Centers Jon Francisco and Tim Kraus & Defenseman Brian Kilburg Sign With Ontario

ONTARIO, Calif. - The Ontario Reign, proud affiliate of the NHL Los Angeles Kings and AHL Manchester Monarchs, announced today that center Jon Francisco, center Tim Kraus, and rookie defenseman Brian Kilburg have signed standard player contracts for the 2009-2010 season. 

Francisco, 28, will be appearing in his second season with the Reign, having served as team captain during Ontario’s inaugural season.  Francisco just completed his most successful ECHL season thus far and was tied for the team lead with 48 points.  The Hermantown, MN native played 63 regular season games with the Reign during the 2008-2009 season, recording 48 points (20g, 28a) and 67 penalty minutes.  In seven playoff games, Francisco posted five points (1g, 4a) and six penalty minutes.  The upcoming season will mark the sixth professional season of his career.

Kraus, 22, is returning for his second season in Ontario.  Coming off his rookie season, Kraus led the team in assists with 33.  He was also named to the 2009 ECHL National Conference All-Star team.  The center appeared in 73 regular season games with the Reign in their inaugural season, recording 48 points (15g, 33a) and 78 penalty minutes.  In seven playoff games, Kraus notched seven points (5g, 2a) and eight penalty minutes.  Kraus, who is from Garden Grove, CA, will be playing in his second professional season this year.  Kraus tied Jon Francisco for the team lead with 48 points last season. 

Kilburg, 25, will be playing in his first professional season with the Reign.  From 2002-2005, Kilburg played three seasons with the Tri-City Storm (USHL), posting 57 points (21g, 36a) and 363 penalty minutes in  176 regular season games.  The defenseman from Mendota Heights, MN, spent four season with Minnesota State University Mankato (NCAA) from 2005-2009, appearing in 137 games and recording 33 points (5g, 28a) and 257 penalty minutes.

-www.ontarioreign.com-