As the Los Angeles Kings take a break from NHL play in respect to the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, let’s take a look at the status of the prospects and the team that develops the future of the LA Kings. The Manchester Monarchs are having a season that provides plenty of optimism to the development of this organization’s future, as if we didn’t have that already. Manchester, as of February 15th, has posted 79 points through 56 games of play in the American Hockey League. The Monarchs stand 3rd overall in the Eastern Conference and 2nd in the Atlantic Division. Take a look at the major club in this family, and the Kings are stacked with young talent. And how does it get better? The young talent in our minor league system is proving themselves as well. It’s almost getting to the point; And I don’t want to get over my head here, but that we may have too much young talent. Look, AHL clubs can have a great campaign and then completely flop the year after. The AHL is a very difficult league to analyze. So many aspects of this league are unstable. The rosters, mainly full of young, inexperienced professional hockey players, change on a daily basis. You’ve got coaches coming and going, management directing players to various leagues, just a tough situation to maintain stability to make it to the next level. However, a fair test to those AHL’ers who eventually do get the call to the NHL.
So, if we are to assess Kings prospects solely based on Manchester’s success this season, I’d say we’re in good company. Will some of these players make an impact in Los Angeles in the near future? Yes. Will some of these players make an impact in Los Angeles via trade? Yes, and that’s the key importance I’m seeing in this Manchester lineup. The Kings are built right now for long-term success. Where I think Manchester will really come into play is a trade at this year’s deadline, sometime this off-season, or next season. The fact that Dean Lombardi has done such a wonderful job in constructing such a young, solid core of players gives us a little more comfort when it comes to including prospects in a trade. There are already a handful of players on Manchester’s roster that have NHL experience. Not to say they weren’t NHL savvy, but let’s be honest, the Kings are on the verge of being an elite team. There is so much competition at every position, we’re feeding Manchester players that could very well be starters on other NHL clubs. Could this have something to do with Manchester’s success this season?

Let’s take a closer look at the players excelling in Manchester. Goaltender Jonathan Bernier is having quite the season with the Monarchs, and is quite possibly the hottest Kings prospect. I think it’s too early to tell what Bernier may bring to the Kings. Whatever the future may hold for Erik Ersberg may provide a clearer picture. There are so many variables in Bernier’s future I don’t even know what to say. With Quick’s success thus far, could we gain more by dealing Bernier? Will it disturb Quick’s confidence next season if Bernier’s on the roster? Remember now folks, Quick is having a stellar season knowing he’s the number 1, not with some youngster breathing down his back. This is a GOOD problem to have, remember that. What about winger Corey Elkins? The Kings draftee, fresh off of a 41 point season at The Ohio State University has recorded 36 points for the Monarchs. Here’s a late bloomer, Bud Holloway. Drafted in 2006 by Los Angeles, he leads the Monarchs in points. Still very young though at the age of 22. I could go on for pages and pages about this team, but let’s get one thing straight. If you feel content with the Kings roster now, take a minute to look at what Manchester is developing. To say this franchise is in good hands is an understatement. Whether the Monarchs provide solid players to add to the Kings roster, or provide the key to a big trade in the future, there’s a lot of up-side to this squad in New Hampshire.

This may not be the most popular post I’ve ever written but, you know what? I’m going to miss Derek Armstrong. So will the Los Angeles Kings. While certainly not the most prolific goal scorer, skater, passer or fighter, Armstrong did bring certain intangibles to the table: leadership, a sense of humor and a willingness to do whatever was asked of him. Let’s face it, on a team that lacked depth for the majority of Army’s tenure, he centered the first and second lines, led the Kings in plus/minus in 2006-2007 and always stood up for his team mates.

While players such as Trevor Lewis and Brad Richardson could very well end up centering the fourth line next season, I don’t think they will be nearly as effective as Army. Why? Armstrong brings a grit that’s needed on the fourth line. Last season, primarily on the fourth line, Army played 56 games scoring 4 goals and 5 assists. Hell, Marcel Goc played for San Jose and, in 55 games, scored 2 goals and 9 assists…for the Sharks. Even the once great Brendan Shannahan played 34 games for New Jersey and scored 6 goals and 8 assists. Michael Peca played 71 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets and scored 4 goals and 18 assists. All somewhat comparable numbers on much better teams. Now I certainly don’t consider Armstrong a great player but he is serviceable.

As much as I love the LA Kings “youth movement” and appreciate players brought up under “the system”, I genuinely like Derek Armstrong. There was not a better guy at Kings events. The guy was a comedian, auctioneer and dunk-tank victim. Oh yeah, he could play a little hockey too. On a team that will still be very young next year, Army’s leadership, I believe, is essential.

In my oh-so-humble opinion, the Los Angeles Kings should have signed Army to a one-year, two-way deal. He either makes the team or is the captain for the Manchester Monarchs. Either way, he would have been put to good use. And, you know what? Army would have done what was asked of him even if it meant heading to Manchester for a year. Dean Lombardi constantly talks about players having the “LA Kings tattooed on their butts”. I submit the first person to receive such tattoo was, indeed, Derek Armstrong. As much as Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Drew Doughty may be the “face of the franchise”, Derek Armstrong was its heart and soul.

I believe the Los Angeles Kings made a mistake not re-signing Derek Armstrong one last time. Personally, I’m going to miss him. But that’s just my opinion. Flame away…

Jeff Falkingham, a season ticket holder with the Manchester Monarchs, stops by to give some of his thoughts on the 2009-2010 schedule.

The Manchester Monarchs, the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, have officially released the 2009-2010 season schedule and, as in years past, we have some things to look forward to and others to forget.

The Monarchs open the 2009-10 season in Albany against the River Rats on October 3rd and kick off the home season in Manchester with the Portland Pirates on October 17th.

The scheduling powers deemed it unneccesary for a home-and-home series with a number of American Hockey League teams, and the Manchester Monarchs were no exception. For whatever reason, the usual suspects like the Providence Bruins, Worcester Sharks, Portland Pirates, Lowell Devils & Bridgeport Soundtigers were all void on a home-and-home schedule this year. Great way to build up the inter-city rivalry guys!

So what exactly does that leave us for the home-and-home series this year?

The Hartford Wolfpack on November 11th and 13th and again on January 17th and 22nd, as well as the Springfield Falcons on November 27th and 28th.

Pathetic!

On the plus side, we do pick up duplicate away games against the Norfolk Admirals on October 9th and 10th and home against the Providence Bruins on October 24th and 30th.

Some of the one and done opponents coming to Manchester this year:

The Syracuse Crunch on February 13th – Is there a better Valentine’s Day gift?

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Dundler Mifflin Penguins on February 21 – maybe Sid “the Kid” will be on a rehab game?

The Binghamton Senators on March 10th and the Adirondack Phantoms on March 27th – I have nothing clever or witty to say on this one.

Details on upcoming promotional games have not been released, nor have any meet and greets with season ticket holders. Prices have held firm from last season with a full price gold ticket at $22, a silver ticket at $16 and a youth ticket (honest, he is under 12) at $12. Nothing has changed with full season, half season, ten or seven game ticket packs from last year. Flex packs allow you to pick up ten vouchers for any ten games and provide you with a $3 discount off the regular pricing per game.

Best advice? Pick up the flex packs and then scope out the teams you want to see that day (remember, the Providence games will sell out fast) and secure your seats at a discount.

For more information on flex packs or all season ticket packages, visit the Manchester Monarchs Website.

Despite some of the hang-ups on the schedule, I’m looking forward to another year of Manchester Monarchs hockey!

Joanne Guiliano of the 10 Minute Miss Conduct guest posts and talks a bit about Thomas Hickey and the Manchester Monarchs.

It’s the offseason. The only part of the year when hockey fans are known to generally dislike everyday activities, write poetry, shut out the outside world and cry themselves to sleep, if they even get sleep at all…a pathetic existence, we know…but it’s all one can do while we hurry up and wait for the excitement that is training camp, preseason, and then before you know it, the kickoff of yet another mind-blowing hockey season.

For the Kings organization, there is particularly a lot to look forward to. For the parent club, Los Angeles is looking to make big waves defensively in the Pacific Division this season with the addition of Rob Scuderi, Rob Scuderi’s Championship Ring, and the re-signing of Jack “MF” Johnson and Teddy Purcell among other things, but let’s not forget about the huge, ridiculous things happening for the King’s AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs.

With last season seeing the transformation of Jonathan Quick from AHL goalie to NHL superhero, one can only assume even bigger things are in the cards for the Monarchs this year…especially given the hand they are playing…

Well while every offseason, fans grasp onto some kind of ridiculous expectation for their respective teams going into the new season, waiting with bated breath for it to be realized…the Kings organization is in PRIME position to deliver on those expectations this year. They have a secret weapon…which has turned out to be not so secret after all…

Of course I speak about Thomas Hickey. Moan and groan all you want, but to any Kings fan…and ESPECIALLY to any Monarchs fan, just the though of him melts our frozen puck-like hearts and we become giddy and squeal like little school girls…why, you ask? To which I answer…Do you really HAVE to ask?? Anyone who watched even one game of the 2009 World Junior Championships would know the answer to that. At 5’11, and 190 lbs, Hickey may be small for a defenseman, but in watching the guy skate, you’d swear he didn’t know it.

As Captain of the Seattle Thunderbirds (where he began playing in 2005), Hickey’s 45 point performance (11 G, 34 A) in 07-08 earned him a spot on the Team Canada roster for the 2009 WJC (his second consecutive year on the roster)…and not only would he be representing his home country, but he would do it in style, with a “C” on his chest. Playing alongside 2009 first round pick and 1st overall, Jonathan Tavares, Team Canada was unstoppable. Winning the gold medal for the fifth year in a row, Team Canada proved that they are literally the best team in the world, and Thomas Hickey proved why he belongs wearing the “C”.

…and if that gold medal was only a sign of things to come, we have some amazing things to look forward to. In returning from the WJC, Hickey helped his team into a playoff spot in the WHL playoffs and the Quest for the Ed Chynoweth Cup, and after getting called up to Manchester on April 1st, to begin his professional career, Hickey posted an impressive 7 points in 7 games and 2 assists alone in his professional debut. It’s evident that Hickey finished off his 2008-2009 season as a two way defenseman really hitting his stride and after ending last season on such a high note, one can only expect huge things from the 20 year old defenseman this coming season.

But where Thomas Hickey really earns brownie points is in leadership. He is more mature than his 20 young years would lead one to believe and at the risk of building him up as a squeaky clean Sidney Crosby type (who needs that hanging over their head?)he may very well be on his way as establishing himself as the Monarchs go-to guy and fan favorite.

Every jaded hockey fan and every hockey team knows, there’s no point in building expectations…but then again, those teams didn’t have Thomas Hickey.

As we slowly sneak past Development Camps, and into Training Camps…the anticipation only builds for what will hopefully be a season to remember. Opening night will kick things off, and we hockey fans will come out of hibernation and start banging glass and flipping off refs like normal…then before you know it, the All Star Game will be here and we will be into the dog days of the hockey season. So I remind you: get excited, take the time to get to know your team, enjoy it while it lasts…and never, never stop cheering.

Thanks to Joanne for stopping by and guest-posting. Check out her blog here.

We’ve been receiving a few emails from the passionate Manchester Monarchs fans out there asking for us to talk more about our AHL affiliate. And, we agree! While KingsCast has always been about the passionate fans of the Los Angeles Kings, we realize that we’ve left our Monarchs brothers and sisters out in the cold. So, we’re looking for a full-time blogger to cover the Manchester Monarchs right here on KingsCast. Once the season gets rolling, we’d love to have you have you on the podcast as well.

Ideally you attend Manchester Monarchs from time-to-time and are passionate about all things Manchester Monarchs hockey. If you have another blog, send us some of your writing samples and we’ll take a look. If you don’t, no big deal, shoot us an email and tell us why you’re right for the gig. If you’re an Ontario Reign fan, we’d like to hear from you as well. We don’t want to exclude our ECHL fans.

We look forward to hearing from you!

keith@kingscast.net

With the 6th round pick (156th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the Los Angeles Kings selected center Michael Pelech from Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Originally drafted in the 1st round by the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, Pelech was traded to Mississauga in 2006. This 6’2″, 212 pound center scored 19 goals and 46 assists for 65 points in 68 games for the Majors this season. He also managed to accumulate 121 penalty minutes.

Born on October 6, 1989, Pelech is able to play in Manchester this season where his toughness and playmaking abilities should help the young Monarchs squad. He’s also excellent in the faceoff circle. In 11 playoff games with the Majors, Pelech scored 4 goals and 9 assists for 13 points.

Similarly to 5th round draft choice David Kolomatis, this pick is for Manchester. Plain and simple. While there’s always surprises out there, Michael Pelech will bolster the toughness in Manchester and will be steady on the third or fourth line. Last year, Monarchs GM Ron Hextall had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to fill his roster. Now that Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi’s draft choices are reaching AHL eligibility, we’ll soon see the Monarchs roster mature. Picking up Michael Pelech will help Manchester now.

What do you think of the pick? Is there anyone out there with a good knowledge of potential 2009 picks that think we should have drafted in the 6th round?

You can read about the Los Angeles Kings previous draft picks right here on KingsCast. So far, we’ve profiled forward Kyle Clifford, defenseman Nicolas Deslauriers, goaltender Jean-Francois Berube, forward Linden Vey, and defenseman David Kolomatis.

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Gann Matsuda of Frozen Royalty has been busy this weekend covering the Los Angeles Kings rookie development camp. Here’s his recent interview with Kings blue-chip goaltending prospect Jonathan Bernier.

EL SEGUNDO, CA — About this time last year, highly-touted Los Angeles Kings goaltending prospect Jonathan Bernier showed up at the Kings annual development camp for their young prospects with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

During last year’s development camp, I asked Bernier how he would feel if the Kings decided to send him to the minors even if he performed well at their 2008 training camp.

“I’ll be mad, really mad,” said the very confident, if not brash, young goaltending prospect.

As it turned out, Bernier suffered an injury during training camp and did not get a chance to be mad, at least, not for that reason. But in any case, it was a rather ominous sign of things to come from Bernier, who had an up-and-down 2008-09 season because he was disappointed about not being able to crack the Kings roster out of training camp and later in the season, he was upset about netminder Jonathan Quick getting called up from the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League [the Kings’ primary minor league affiliate] instead of him.

Somewhat reminiscent of a temper tantrum, isn’t it? Well, maybe not quite that extreme, but Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi indicated that Bernier’s attitude was poor, especially for a young player who has the National Hockey League in his sights.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty

In the 5th round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the Los Angeles Kings drafted defenseman David Kolomatis with the 126th overall pick. Last season, Kolomatis played for the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League. In 63 games for Owen Sound, Kolomatis scored 18 goals and 28 assists for 46 points. In the playoffs, he scored 2 goals and 2 assists for, you guessed it, 4 points. Kolomatis also appeared on Team USA’s U-18 squad in 2005-2006. The LA Kings are familiar with Kolomatis in that Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Futa signed him when he was General Manager of Owen Sound.

After reaching the playoffs in his final season with the Owen Sound Attack, Kolomatis signed an amateur tryout agreement with the Providence Bruins of the AHL. In four games with the Bruins he had 0 points and in the playoffs registered an assist.

The drafting of David Kolomatis means defensive depth for a very young Manchester Monarchs team. As an overager, Kolomatis no longer has any junior eligibility. Known for his smooth skating and ability to put up a little offense, Kolomatis will probably be that sixth defenseman for the Monarchs who does everything right but just doesn’t have the upside. That’s okay, we need guys like this in our minor league system. This was a good pickup that serves a very specific purpose. You can’t always draft a Henrik Zetterberg in the 5th round.

The information about the lower draft picks is getting thin, Kings fans. I’ll profile the last two in the coming days. Depending on how much information I get, I may just combine the profiles.

However, don’t forget that you can read about the higher draftees right here at KingsCast. We’ve already profiled Kyle Clifford, Nicolas Deslauriers, Jean-Francois Berbue and Linden Vey.

 

 March Madness [31:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

In this episode we analyze the games up to now, talk about the Kings March Madness promotion and give a little update on our Manchester Monarchs.