Jewels from the RSS Feed - 11/4/10

Loktionov scores on return, Monarchs win - Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010
Just sent down from Los Angeles, Monarchs forward Andrei Loktionov scored on his first shift 2:13 into the game.

Ian Clark's On Hockey - Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010
MONARCHS FORWARD Oscar Moller has been cleared to return to action on Friday when Manchester hosts Hartford at 7 p.m. at Verizon Wireless Arena. Moller has missed six games with a concussion since getting hit on Oct. 17 against Springfield. "I'm looking to play on Friday," Moller said. "I've got a couple days here to get in some skating." Moller has three assists in four games and will give the offense a boost. He was happy to get back on the ice for practice this week. "When you have a concussion you can't do anything. They just tell you to rest," Moller said. "I didn't do anything for a week and a half. You get frustrated not doing anything, just sitting around watching guys practice and you just want to get back out there."

Toffoli and linemates lift Ottawa 67's to 4-1 win over Peterborough Petes - Winnipeg Free Press
Tyler Toffoli had two goals and two assists as Ottawa’s top line combined for eight points to lead the 67s to a 4-1 win over the Peterborough Petes in Ontario Hockey League action Saturday.

Pat Chat (Week 6) - Slap Shots
Jordan Weal just finished a great month that saw him pick up 19 points in 12 games. He currently has the team lead in goals, assists and points.

WCHA 2010-11 season preview - Hockey's Future

Adding depth to the stellar [UND] Fighting Sioux defense this season is highly-touted newcomer Derek Forbort. The Duluth, MN native is a first round (15th overall) selection of the Los Angeles Kings this past June, and is one of the most highly-skilled blueliners coming into the NCAA this season. Forbort is blessed with size great hands and skating ability.  [...]

One area where the [St. Cloud State] Huskies were particularly good last season was on offense. St. Cloud State sported the nation’s 17th-best offense that averaged 3.21 goals per game. This season, the team is shaping up to be just as good. Leading St. Cloud State’s offensive charge this season is senior assistant captain Garrett Roe (LA). The Vienna, VA native is one of three Los Angeles Kings prospects on the Huskies roster this season. Roe, an All-WCHA Third Team selection, co-led the team with 49 points (20 goals, 29 assists) in 41 games last season. He also finished tied for second on the team with a plus-9. Where Roe proved to be invaluable to St. Cloud State was on face-offs, winning just over 53 percent of his draws. [...] 

The Huskies also bring in an impressive freshman class this season. One player to watch is defenseman Kevin Gravel. The Kingsford, MI native was a fifth round (148th overall) selection of the Los Angeles Kings this past June. Gravel is a defensive defenseman with size that is noted for his ability to move with the puck. "Kevin has the ability to step right into our lineup," Motzko said of Gravel. "He’s a very good athlete, and has real good feet for a big guy. I think with Kevin, it’s just a matter of him getting some experience and gaining some strength. I think it’ll take a bit of time, but there’s no question that he’s got the ability to fight for time back there and anchor things for us."

OHL HOCKEY: Whalers rally late over Soo | the Observer
The Plymouth Whalers pulled off a trick and treated their fans to a comeback 5-4 win on Halloween eve at Compuware Arena. After spotting Sault Ste. Marie a 3-0 lead early in the second period Saturday night at Compuware Arena, the Whalers started chipping away on a sensational shorthanded breakaway goal by Robbie Czarnik.

TheAHL.com - Captain "C"liche
[Marc-Andre] Cliche, a 23-year-old native of Rouyn-Noranda, Que., is not only the ninth captain in Monarchs history, but also the youngest. He is following in the footsteps of Dane Jackson (2001-03), Richard Seeley (2003-04 and 2005-06), Chris Schmidt (2004-05), Brendan Buckley (2006-07), Jon Klemm (2007-08), Gabe Gauthier (2007-08), Marty Murray (2008-09) and Bagnall (2009-10). He may not have worn the "C" on his jersey prior to this season but he has learned quite a bit from last season’s captain, who also happened to be his roommate.[...]

Cliche certainly is no stranger to the big stage, as he helped advance the Lewiston of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to the 2007 Memorial Cup tournament while recording 22 points in 16 post-season games. Also, during the same year, Cliche was a member of the gold medal winning Team Canada at the 2007 World Junior Championship.

[...] Cliche, despite being only 23 years old, [is] one of the veterans of this year’s squad. The average age of the [Monarchs is] 23 years and 1.5 months [...]. This fact is not lost on [alternate captain Thomas] Hickey [previously the] the captain [of the] Seattle Thunderbirds [...] and the gold medal winning Team Canada at the 2009 World Junior Championships. [...] When asked about how the [captains] influence one’s play on the ice, Hickey [said,] "It’s (about being) more (influential) as a person [...Last year's captain, Drew Bagnall, had] a relationship with every guy on the team [...]. That was big for me [...]."

[...] Although one might think being the captain of a professional hockey team [needs] to be strait-laced, to-the-point and serious at all times, Coach Morris certainly disagrees [...]. "Marc-Andre embodies all the qualities of a true leader," said Morris. "His high compete level coupled with his grit and determination will serve as a great role model for this young team. Marc-Andre’s sharp wit, his honesty and keen sense of humor keeps everyone on their toes."

I love knowing who the funny ones are. Must remember to interview Cliche, if I ever, you know, decide to, interview anyone.