Ontario Reign Player Review: Kirill Kirsanov

With the Ontario Reign season over, we will begin our player reviews for the 2025-26 season. Up first: Kirill Kirsanov!

*Note: These player reviews will be for players who played at least five games with the Reign and finished the season with the team*

Season stats

Games: 68

Goals: 4

Assists: 9

Points: 13

+/-: +9

Penalty minutes: 10

Season review

It took four years, but we finally got a glimpse of Kirill Kirsanov on North American ice. Drafted at 18 (2021) from Russia, Kirsanov was a highly touted left-handed defenseman prospect, who some in the organization thought could make his way to the Reign a year after he was drafted. As we know by now, that never materialized, but better late than never.

Known for his stick placement prowess, there were too many times when I lost count of where Kirsanov broke up a play or pass with the good use of his stick placement. One area I like was his gap control in the neutral zone when defending the rush.

Known more for his defensive instincts, the 22-year-old added 13 points in 68 games. Kirsanov, in addition to his strong defensive game, has the ability to make a good first pass. He also formed a solid top-four pairing with second-year pro, Angus Booth. The duo provided valuable minutes against top competition and were easily trusted by Andrew Lord and the coaching staff.