Gulls Ready to Open 2024-25 Season in Toronto
Oct 12, 2024By Nick Aguilera/SanDiegoGulls.com
Gulls fans, it’s finally time for hockey.
The San Diego Gulls kick off the 2024-25 American Hockey League season this afternoon against the Toronto Marlies at Coca-Cola Coliseum (1 p.m. PDT; TV: AHLTV on FloHockey; Radio: Gulls Audio Network).
"We’re all pumped up," head coach Matt McIlvane said. "Feels like it’s been a long time coming. A lot of planning that goes into the beginning of the season.
"We’ve been very pleased with the high-energy group and their focus," McIlvane said. "There was a lot of energy on the ice [on Friday]. They can’t wait to get started."
Today marks the first time in team history that the Gulls have faced the Marlies, as the teams kick off a four-game season series with back-to-back contests this weekend in Toronto.
A new-look Gulls team will hit the ice for the first time, as new general manager Rick Paterson and company brought in several veterans to help elevate San Diego to their first playoff appearance in three seasons. One of those veterans is Jansen Harkins, who signed a one-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks this offseason.
"For me, I just compete every game, every shift," Harkins said. "As the year goes on, I really just [want to] be a leader on this team… Everyone has their strengths to bring to the team, to make the team good as a whole, and I think for me at this point, it’s being able to lead the team on the ice with work ethic and being someone to be relied upon."
It should be Oscar Dansk’s net to begin the year. The veteran netminder joined the Ducks organization in September and should bring a calming presence for a new-look Gulls squad in their first taste of regular-season action.
The season-opening back-to-back continues at the same time tomorrow, with the Gulls and Marlies facing off at Coca-Cola Coliseum at 1 p.m. PDT before the Gulls head back to San Diego.