Notes on tonight’s Reign game. Update.

1. The game is far from sold out. Executive VP of business operations Justin Kemp said yesterday that he expects “about 4,000.”

2. Stockton Record beat writer Scott Linesburgh breaks down the series position-by-position, then predicts the Thunder will win in seven games.

3. Wearing a Fresno Falcons undershirt after today’s morning skate, Thunder coach Matt Thomas said that the Reign’s PP will be the biggest challenge for his defense. Even without Andrew Martens. “Systematically, they have what they like. I don’t think it’s going to be 1,000 different trick plays. They’ve got some good concepts to it, they move the puck well on it. The strength is in the simplicity.”

1:54 p.m. update: Todd Jackson and Brad Mehalko were taken off IR today, and the two forwards will be on the active roster for tonight’s game. Doug Spooner was placed on 3-day IR, and as expected, defenseman P.J. Atherton was added to the active roster.

Martens is still with the Toronto Marlies, and goaltender Kellen Briggs with the Portland Pirates, both of the AHL.

AHL transactions: Atherton, two Thunder returned.

Good news for the Reign coming from the AHL transaction wire: Defenseman P.J. Atherton was returned on loan from the Grand Rapids Griffins. Atherton wasn’t at practice Tuesday but, if he returns, would give the Reign a much-needed presence on the power play. The Reign are enduring a 1-for-30 drought with the man advantage. More about this in tomorrow’s editions.

Not-as-good news for Reign fans: Stockton defenseman Cleve Kinley and forward Cory Urquhart have also been returned from the AHL in time for Friday’s first-round game between the Reign and the Thunder. Kinley and Urquhart were among the team’s leading scorers in the regular season.

Curran update.

Reign left wing Chris Curran is recovering at home from his injury sustained in Bakersfield, the team reports.

“I really appreciate all the support and concerned messages from the fans,” said Curran, who is recovering at home with his family. “I am looking forward to getting back on the ice with the team.”

Fans can send messages to:

Chris Curran
C/O Ontario Reign Professional Hockey
3633 Inland Empire Blvd. Suite #130
Ontario, CA 91764

Or by email to: players@ontarioreign.com