The Tucson Roadrunners returned to Tucson Arena this week following one of their most successful Gem Show road trips in recent years, aiming to boost their playoff chances. The team’s annual February journey coincided with the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show at the Tucson Convention Center (TCC), as they traveled to Ontario, Calgary, and Coachella Valley for a series of games.
The Roadrunners finished the road trip with a solid 3-2 record, splitting games against the Coachella Valley Firebirds and sweeping the Calgary Wranglers. They suffered a heavy 5-1 loss to Ontario early in the trip and a 6-1 defeat to Coachella Valley but rebounded with a 3-2 victory over the Firebirds. This positive outcome adds momentum as they prepare to host Ontario for a two-game series this weekend.
Team Chemistry Strengthened on the Road
Forward Miko Matikka expressed that the extended time on the road has helped the team bond and focus intently on their goal.
“We’ve been on the road for a little bit now, and I feel like as a team we bonded a lot on the road and focused …, “
Matikka said.
“I feel like coming back here, it’s gonna feel great for the place, practicing at home.”
This homecoming is welcomed by a team eager to practice and compete on familiar ice after a rigorous schedule away from Tucson.
Road Trip Schedule and Recent Results
The Roadrunners kicked off the trip with a tough loss to Ontario on February 4, followed by back-to-back games sweeping Calgary. After the AHL All-Star break, Tucson faced Coachella Valley in a tough split, losing the first game but gaining a critical win in the second outing. Tucson’s path was:
- Feb. 4: Loss versus Ontario Reign, 5-1
- Feb. Series: Two wins over Calgary Wranglers
- Feb. Series: Split with Coachella Valley Firebirds (6-1 loss and 3-2 win)
The team’s record during this road trip ranks as their third-best in points and second-best in wins in the history of their Gem Show road trips, a notable improvement compared to previous years.
Significance of Successful Gem Road Trips for Playoff Chances
Historically, every season in which the Tucson Roadrunners have had a .500 or better record on the Gem Show road trip, they have qualified for the playoffs. This adds extra weight to their current 3-2 record on the trip.
“I’m not sure we’re fully aware, I think every situation, every season offers something a little bit different and of course, when you’re going on the road, you have to try to do the best you can to finish above .500,”
head coach Steve Potvin said.
“That’s just the goal of any road trip, but I appreciate knowing that now, but I think for us, we’re trying to do what we can to just keep bringing the team that we are every single night.”
Potvin’s remarks highlight the team’s mindset of maintaining consistency and resilience regardless of external pressures, recognizing the road trip as a pivotal moment of the season.
Impact of the Olympic Break on Player Movements
Following the Olympic break that began on February 6, significant roster changes occurred as five Roadrunners players were called up by the Utah Mammoth, Tucson’s NHL affiliate. The recall affected forwards Daniil But and Ben McCartney, defensemen Maveric Lamoureux and Dmitri Simashev, and goalie Matthew Villalta. These moves coincided with the Mammoth returning to practice after their Olympic hiatus.
The Olympics marked the first time since 2014 that NHL players participated in the Winter Games, with Mammoth stars Clayton Keller (USA), J.J. Peterka (Germany), Olli Määttä (Finland), and Karel Vejmelka (Czechia) representing their respective countries. This created a ripple effect in the AHL, opening opportunities for players to step up.
“They got to do what they can to get everybody prepared, and they can’t do it if they don’t have the numbers, right?”
Potvin commented.
“So they need our guys up there, and our guys are looking for the opportunity, and for us as coaches and as a staff, we look at it as a way of getting them another couple steps behind their strides, like I think you come back with a little bit more energy and you never know what comes of it.”
“I think if you go there and you show a good attitude and you have good habits you never know, you might turn their heads a little bit and wonder, ‘hey, I wonder what he would look like in our lineup full time,’”
he added.
“So hopefully they go there and practice hard. I think they can they can turn some heads and hopefully they get into a game.”
These call-ups not only demonstrate the vital developmental role Tucson plays for Utah but also highlight the eagerness of Roadrunner players to advance their careers by impressing at higher levels.
Roadrunners’ Diverse Roster and Olympic Atmosphere
The team’s roster includes players representing a broad range of nationalities: Canada, the United States, Czechia, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and Poland. Forward Miko Matikka noted the excitement around the Olympics within the locker room and the friendly rivalry it stoked.
“There was a Canada/Czech game today and I’m not Canadian, so obviously rooting against them, but yeah, it’s awesome to see all the best in the world competing, having a guy from every nationality here,”
Matikka said. So, it’s fun.
The global representation and Olympic competition appear to energize the team as they continue pushing in the AHL season.
Upcoming Special Events at Tucson Arena
The Roadrunners have planned two notable events for the upcoming weekend. Saturday marks Youth Sports Night and Bluey Night, where the first 1,500 children aged 12 and under will receive a Roadrunners youth jersey. The beloved Australian blue heeler character, Bluey, will make an appearance to delight fans.
Sunday is dedicated to celebrating Dusty’s birthday, the team’s mascot, alongside notable mascot characters from the region, including Ray of the Valley Suns, Wilbur and Wilma from the University of Arizona, Thunder of Grand Canyon University, Scorch of the Phoenix Mercury, Sparky from Arizona State University, Baxter of the Diamondbacks, Louie from Northern Arizona University, Bones from the Tucson Sugar Skulls, Stryker of the Arizona Rattlers, Fang from Ottawa University, and Spirit from the Fiesta Bowl.
After Sunday’s game, fans will have the opportunity to skate with some of the players, fostering engagement and community connection.
Current Standings and Playoff Outlook
Heading into the weekend, the Tucson Roadrunners hold seventh place in the Pacific Division with a total of 52 points, occupying the final playoff berth. They lead the eighth-place Henderson Silver Knights by six points, while trailing fourth-place San Jose Barracuda, who hold the last home-ice advantage spot for the playoffs, by seven points.
The upcoming two-game home series against the Ontario Reign, who are currently first in the division with 66 points, presents a critical opportunity for Tucson to extend its lead and improve its positioning as the postseason approaches.
Key Game Details
Matchup: Tucson Roadrunners (22-17-8-0) vs. Ontario Reign (32-16-1-1)
Date and Time: Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m.
Location: Tucson Arena
Viewing: Available on AHLtv.com and the FloSports app (subscription required)
Radio Broadcast: 1450-AM
Looking Ahead for the Roadrunners
The Roadrunners’ recent strong performance on this year’s Gem Show road trip, combined with their resilient team dynamic, bolsters their hopes of maintaining playoff contention. The team faces formidable opponents in the Ontario Reign but benefits from returning to home ice and the support of their fans during Youth Sports Night and mascot celebrations.
With key players recalled for NHL duty and the ongoing push for consistency, the season remains tense and uncertain. Nonetheless, the spirit and determination shown during the road trip create cautious optimism that Tucson can secure a postseason spot once again.
