Ontario Reign defenseman Jordan Spence has been named to the AHL All-Rookie Team for the 2021-2022 season.
Drafted in the 4th round in 2019 by the Los Angeles Kings, Jordan Spence decided to turn pro this season at the age of 20, and he didn’t disappoint. In his first season the Ontario Reign, Spence was spectacular.
Down below is his season stat line from his first season in Ontario:
46 games, 4 games, 38 assists, 42 points, +18 rating, 0.91 points-per-game
Spence was partnered with Cameron Gaunce on the third defensive pairing at the beginning of the season. He didn’t get much ice time with fellow teammates Sean Durzi and Kale Clague anchoring the first and second defense pairs. With Durzi graduating to the big club in LA and Clague being recalled due to injuries, Spence’s role increased, and he was placed on the first powerplay unit. He was a big part of why the Ontario Reign’s powerplay was ranked number one.
In a month’s time, Spence registered a point in 13 straight games. Before his call-up to the big club, he even had a four-game point streak. Spence’s 38 assists were fourth among rookie skaters and first among rookie defensemen for the season. Added, his 24 powerplay assists are as a rookie defenseman are both ranked first in the AHL. Just a tremendous year overall for the 21-year-old.
With Drew Doughty sustaining a wrist injury that eventually required surgery, the Kings didn’t have to look far for his replacement. On March 10, Spence made his NHL debut and would score his first career NHL goal against the Kraken on March 26.
We’ve seen quite a few rookies come in from the Ontario Reign and make an impact with the Kings this year. Byfield, Durzi, Kaliyev, and Spence are just a few. People were clamoring for the Kings to play the kids last year, and we see why.
(Main photo credit: theAHL.com)
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