San Diego Gulls Biweekly Report 8

By Thomas Harrington

The San Diego Gulls played seven games over the past two weeks and had a record of 4-2-0-1. The good news is that they beat Tucson in two of the three games they played against each other. As a result, San Diego has a three point lead on them and sits in sixth place. The Gulls are also only two points out of fourth place, as five points separate fourth and seventh place in the Pacific Division.

The Gulls started out with a pair of games in Tucson against the Roadrunners. Neither team scored in the first, but Nathan Gaucher opened the scoring in the second. Tucson tied the game just over a minute later, and then took the lead early in the third. Justin Bailey tied the game on the powerplay. The game went to overtime, where Nikita Nesterenko, playing in his third game since being assigned to the AHL, scored to give San Diego a 3-2 win. In the next game, Bailey opened the scoring less than two minutes into the game, and then Cal Burke and Jan Mysak both scored to make it 3-0. The Roadrunners scored before the first ended and then struck twice more in the middle frame to tie the game. In the third, Mysak scored his second goal of the game, and Nesterenko then scored his second goal in as many games, and the Gulls won 5-3.

San Diego then traveled to Abbotsford for a pair of games against the Canucks. Abbotsford opened the scoring in the first period, but Yegor Sidorov tied the game in the second. In the third, the Canucks scored one early and then one late into the empty net and won 3-1. In the second game, Abbotsford opened the scoring two minutes into the contest, and then scored twice in the middle frame. They added one more goal in the third and won 4-0.

The Gulls then returned home to host Tucson. Ryan Carpenter and Sidorov both scored in the first, and Coulson Pitre made it 3-0 early in the second. The Roadrunners fought back with three goals of their own in the middle frame. Neither team scored again in regulation or overtime, and the game went to a shootout. The shootout went 10 rounds, and Tucson was able to score twice and won the game 4-3. San Diego then hit the road to travel to Coachella Valley to face the Firebirds. The Firebirds opened the scoring just 28 seconds into the contest, but Stian Solberg tied the game 10 minutes later. In the second, Judd Caulfield and Sidorov both scored to make it 3-1. In the third, Coachella Valley scored twice to tie the game, but Sidorov put the Gulls back on top with less than two minutes to go in regulation. The Gulls won the game 4-3.

For their final game, San Diego hosted their rivals, the Ontario Reign. Ontario opened the scoring in the first, but Caulfield tied the game less than two minutes into the second. Four minutes later, Ontario retook the lead. In the third, Tyson Hinds tied the game, but the Reign scored to take the lead again just over a minute later. Halfway through the final frame, Carpenter tied the game for the third time. With overtime looming, the Gulls kept pushing and Gaucher put them on top with just 18 seconds to go in regulation. San Diego skated off with a 4-3 win.

The Gulls will only play three games over the next two weeks, as the AHL All-Star Game will be played on February 11th. Tim Washe will be San Diego’s representative and will need to be reassigned to the AHL so he can play in the game. The Gulls’ first game will be at home where they will host the Henderson Silver Knights, and will be the last game before the All-Star break. After the break, they’ll travel to Bakersfield to face the Condors, before returning home to host the Condors.

With the Olympic break about to hit, Anaheim won’t need any San Diego players in the near future. However, if a forward were needed, I think Sidorov should get the call. He’s had an up and down season, but arguably been San Diego’s most dangerous forward recently, with three goals and four points in his last three games. On defense Tristan Luneau continues to be one of the Gulls’ best players, while Hinds has also had a solid season.

While San Diego’s playoff position isn’t secure, they do have a six point lead on the eighth place team in the Pacific Division. It hasn’t been a perfect season for the Gulls, but it’s been far better than recent ones, and hopefully it will be enough to see them back in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Listen to our hockey podcast by clicking below or visiting us at Podomatic, Rumble, Spreaker, or YouTube.

Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

February 3rd, 2026