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John Wroblewski Named Ontario Reign Head Coach

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The LA Kings have agreed to terms with Wroblewski as the second head coach in Ontario Reign franchise history – Wroblewski joins the Reign from the USNTDP 

ONTARIO, CAThe LA Kings have agreed to terms on a contract with John Wroblewski to become head coach for the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL), according to Vice President and General Manager Rob Blake.

Wroblewski will be the fifth head coach to serve for the AHL affiliate in Manchester or Ontario.

There will be a media Zoom call with Blake, Wroblewski and Rich Seeley (General Manager, Ontario) today at 11 a.m. PT. Please contact Eddie Fischermann (efischermann@lakings.com) for access to the call.

“John has a proven background in working with young players and helping them develop their game,” said Blake. “He’s a strong leader who communicates well and he’ll play an important role for our organization. We welcome John and his family to southern California and look forward to having him coach the Reign.”

Wroblewski joins the Reign after spending the last four seasons (2016-20) as a head coach with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP). In his role, Wroblewski spent two-year stints with players from the same birth year and alternated as head coach for the U.S. National Under-17 Team (2017-18, 2019-20) and Under-18 Team (2016-17, 2018-19).

Competing in the United States Hockey League (USHL), as well as against collegiate and international opponents, Wroblewski guided the program and its players to historic heights. Over his four years with the NTDP, the program reached its first USHL playoff berth since 2012, its first-ever USHL Eastern Conference Finals appearance (2018) and a top-three finish in all 12 international tournaments entered.

At the International Ice Hockey Federation level, Wroblewski served as head coach for the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team twice, guiding the U.S. to one gold-medal (2017) and one bronze-medal finish (2019).

Prior to being named a head coach at the NTDP, Wroblewski served as head coach of the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms for one season (2015-16). He also coached professionally as an assistant coach for two seasons (2013-15) with the AHL’s Rochester Americans and two seasons (2011-13) as head coach of the ECHL’s Gwinnett Gladiators, where he was co-recipient of the 2011-12 Coach of the Year Award. Prior to Gwinnett, he also spent one season as an assistant coach for the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers (2010-11).  

The Neenah, Wisconsin, native began his coaching career as an intern assistant coach with the NTDP and was promoted to a full-time assistant coach the following season, a position he would hold from 2008-10.

Wroblewski, a player on the inaugural NTDP roster in 1997, skated four years with the University of Notre Dame (1999-2003). He went on to play four years (2003-07) professionally with the ECHL’s Fresno Falcons, recording 125 points (65-60) in 273 career games.

The Inland Empire Business Journal (IEBJ) is the official business news publication of Southern California’s Inland Empire region - covering San Bernardino & Riverside Counties.

Sports Business

Ontario Tower Buzzers and IE Chamber to Host Exclusive VIP Reception at New ONT Field

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Business and community leaders invited to experience state-of-the-art stadium and celebrate new regional partnership

A new era of sports, entertainment, and economic opportunity is taking shape in the Inland Empire.

The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC), in partnership with the Ontario Tower Buzzers, will host an exclusive VIP Reception & Stadium Showcase on April 8 at the team’s newly unveiled home, ONT Field.

The event marks the Tower Buzzers’ official membership with the Chamber and offers business and community leaders a first-hand look at one of the region’s most anticipated new developments.

As the newest affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Ontario Tower Buzzers bring a powerful combination of professional sports, entertainment, and economic impact to the City of Ontario and the broader Inland Empire.

A First Look Inside ONT Field

Attendees will enjoy exclusive access to ONT Field, a modern, fan-focused stadium designed to elevate the minor league experience while serving as a premier venue for community engagement and regional events.

The evening will feature guided behind-the-scenes tours, highlighting premium areas, hospitality spaces, and the stadium’s innovative design—offering a unique perspective on a project that is expected to drive both visitation and investment in the area.

Celebrating Partnership and Regional Growth

“This is exactly the kind of partnership that reflects where the Inland Empire is headed,” said Edward Ornelas Jr., President & CEO of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Ontario Tower Buzzers represent more than a new team—they represent momentum, investment, and a new level of opportunity for our region. We’re proud to welcome them as members and to showcase this incredible facility to our business community.”

The VIP Reception underscores IERCC’s role as a connector—bringing together business, government, and emerging industries to support strategic growth across the Inland Empire.

Where Business, Sports, and Community Converge

With the addition of the Tower Buzzers and ONT Field, Ontario continues to strengthen its position as a destination for sports, entertainment, and economic development.

The event is expected to draw a curated audience of executives, stakeholders, and community leaders—further reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to providing high-level access and meaningful opportunities for its members.

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Sports Business

Fontana’s Raymond Muratalla Defends IBF World Title in Las Vegas

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Sponsored by Lluvia, the undefeated champion earns unanimous decision victory with guidance from Robert Garcia

Premium alkaline water brand Lluvia proudly stood behind Raymond Muratalla this past weekend as the Fontana, California native successfully defended his IBF World Lightweight Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Andy Cruz in Las Vegas.

Muratalla delivered a composed and technically sound performance, controlling the pace of the fight and earning a majority decision on the judges’ scorecards. The win further solidifies his position among boxing’s elite lightweights and marks another defining moment in his championship run.

Lluvia, a premium 9+ pH alkaline water brand inspired by rain and engineered for modern hydration, served as an official sponsor of Muratalla for the bout. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparation, performance, and intentional excellence—qualities Muratalla continues to display inside the ring.

Guiding Muratalla’s success is renowned trainer Robert Garcia, recently named Trainer of the Year by Ring Magazine. Garcia’s championship pedigree and strategic leadership were evident throughout the fight, reinforcing the strength of a team built for sustained success at the highest level of the sport.

Beyond the victory itself, Muratalla’s rise continues to resonate with his hometown of Fontana, where he has become a source of pride and inspiration for aspiring athletes. His disciplined approach, humility, and dedication to craft have helped establish him not only as a world champion, but as a respected representative of his community.

Lluvia’s sponsorship underscores the brand’s growing presence in elite athletics and performance-driven environments. Packaged in plastic-free aluminum cans and protected by advanced can technology, Lluvia is designed to help preserve water quality, taste, and pH stability—delivering clean, elevated hydration for athletes and active lifestyles.

As Muratalla continues to build his legacy as IBF World Lightweight Champion, Lluvia looks forward to supporting the journey ahead—both in and out of the ring.

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Sports Business

City of Ontario Announces “Ontario Sports Empire” as Name for Largest Multi-Use Sports Complex on West Coast

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The City of Ontario, The Sports Facilities Companies and Greater Ontario CVB scheduled to open 190-acre facility in fall 2026

The City of Ontario, The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), and the Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) announced the official name of their groundbreaking multi-use sports complex: The Ontario Sports Empire. Set to open in fall 2026, the complex is positioned to become the premier venue for major regional and national tournaments, elevating Ontario as a key sports destination in the United States.

With 190 acres of top-tier athletic facilities, including 20 long fields, 14 youth diamond fields, eight full-size diamonds, four football/rugby fields and two championship baseball fields, the Ontario Sports Empire will be the largest sports complex of its kind west of the Rocky Mountains.

“The Ontario Sports Empire will bring new jobs, boost tourism, and create lasting opportunities for our local businesses,” said Paul Leon, Mayor of Ontario. “This project represents a key part of Ontario’s future as a regional hub for commerce, recreation, and culture.”

“This complex is not just another sports facility; it’s a national destination for elite competitions and youth development. It will also be home for the community to host events and celebrations,” said SFC Partner and National Director of Business Development Jim Arnold. “We’re excited to work alongside city leaders and industry experts to create a venue that will elevate Ontario’s profile on the sports tourism map and serve the community for years to come.”

Located just 10 minutes from Ontario International Airport, the Ontario Sports Empire is designed to draw teams from across the country. The city already boasts 6,000 hotel rooms and numerous entertainment options, making it an ideal location for visiting teams, athletes, and fans.

“This venue will position Ontario as a must-visit city for major sporting events. It’s an exciting development that will put Ontario on the national stage, driving significant growth in both sports tourism and local economic impact,” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO of GOCAL (Greater Ontario California) and the Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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