Reign right wing Jon Rheault has been loaned to the Providence Bruins, the Boston Bruins’ affiliate in the American Hockey League. He is the first Reign player this season to get a shot at the next rung of hockey’s minor-league ladder.

It seemed to be a mere matter of time for Rheault, who had been enjoying a standout season with a team-leading nine goals and 15 points in 13 games. The 23-year-old played 24 games with the Manchester Monarchs last season, notching two goals and five points in his only prior AHL experience. Rheault played for Providence College from 2004-08. His nine goals tied for second in the ECHL, and his 15 points tied for ninth.

The Providence Bruins visit the Syracuse Crunch tonight, and Rheault is in the lineup.