Kopitar Joins the Reign
Published on December 31, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Ontario Reign News Release
ONTARIO, Calif . - The Ontario Reign, back-to-back Pacific Division Champions and proud affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings and Winnipeg Jets, announced the signing of Gasper Kopitar, younger brother of Los Angeles Kings star forward Anze Kopitar.
Kopitar, 21, will make his professional debut with Ontario after beginning the 2013-14 season overseas for his second season with Mora of the Allsvenskan Swedish league. This season Kopitar has played in 13 games with Mora. Last year the center appeared in 42 and recorded 14 points (8g, 6a).
Before playing in his home continent, Kopitar, a native of Jesenice, Slovenia, played junior hockey in the US with the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) and Portland Winterhawks (WHL). Between 2009-11 Kopitar played 12 games with Portland and scored one goal. From 2010-12 the 6-foot, 218-pound skater appeared in 107 USHL games with Des Moines earning 63 points (36g, 27a).
Kopitar has represented Slovenia in the U20 World Junior Championship three times helping his country earn both a bronze and silver medal. In 2011-12 he was named Captain of the Slovenian team and was the top player on the team with five points (3g, 2a). Kopitar represented Slovenia last year in the World Championship and is expected to join his brother Anze on the 2014 Slovenian Olympic team in Sochi.
Reign Drops:
The Reign are finished playing at home in 2013 - but will return to Citizens Business Bank Arena on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. to host the San Francisco Bulls for a Farmer John 2-for-1 Hot Dog Night. Hot dogs are buy one get one free at any concession stand while supplies last. For tickets to this game call 909-941-7825 to learn how to save money on parking and other fees.
ECHL Stories from December 31, 2013
- Wranglers Fall 3-1 to Grizzlies - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Bartus Shuts out Gwinnett 6-0 - Atlanta Gladiators
- Caria's two goals carries K-Wings to victory - Kalamazoo Wings
- Cyclones Rally Falls Short in Kalamazoo, 4-3 - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Royals Strong Third Period Push Overcomes Nailers, 4-1 - Reading Royals
- Reading Rains on Nailers New Year's Eve - Wheeling Nailers
- ECHL Transactions - December 31 - ECHL
- Elmira Blanked at South Carolina - Elmira Jackals
- Jakaitis Records Second-Straight Shutout to Close 2013 - South Carolina Stingrays
- Lightning Assign Goalie Helenius to Everblades - Florida Everblades
- Weekly Weather Report: the News and Notes of the Stockton Thunder - Stockton Thunder
- Countdown to Face-Off: Kalamazoo Wings vs Cincinnati Cyclones - Kalamazoo Wings
- Road Warriors Acquire Forward Scott Arnold - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Royals Activate Forward Julien Cayer from Injured Reserve - Reading Royals
- Cyclones Game Preview - Cincinnati at Kalamazoo - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Kopitar Joins the Reign - Ontario Reign
- Thunder Receive Escobedo from Bridgeport - Stockton Thunder
- Nailers vs. Royals Game Day Snap Shot - Wheeling Nailers
- Elmira Jackals Game Preview at South Carolina - Elmira Jackals
- ECHL Today - December 31 - ECHL
- Stingrays Game Preview: Stingrays Ring in the New Year Tonight with 2x2 Tuesday vs. Elmira - South Carolina Stingrays
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
