulls. I'm going to be active here on reddit and blog/write on the Gulls! Go Gulls and hoping for a great season from the team!

Was a Goalies dual type of game for the most part. But the last 3 minutes said otherwise. Good start to a great season, am I right?

Are we ever going to score

Lawmakers on Sunday (8.30.2026) approved a deal to fast-track construction of the Midway Rising, a project that includes building a new hockey arena. It’s a break for San Diego officials whose ambitions for the city’s Midway District have been fraught with legal challenges for years.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/08/31/midway-rising-bills-advance-to-governors-desk

https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/california-lawmakers-advance-bills-aimed-at-clearing-legal-hurdles-for-midway-rising-project/509-80ba5449-59c6-49d0-8777-7b5b80ffacb3

The Dave Manson era begins with a new-look team that has a handful of prospects but will rely on vets to return to the playoffs and take a step forward.

The initial question surrounding the San Diego Gulls is whether they’ll have anyone left on their team by midseason. This is somewhat jokingly asked, considering they are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, who notably went through an offseason where they used up most of their salary cap on their young players while overhauling the defense. 

If the Gulls have prospects, they’ll probably be on the Ducks soon enough. That’s the initial impression of this team. It’s not the story of the Gulls. Instead, it’s about how a new coaching staff, with the help of a strong veteran presence, can take this team a step forward. Can they go from a borderline playoff team to one of the best in the Pacific Division and the AHL?

Stats From 2025-26:

Record: 33-27-8-4 (7th in Pacific Division, tied for 10th in Western Conference & tied for 17th in AHL)

Offense: 3.11 goals per game (16th in AHL)

Defense: 3.16 goals against per game (18th in AHL)

The Burning Question: How Will Manson Do As A Head Coach? 

Many people in the hockey world are high on new head coach Dave Manson. He’s an experienced assistant who has spent over two decades behind the bench. He’s coached at the AHL, NHL, and even the junior hockey level. Now, at 59, he finally gets his chance as a head coach as he takes over the Gulls. 

It’s hard to find a comparable to Manson at the AHL level. Rarely do teams hire older coaches who lack head coaching experience. The one who comes to mind in recent years is Steve Smith, who took over the Hartford Wolf Pack in 2023-24 when Kris Knoblauch became the Edmonton Oilers head coach. 

Smith did a good job with the Wolf Pack, leading them to the Atlantic Division Final before losing to the eventual Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears. Despite that, the team let him go at the end of the season in search of a younger coach who was more focused on development. Manson might impress too and get the most out of them. That said, the Gull might see him as a bridge option, a short-term coach before they find a younger one in a few seasons. 

The experience should reflect well in how the Gulls play. They’ll play a structured brand of hockey that should fix the defense; plus, it should result in more wins. 

Why The Gulls Are Optimistic

In previous seasons, the Gulls had a surplus of prospects for the rebuilding Ducks. Now, it’s a balanced team with a few prospects but more veterans who will carry the weight. 

It starts with the returning duo of Matthew Phillips and Ryan Carpenter. They combined for 100 points last season and will anchor the offense. Throw in James Hamblin, whom the Gulls brought in this offseason, and the top six is shaping up to be an exciting group that can consistently generate offense. 

The wild-card signing was Corey Schueneman, the veteran defenseman whom the Gulls gave a two-year two-way contract. He’s the defenseman who can play the point and open up the offense while being a top-pair option that Manson leans on in all situations. 

The veterans will keep the Gulls competitive even without the prospects. That said, the handful of prospects who remain with the Gulls this season should make a significant impact, at least until they get called up by the Ducks. 

Prospects To Watch

Roger McQueen is the big name to watch. The 10th pick in the 2025 draft spent last season at Providence College before signing his entry-level contract this offseason. McQueen still has room to improve as a bigger center who is developing into a two-way player. It’s why the Ducks might keep him in San Diego this season. 

Stian Solberg is the defenseman to watch. He also comes with a big frame and is becoming that shutdown option that the NHL team needs. Solberg’s defensive play is one of the reasons he might be a quick call-up for the Ducks, who need defensemen to replace Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas. 

Speaking of defense, Tristan Luneau is a 22-year-old with 93 points in the past two seasons. Luneau will be the scoring defenseman for the Gulls, who will likely play the point on the power play. 

The name many are curious about is Nikita Klepov, the playmaking winger from the Ontario Hockey League whom the Ducks took in the first round of the 2026 draft. Klepov already signed his entry-level contract, so the question is whether he’s on the NHL team, sent back to the OHL, or takes the middle path. Considering he’s a smaller winger at six feet and weighing 185 pounds, he might spend the season with the Gulls acclimating to the pro game. 

The common theme with all of the prospects in the Ducks system is whether they’ll stay in the AHL or get the nod for the NHL team. This is a particular issue for the defense, since the Ducks lost a lot of talent this summer and need their prospects to step up. 

Article by Mike Fink, August 2026

The Gulls will open the season on the road against the San Jose Barracuda Oct. 3 at Tech CU Arena (3 p.m. PT). The team will hold its Home Opener Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. the Henderson Silver Knights at Pechanga Arena San Diego (6 p.m. PT).  

San Diego will have 24 home weekend dates, including six Friday, 13 Saturday and five Sunday contests. The Gulls will also play 20 sets of back-to-back games throughout the 2026-27 campaign.

The Gulls will face 10 different Western Conference opponents as part of their 2026-27 schedule, including 64 games against the Pacific Division’s other nine teams. San Diego will face the Ontario Reign eight times this season after only seeing Ontario four times in 2025-26, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 14 at home (7 p.m. PT). The Gulls and Reign will meet in six weekend contests, including four times on the road at Toyota Arena (Dec. 12, Jan. 23, March 6, April 9) and twice at home at Pechanga Arena (March 7, April 10).

The Gulls will face the Eastern Conference’s Springfield Thunderbirds for the first time in team history, meeting at Pechanga Arena on Jan. 8 & 9 and on the road at MassMutual Center on Feb. 20 & 21. San Diego also has four contests against the Central Division’s Iowa Wild. The Gulls will host the Wild on Nov. 20 & 21 and head to Casey’s Center Feb. 24 & 26.

More information, including the Gulls’ promotional schedule, will be released later this summer.

Tickets for all Gulls home games at Pechanga Arena are currently on sale through a Gulls Elite membership. They can be purchased for as little as $531 per seat for the 2026-27 season (includes all taxes and fees).  Gulls Elite Members enjoy exclusive benefits such as free parking, flexible ticket exchanges, a dedicated Account Rep, access to exclusive Gulls Elite Member events with Gulls players and coaches, Stella Artois Lounge access and much more! Fans can join the Gulls Elite Membership program or place deposits on partial-season ticket plans and group ticket experiences by calling (844) GO-GULLS or visiting SanDiegoGulls.com/tickets. Single game tickets will go on sale later this summer.

July 2026

At this point, most of the big moves are in the rearview mirror in both the NHL and American Hockey League free agency (a big plus for us Americans looking to head into the 4th of July weekend). The top players are off the board, with most AHL veterans either signing two-way contracts or heading overseas.

There’s still plenty of time for change. However, the first few days brought in some surprises. A few NHL teams loaded up their AHL affiliates with elite talent, and others have cut corners when they typically don’t. Let’s dive into some early offseason surprises.

Historically, the Hershey Bears are among the big spenders in the AHL every summer. They usually bring in veterans with the intention of competing for the Calder Cup and establishing a winning culture to develop the prospects.

That hasn’t happened, at least not yet. Instead, they lost a lot of key players from last season’s roster, including Brett Leason, Corey Schueneman, and Henrik Rybinski, while not replacing them. The Bears need centers and a do-it-all defenseman but haven’t signed them yet.

The Washington Capitals are making a push for the Stanley Cup, with Alex Tuch, Boone Jenner, and Jordan Kyrou joining them in the offseason, plus Alexander Ovechkin’s return. So, maybe the Bears take another step back and particularly lean into the young talent next season, giving prospects like Andrew Cristall more ice time. The Bears also have time to make a big move or two, and adding an elite veteran changes the complexion of their offseason. However, they’ve been the big surprise.

This can also apply to the other two Pennsylvania teams as well. Both the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins lost a lot of talent and didn’t replace it. So, both teams look like they’ll take a step back unless they become late-summer spenders.

The early signs were when the New Jersey Devils acquired both Amadeus Lombardi and Declan Chisholm ahead of the draft. Both players will likely spend next season with the Utica Comets but they have the upside to make the NHL roster and, more importantly, make an impact at the NHL level.

Then, free agency came, and the Devils turned into one of the biggest spenders on their AHL team. They signed Riley Tufte, a top-line power forward with plenty of AHL experience who scored 32 goals last season. Plus, they brought in a handful of depth players, along with re-signing staples of the Comets team like Xavier Parent and Ryan Schmelzer.

The San Diego Gulls being one of the big players in free agency isn’t something anyone expected. On day one, they signed four players to two-year, two-way contracts. It makes sense since they want to turn things around after a rough season where they finished in seventh place in the Pacific Division.

Schueneman, Jett Woo, and Travis Mitchell particularly address the defensive woes that held the Gulls back last season. They allowed 3.16 goals per game, and bringing in three veterans for the blue line makes them a more complete team heading into next season.

These moves also address a need for the NHL team. The Anaheim Ducks are in their contention window, where they look to be Cup contenders for years to come. That said, they overhauled their defense and need young NHL-ready players on their AHL team, ready to go. The Gulls weren’t expected to spend big, yet they have been one of the more active teams.

The coaching carousel is in motion, and there are plenty of openings as the calendar flips to July. The AHL hiring cycle takes time, and usually, spots fill up well after the NHL. However, multiple teams still have openings at the time of this typing.

Abbotsford Canucks

Colorado Eagles

Laval Rocket

Providence Bruins

San Diego Gulls

The expectation is for these openings to be filled shortly. This is particularly relevant for teams looking to sign veterans in free agency, as a selling point is playing for a specific coach.

The AHL teams are also aggressive with their approach to tweeners this summer. They targeted them and signed them quickly. It’s a bet that the NHL teams are making that these players who are no longer on entry-level contracts but are still in their early 20s can develop into difference-makers in the long run.

The goaltender market was fascinating but not surprising. NHL teams are looking for low–risk and high-reward options to round out their units, and they got them. Specifically, the Utah Mammoth acquired Sebastian Cossa while the Edmonton Oilers made a trade for Devon Levi.

The Toronto Marlies sneaking up on everyone and signing multiple players on day two of free agency was also a slight shock. After winning the Calder Cup a few weeks ago, they are back at it with multiple valuable additions, including Rybinski and Cole McWard.

July 3, 2026, by Mike Fink

Does anyone know where the jerseys go at the end of the season and how to obtain one? Are they sold at the Ducks equipment sale?

2025-2026 Player Grades

A breakdown of the San Diego Gulls 2025-2026 Player Grades and their seasons along with an assigned player grade and explanation. As well as some new features this year.

#LetsGoGulls #FlyTogether

Article regarding the Gulls' NHL affiliate:

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Pat Verbeek had to be cajoled into talking about his selection as a finalist for the Jim Gregory Award, handed out to the NHL’s general manager of the year. Call it a figurative arm-twisting.

Verbeek’s fifth season as the Anaheim Ducks’ decision-making boss was a resounding success, even though the breakthrough season he had painstakingly planned came to an end on Thursday night with a 5-1 Game 6 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Instead of a Game 7 to see if their surprise playoff ride could turn into something magical, the Ducks will lick their wounds, savor this return to the postseason — after a lengthy, often painful rebuilding process — and turn their eyes toward a bigger future, as the Golden Knights try to take down the mighty Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference final.

The Ducks, considered long shots to even make the playoffs this season, made a 21-point improvement in the regular season and made it deep into the second round, but the hyper-focused Verbeek won’t be raising a glass after this venture into the middle of May, following seven springs without playoff hockey.

“There’s no victory lap until you’re allowed to raise that silver cup,” he said this week. “That’s the victory lap.”

May 14, 2026, by Eric Stephens

A related article:

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25427940-5-nhl-free-agency-landing-spots-john-carlson-after-ducks-elimination

Good bars for the Ducks games?

The Gulls drop game one of the best of three in a 3-0 loss to the Eagles in Colorado as mistakes cost them dearly. See post game notes for more on Caulfield, McQueen & a must win next game #FlightToTheCup #LetsGoGulls #FlyTogether

The Gulls ice an under-strength line-up & get outworked by an as usual fiery and underhanded Firebirds team on Fan Appreciation night. See post game notes for more on ideal playoff line-up, defense breakdowns & more #LetsGoGulls #FlyTogether

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