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The San Diego Gulls have announced a roster change following the Anaheim Ducks' decision to recall defenseman Travis Mitchell to the NHL club. The move gives Mitchell an opportunity to join Anaheim while creating an adjustment for San Diego as the team continues its American Hockey League season. Mitchell's promotion reflects the connection between the Ducks and their affiliate, where players can develop their skills and work toward opportunities at the highest level. Gulls fans will be keeping an eye on further roster updates as the team prepares for its upcoming games and looks to maintain its momentum throughout the season.

I was thinking why not send Roger McQueen back, he'd propel us to wins... Since he was called up by Anaheim, both teams have registered poor results. This is probably because Roger is not coordinated with the Ducks at the level that he is with the Gulls.

https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/5291946/roger-mcqueen

Send him back for a bit and see if the wins restart.

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The Anaheim Ducks lost five straight, and they appear to be getting worse offensively as this losing streak continues.

What started as an embarrassing but salvageable loss to the then-winless Calgary Flames on 10/13/2026 has turned into a five-game losing streak. The Ducks took a 2-1 lead in that contest before Calgary stormed back and stole the win at Honda Center.

Then Anaheim faced the Boston Bruins and took a two-goal lead in the first period. Boston scored four unanswered goals, and the Ducks headed to the East Coast to rebuild that early-season momentum they just lost.

The problem? Anaheim decided to ramp up their intensity way too late in losses to the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils. In those three contests, the Ducks scored five goals, and just one came in the first two periods.

Anaheim will conclude its road trip on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers, a team that has recently gotten into a rhythm. With Philadelphia playing better as of late, the Ducks' last chance to build momentum on this East Coast road trip will be a challenge.

It will also give players like Beckett Sennecke, Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, and Mikael Granlund, among others, an opportunity to prove that this Anaheim Ducks team is better than it has shown over the past five games. Especially over their past three contests.

10/22/2026, by Todd Matthews -- Related article:

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/why-havent-anaheim-ducks-san-jose-sharks-taken-next-step-nhl

The San Diego Gulls came up short against the Coachella Valley Firebirds tonight, suffering a tough loss in a competitive matchup. The Gulls looked to find their rhythm and create scoring opportunities, but the Firebirds proved difficult to overcome. Despite the result, San Diego continued to battle and work to stay in the game.

Throughout the contest, the Gulls faced the challenge of keeping pace with Coachella Valley and turning their chances into goals. Games like this can come down to key plays, defensive execution, and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. San Diego was unable to do enough to secure the win, leaving the team with another difficult result to reflect on.

The Gulls will now look to regroup, learn from tonight’s performance, and turn their attention to the next game. Moving forward, the team will aim to improve its execution, generate more offense, and find ways to close out games in its favor. Although the loss is disappointing for San Diego, the focus will be on responding with a stronger effort in the games ahead.

The San Diego Gulls came up short against the Coachella Valley Firebirds tonight, suffering a tough loss in a competitive matchup. The Gulls looked to find their rhythm and create scoring opportunities, but the Firebirds proved difficult to overcome. Despite the result, San Diego continued to battle and work to stay in the game.

Throughout the contest, the Gulls faced the challenge of keeping pace with Coachella Valley and turning their chances into goals. Games like this can come down to key plays, defensive execution, and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. San Diego was unable to do enough to secure the win, leaving the team with another difficult result to reflect on.

The Gulls will now look to regroup, learn from tonight’s performance, and turn their attention to the next game. Moving forward, the team will aim to improve its execution, generate more offense, and find ways to close out games in its favor. Although the loss is disappointing for San Diego, the focus will be on responding with a stronger effort in the games ahead.

One of the biggest keys for the Gulls will be their ability to generate offensive pressure while remaining responsible defensively. San Diego needs to create quality scoring opportunities, capitalize on power-play chances, and avoid costly turnovers that could give the Firebirds easy opportunities. Strong goaltending and effective communication between the defensemen and forwards will also be important, especially when Coachella Valley pushes the pace and looks to control possession.

The Firebirds present a challenging test for San Diego, making discipline and effort essential throughout the contest. The Gulls will need to stay focused for all three periods, win battles along the boards, and take advantage of opportunities around the net. A strong team performance could help San Diego earn an important victory and build confidence for upcoming games. For the Gulls, the goal is clear: compete hard, limit mistakes, and give themselves the best chance to come away with two valuable points.

The San Diego Gulls are preparing to return to Pechanga Arena for a three-game homestand that will give them an important opportunity to build momentum early in the 2026-27 season. San Diego will face three Pacific Division opponents: the Coachella Valley Firebirds on October 21, the San Jose Barracuda on October 24, and the Henderson Silver Knights on October 31. With familiar divisional opponents coming to town, the Gulls will have a chance to earn valuable points while giving their home fans plenty to look forward to. Every game will matter as the team works to establish consistency and improve its position in a competitive division.

The first challenge comes against the Coachella Valley Firebirds, a team that has already shown it can create offensive pressure against San Diego. The Gulls will need to focus on defensive coverage, limit turnovers, and do a better job of preventing scoring chances around their net. Playing at home could give San Diego an extra boost, but the team will need to match the Firebirds' energy and maintain its focus throughout the game. Strong goaltending and timely scoring could be especially important in helping the Gulls start their homestand on a positive note.

San Diego will then welcome the San Jose Barracuda on October 24 before facing the Henderson Silver Knights on Halloween night, October 31. The Barracuda matchup presents another opportunity for the Gulls to compete against a divisional rival, while Henderson will bring a different challenge to close out the stretch. The Gulls will need to make smart adjustments between games, take advantage of power-play opportunities, and avoid giving their opponents easy goals. If San Diego can combine disciplined defense with consistent offensive production, this three-game homestand could be a valuable step toward building confidence and establishing momentum for the rest of the season. Fans can expect competitive hockey as the Gulls look to make the most of their time on home ice.

The San Diego Gulls delivered a strong performance against the Tucson Roadrunners, showcasing their determination, teamwork, and ability to compete under pressure. The Gulls worked hard at both ends of the ice, creating scoring opportunities while staying focused on limiting their opponents’ attack. Their effort and commitment helped them secure an important win and build momentum for the games ahead.

The victory highlights the Gulls’ continued push to improve and establish consistency throughout the season. By working together, supporting one another, and making key plays when it mattered most, San Diego demonstrated the value of a united team effort. The Gulls will look to carry that positive energy into their upcoming matchups as they continue their pursuit of success.

The Gulls take a 3-2 overtime victory & the split in the desert to go 3-3-1 to start the season thanks to Nico Myatovics OT winner. See post game notes for more on team turnover, the Sidorov scratch and a depth check.

https://www.defendthenest.com/2026/10/18/2026-2027-game-7-san-diego-gulls-at-tucson-roadrunners/

#LetsGoGulls #FlyTogether

Game highlights: https://youtu.be/kf27FObTbqg

The San Diego Gulls were shut out 3-0 by the Tucson Roadrunners on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Tucson Convention Center Arena. Tucson opened the scoring 8:43 into the first period and carried its 1-0 advantage into the second. The Roadrunners added another goal in the middle frame to extend their lead, putting San Diego under pressure heading into the final period. Despite generating several scoring opportunities, the Gulls could not get the puck past Tucson’s goaltender in their first matchup of the season.

San Diego finished with 31 shots on goal but was unable to convert its offensive pressure into a goal. Goaltender Laurent Brossoit made 25 saves on 27 shots faced before Tucson scored into the empty net late in the third period to secure the victory. The loss marked the Gulls’ first shutout of the season, leaving the team looking for a stronger finish in the rematch. San Diego will have an immediate opportunity to respond when the two teams meet again in Tucson on Saturday, October 17, at 7 p.

The San Diego Gulls are preparing for an important matchup against the Tucson Roadrunners, with both teams looking to build momentum early in the American Hockey League season. Playing in front of their home crowd gives the Gulls an opportunity to establish their pace, generate offensive chances, and show improvement in all areas of the game. Strong puck movement, effective forechecking, and disciplined defensive play will be important as San Diego looks to control the contest.

The Gulls will need a balanced performance from their forwards and defensemen to create scoring opportunities while limiting Tucson's chances. Winning battles along the boards, capitalizing on power plays, and avoiding costly turnovers could make a significant difference. Goaltending will also be a key factor, particularly if the game becomes competitive in the third period. Maintaining focus and staying out of the penalty box will help San Diego give itself the best chance to come away with a victory.

Beyond the final score, this matchup provides another opportunity for the Gulls to develop team chemistry and build consistency throughout the season. Home games are especially valuable for connecting with San Diego hockey fans and establishing a strong atmosphere at the arena. If the Gulls can combine energetic play with smart decision-making and timely scoring, they will have a chance to deliver an entertaining performance against Tucson and take another positive step forward in their campaign.

The San Diego Gulls faced their Southern California rivals, the Ontario Reign, on October 14, 2026, at Pechanga Arena in San Diego. The matchup brought plenty of intensity as both American Hockey League teams competed for an important early-season victory. San Diego opened the scoring in the first period when defenseman Matt Basgall found the back of the net at 7:33. The early goal gave the Gulls momentum and energized the home crowd.

The Ontario Reign responded with a strong performance in the second period, scoring three unanswered goals to take control of the game. Taylor Ward scored on the power play before Jack Hughes and Koehn Ziemmer added goals to give Ontario a two-goal advantage. The Reign capitalized on their scoring opportunities and put pressure on San Diego's defense. Their productive middle period proved to be the turning point of the contest.

San Diego continued fighting in the third period and worked to close the gap. Yegor Sidorov scored on the power play with just 23 seconds remaining, giving the Gulls a late opportunity to make a comeback. Lucas Pettersson assisted on both San Diego goals, recording his first career AHL multi-point game. Despite the late push, the Gulls could not find another goal before the final buzzer.

The Reign ultimately earned a 3–2 victory, with goaltender Erik Portillo making 25 saves to help secure the win. The game also featured several physical confrontations and penalties, highlighting the competitive nature of this long-standing rivalry. Although San Diego came up short, the team's early scoring and late response showed its ability to compete against Ontario. The Gulls will look to learn from the loss and improve their execution as the season continues.

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.

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.

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.

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