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.

Kovalchuk is a Healthy Scratch?
via Tom Gulitti tweet, Devils say Ilya Kovalchuk is a healthy scratch.

Sean Leahy (Sean_Leahy) on Twitter
Sean_Leahy Sean Leahy Devils are just trying keep Kovy as fresh as possible for the remaining 15 years. It's a marathon, not a sprint ya know?

Interview with Jonathan Bernier of the LA Kings | Hockey Independent
QUESTION: Let’s test your Kings knowledge – can you name five players that wore the purple and gold jerseys?

JB: Rogie Vachon. (we laughed about him having to go goalie first). Dave Taylor. That’s about it. I guess I’m not a real hockey fan - I just play the game. (a lot more laughter)

Vey and Harrison lead Medicine Hat Tigers to 9-2 victory over Raiders@ - USATODAY.com
[Kings prospect] Linden Vey and Ryan Harrison both scored twice and added an assist as the Medicine Hat Tigers beat up on the Prince Albert Raiders 9-2 in Western Hockey League play Friday night. Emerson Etem had a pair of goals for Medicine Hat (6-3-0), while Thomas Carr and Cole Grbavac both tallied and added two assists. Captain Wacey Hamilton scored and added an assist as well.

Pats in a shutout win
[Kings prospect] Jordan Weal did the dirty work, driving to the middle and slipping a pass in front to Thomas Frazee, who dropped it off to Carter Ashton beside the net for an easy goal.

St. Cloud State tops Gophers hockey 5-2 " Breaking News & Updates
St. Cloud State sophomore goalie Mike Lee was on his game and the Minnesota Golden Gophers followed a familiar script Friday, as the Huskies beat Minnesota 5-2 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play. Lee made 40 saves and five different St. Cloud State players scored goals. "We needed this effort tonight," Lee said. "Our defense makes my job easy." Lee had 27 saves in the first two periods as the Huskies (2-2-1, 1-0-0) built a 5-0 lead. Jared Festler and Tony Mosey had power-play goals and Garrett Roe scored short-handed. Brian Volpei and [Kings prospect] Nic Dowd also scored their first goals.

Coach Terry Murray pinpoints to Kings' power-play problems - Page 2 - Los Angeles Times
Defenseman Willie Mitchell, who played only 48 games last season after suffering a severe concussion, was in a difficult spot Wednesday when Doughty suffered his head injury in a collision with Carolina's Erik Cole. Doughty is Mitchell's defense partner, but Cole is his former college teammate at Clarkson. Mitchell said he didn't think the incident warranted a penalty; none was called and the NHL didn't impose supplementary discipline.

"It's tough for me to comment because that's my best friend who hit him on the other side," Mitchell said. "I talked to him after the game. It was an accident. He was turning one way and Drew was turning the other way and they both ran into each other. You feel bad about it, that's for sure."

Mitchell also said he had talked to Doughty and would gladly advise him through his recovery. "Being a veteran player and having a few injuries, hopefully I'm a springboard for him as far as bouncing a few feelings or opinions on stuff," he said.

As far as I know, that's the first anyone in the Kings organization has used the word concussion.

Also, Jake Muzzin has been assigned to Manchester. I choose to believe this means nothing. He's waiver-exempt and can be recalled any time.

Reign lose goaltender Jones - San Bernardino County Sun
That didn't take long. One day before the Reign's third game of the season, they lost a goaltender to the American Hockey League. Manchester, the Kings' AHL affiliate, has recalled Martin Jones in advance of a three-games-in-three-nights weekend series. On the surface it seems like Jones will only be in Manchester through the weekend - the Monarchs' top two goalies are believed to be healthy.

As I was preparing this post, with the comment "I doubt it, sounds like EE is going to Europe, I got this tweet:

Twitter / Bob McKenzie: L.A. puts Erik Esberg on w ...
L.A. puts Erik Esberg on waivers. ATL's Nigel Dawes clears waivers.

Which was closely followed by Rich Hammond reporting that EE is heading to the KHL, in violation of his contract, which will be terminated. Wonder why he wasn't "loaned" a la Juraj Mikus and Johan Fransson. I'm betting it's just a techincality and it saves the Kings money that way. Good luck, Iceberg. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have Drew Doughty.

The Hockey News: Rumor Roundup: Rumor Roundup: Senators trading?
Craig Custance of The Sporting News pointed out the Los Angeles Kings have plenty of available cap space to take on a big salary and could pursue Richards if the Stars decide they cannot re-sign him. ESPN.com’s John Buccigross, in response to a reader’s question, suggested the Stars should be able to get a first round pick, a prospect and a solid roster player for Richards. Buccigross listed the Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers as potential suitors, adding the Maple Leafs and Rangers could offer up a "five- to seven-year, $30-million to $40-million contract."

The Kings have no cap space. They have Doughty, Jack Johnson, Wayne Simmonds, Oscar Moller, Brad Richardson, Justin Williams, Michal Handzus and Jonathan Bernier to sign.

Ian Clark's On Hockey: Three days, three games for Monarchs - Friday, Oct. 22, 2010
Manchester will have to get used to that triple-dip of weekend games. The Monarchs play three-game sets such as this one eight of the next 10 weekends. In that regard, the current goaltender rotation is a good thing. With that many games, you need two goalies you can rely on and Manchester has a pair of solid ones in veteran Erik Ersberg and up-and-comer Jeff Zatkoff. Morris said of the rotation. "It's a healthy competition and both goalies understand the situation." [...] The Monarchs have enjoyed varied scoring thus far, with 15 of 20 skaters registering a point through the first five games. David Meckler (three goals, three assists for six points), Dwight King (5-1-5) and rookie Brandon Kozun (3-1-4) leading the way. But playmaker Oscar Moller remains out of action after suffering a head injury on Sunday. "I'd say he's day-to-day but my gut feeling is that he won't be ready for the weekend," Morris said. "That's the vibe I got from (trainer Michael Muir)."

The Moller injury was reported on the Monarchs Facebook page as "concussion-like symptoms" after hitting his head on the ice.

What a difference a year makes
Series rosters unveiled 67’s forwards Tyler Toffoli and Ryan Martindale have been selected to the OHL roster for next month’s Subway Super Series against a team of Russian juniors. Calvin de Haan of Carp, Erik Gudbranson of Orléans and Ryan Spooner of Kanata with also participate in the two-game series Nov. 11 at London and Nov. 15 at Sudbury. A team representing the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, including Gatineau Olympiques defenceman Nicolas Deslauriers and goalie Maxime Clermont, will face the touring Russians on Nov. 8 at Saint John, N.B., and on Nov. 10 at Drummondville. A Western Hockey League squad will play host to the Russians on Nov. 17 at Kamloops, B.C., and Nov. 18 at Prince George, B.C.

In addition to Kings' prospects Toffoli and Deslauriers, Linden Vey and Jordan Weal were named to the WHL team, and Jean-Francois Berube was named to the QMJHL team. Obviously, Brayden Schenn and Kyle Clifford would have been named also, but are currently with the Kings. The only Kings junior prospect not named to a Super Series team is Robbie Czarnik.

The Hockey News: Vezina Trophy Watch - Quick takes early lead

#1 Los Angeles Kings Jonathan Quick

Will be pushed all year long by Jonathan Bernier, but proving 2009-10 wasn’t a fluke. So far, Quick is 3-0 and hasn’t allowed more than one goal in a game.

Weekly Prospects Watch - Edition 2

Maxim Kitsyn

LA Kings' prospect Maxim Kitsyn finally recovered from his elbow injury and played his first KHL game of the season and had an assist during the 3-4 OT defeat to Avtomobilist Ekaterinburg.

Inside College Hockey | Recruiting Trail

TOP 20 INCOMING DEFENSEMEN

1. Derek Forbort, North Dakota

The 15th overall pick in June's NHL Draft scored five goals and added 23 assists for the U.S. NTDP last season.

[...]

8. Kevin Gravel, St. Cloud State

A 2010 USHL All-Star, Gravel's dad, Jim, played for the Huskies from 1977-81 and scored 101 career points.

Friday night rewind | University of North Dakota Hockey

Derek Forbort is now tied for the team lead in scoring. Going back to the Fairbanks game, there was a point where Forbort had assisted on five straight Sioux goals.

2010-11 WHL Scoring Race | Sports Haze

Every year in the Western Hockey League there are select few players that dominate, and appear to be men amongst boys. Brandon Kozun led the league in points last year, racking up 32 goals and 75 assists for the Calgary Hitmen. Not far behind him, Jordan Eberle put up 106 points in only 57 games for the Regina Pats. Kozun and Eberle seemed to dominate last year, being superior players in the Western Hockey League.

With Kozun currently playing for Manchester and Eberle playing for the Oilers there will be new stars and league leaders in the 2010/2011 season.

Last year Jordan Eberle played to the left of Jordan Weal. Weal and Eberle were a dynamic one-two punch, putting up a combined 208 points. This year however, Eberle is gone and leaves many wondering, did Eberle make Weal? So far Weal looks strong in Regina, putting up 10 points in 8 games.

In the past ten years Jordan Weal is only one of five players out of the CHL that put up over 100 points in their second year of junior eligibility. In doing so, Weal joined a star studded list that consisted of John Tavares, Steven Stamkos, Sam Gagner and Tyler Seguin.

Whalers win thriller on OT goal by Czarnik | hometownlife.com

Scoring the winning goal at 4:44 of the extra session was Robert Czarnik, who scored two goals and assisted on two others in his first game after returning from Los Angeles' NHL camp.

Winther scores again, but Raiders lose to Rebels - Hockey - Sports - The Prince Albert Daily Herald

Tigers forward Linden Vey of Wakaw had four assists in Saturday’s victory at Medicine Hat Arena.

Got nothing to say, really. Just sharing the good stuff from AP/Getty.

I choose not to worry about this, but I pass it along.

Goalies who will suffer from 'form fitting' equipment changes the most - ProHockeyTalk - Hockey - NBC Sports
Today's focus has been on the league's plans to force goalies to wear "form fitting"/proportional pads next season.[...] It blows my mind a bit that the larger goalies [...] might actually get to wear longer pads [...] As if following up a scorching hot playoff run wasn't tough enough, [Jaroslav Halak,] the relatively short goalie might see a reduction in his pads. He seemed to be strong positionally (as in, not outrageously athletic), so the difference could hurt him more than most. [...] [Henrik] Lundqvist's "massive thigh pads" might be one of the biggest reasons why the changes are being made. [...] Jonathan Bernier's first real NHL season might be a bit tougher considering he's already below the ideal height level for goalies.

Until training camp starts, I thought I would self-servingly promote "timeless" old posts, many of which are from the old Kings Kool-Aid days (although that entire archive was imported to Jewels from the Crown when I moved over here, so they've been reformatted SBN-style). First up, the comedy stylings of Bud Holloway:

Bud Holloway blogs funny - Jewels From The Crown
Excerpts:

Azey (Azevedo) has a "lower body" injury and will be out for a while. Now all he does is lie in his room and listen to "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." It's hard to get to sleep with him crying over how well written the song is. [...] It’s late November and still no snow. [...] I walked out of the rink the other day and Westy was catching some rays. I know the female readers are probably picturing a Fabio type image as I say that, and let me be the first to tell you it was. Except there was no white horse, just Cliche.

via Monarchs Site: Insight into Curious George by Bud Holloway.

NHL Rumours: August Fifth | Bleacher Report
Finally the Los Angeles Kings have offered a trade [to Toronto for Kaberle] that only involves prospects and draft picks. It is said however, that the offer is so good that it is better than San Jose's offer. The only thing I can think of is that Brayden Schenn is part of that deal. It would be Schenn and a first round pick maybe. Burke may not want prospects but he may make an exception for Schenn.

That's just silly. Lombardi is not trading Schenn to Burke for Kaberle. But the idea of a prospect package that doesn't include Schenn going to Toronto is no less troubling. My guess is, this rumor is made-up. Gasp.

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