Gulls Ready For Preseason Tune-Up Against Reign
Oct 5, 2025
By Nick Aguilera/SanDiegoGulls.com
Gulls hockey is finally back.
The San Diego Gulls will hit the ice for the first time since April today, as they get set to face the Ontario Reign in a preseason matchup at Toyota Arena (3 p.m. PDT; TV: AHLTV on FloHockey; Radio: Gulls Audio Network).
A lot of familiar faces will hit the ice today, as San Diego currently has 25 skaters on their preseason roster who suited up for the Gulls in 2024-25. The team also brought back a fan favorite in defenseman Nikolas Brouillard, who signed back in San Diego this offseason following a stint with the Coachella Valley Firebirds last season.
"It’s a great organization," Brouillard said. "They treat the players well, the fans are great, the facilities are nice, and the city is unbelievable. Everything about the organization I love and I know they built something good over the last couple of seasons."
Some new faces fans will get their first look at today include forward Matthew Phillips, a nine-year AHL veteran who has posted 300 points in just 339 career games. An offensive dynamo through and through, Phillips should provide a much-needed boost to the Gulls top six.
"Offense is a big part of my game and that’s what I’m here to do and help the team with," Phillips said. "I want to be consistent every night and be a leader. The most fun I’ve had playing hockey has been on winning teams with everyone contributing. For me, it’s just bringing it every single day and having fun too. It’s a blessing to play in this city and in front of the crowds we’ll have. I’m very fortunate to be here so I’m going to make the most of every day."
Head coach Matt McIlvane returns behind the Gulls bench for his third season at the helm, although he had two new assistant coaches in Dave Manson and Michael Babcock. Both coaches have NHL pedigrees and hope to help guide the Gulls back to the postseason for the first time in three years.
"Everyone brings their own element and coaching style," Phillips said. "I think we have a great mix of youth enthusiasm and veteran voices and it’s going to allow everyone, regardless of where they’re at in their career, to continue to grow and push themselves."
The Gulls will have four days of preparation before they kick off the 2025-26 regular season with a road contest against the Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena on Friday night (7 p.m. PDT).