Kings' ECHL affiliate to hold tryouts

Think you can be the next Wayne Gretzky? Ready to put your slap shot to the test? The Ontario Reign, an affiliate of the Kings, will hold open free-agent tryouts next Friday and Saturday at Ice Town in Riverside. The prize: an invitation to the Reign's training camp, which will start Oct. 1.

The tryouts will be run by the Reign's coach, Karl Taylor.

Sorry, but spots for aspiring goalies are filled, a club spokesman said. Skaters who want to try out must pay $150, which includes two games, two practices, off-ice coaching sessions and a jersey. And you're on your own to get there.

All players must be 18 or older and no participant may be under contract with any other professional team or league at the "AA" level or higher (NHL, AHL, ECHL or Central Hockey League).  Participating players must bring full equipment, including half-visor/shield for skaters and mask for goaltenders.

For more information and to register for the tryout camp, contact Vinnie Aven of the Reign at (909) 941-7825 or email him at  vaven@ontarioreign.com. 

-- Helene Elliott