Pheonix Copley Is Healthy And Performing

A knee injury caused a major setback to Copley’s career, but based on his recent play, it seems as though it is fully in his rear view mirror.

On Dec 15, 2023, Pheonix Copley suffered a knee injury at a Los Angeles Kings practice that ended up requiring ACL surgery.

In response, the Kings called up David Rittich, who ended up having the best year of his NHL career, posting a 2.15 GAA with a .921 save percentage in 24 games played.

With the uncertainty of Copley and the dire need to move forward Pierre-Luc Dubois, the Kings decided to take on Darcy Kuemper's last three years of a five-year, $26.25 million contract. 

The Kings decided to re-sign Copley to a one-year, $825,000 contract. It was clear what the plan was for him: Stick him in the AHL to rehab and take it from there.

It was a weird situation in Ontario, though. Erik Portillo was coming off a great season, and an even better postseason. Portillo would obviously get the starting gig to begin the new season.

The 32-year-old netminder had never been an AHL backup. Copley played often, whether with the Hershey Bears, Chicago Wolves, or Ontario Reign.

In his first game since his injury, Copley was actually not too bad. He made 19 saves in 22 shots and allowed three goals in a 4-3 win over the San Jose Barracuda.

His next game, he gave up four goals. In the following game, five goals. Then he allowed three goals in each of the next three games.

By the numbers, the Alaskan native allowed three or more goals in his first six games since coming back from his injury.

From that point on, he was just right. Copley would have some good games, then some bad games, but never consistent.

This was the story of Copley's season until Jan 18, when he stopped 21 of 22 shots against the Henderson Silver Knights in a losing effort. 

His next game was against the AHL's best Calgary Wranglers. Once again, allowing just one goal, this time in a winning effort. 

Four days later, Copley would get the nod against the second-place Coachella Valley Firebirds at the time. This time, he upped himself, pitching a shutout, going 27 for 27.

Copley would go on to post a couple more one-goal performances, both against the Tucson Roadrunners, before falling back to earth against the San Jose Barracuda and giving up four goals.

Nonetheless, the now 33 year old netminder had a nice stretch of games, allowing one goal or less in five straight. 

It seems that the knee has fully recovered, and Copley now feels more comfortable in the crease. 

When asked about his impressive stretch of play, Copley stated, "The season, there's ups and downs, that's how it's always been since the dawn of time."

He also credited the team for his performances. "We're playing more of a team game, tight defensively, and sticking with our gameplan", said Copley.

Copley is right. The Reign's defense, led by captain Joe Hicketts, has been a key reason for the team's success in Ontario this year.

Young players like Angus Booth and Jack Millar have been impressive blueliners, exceeding all expectations. 

Copley's latest stretch has salvaged his season numbers. He now has a 2.45 GAA with a .907 save percentage. 

Furthermore, with Dryden McKay's recent call-up, it seems as though Portillo has suffered some kind of injury, which could explain his recent struggles.

This obviously means that Copley will be the starting goaltender for the Ontario Reign from now on.