While we’re still just about a month away from truly meaningful hockey, if you’ve been missing the sound of skates on ice and the feeling of cheering for goals, you’re in luck! The Kings have sent their rookie squad to Las Vegas, where the first of three rookie games takes place today. The Kings will face off against longtime nemesis the Anaheim Ducks, to let the kids get a taste of the rivalry bright and early in their careers.
HOW TO WATCH
Game Time: 5:00 PM (Pacific)
Stream: LAKings.com or LA Kings Insider (Stream will go live just prior to the start of game; may require you to be in the Kings’ viewing area)
WHO TO WATCH
Philippe Maillet: The 5’10” forward will be entering his second professional season with the Reign. Despite being on the smaller side, he’s not afraid to go to the net and score some ugly goals. He had 18 goals and 18 assists last season and really elevated his game as the ear progressed. While he’s under an AHL contract, rather than an NHL one, another strong season could help him catch more attention with the Kings organization for a possible contract upgrade.
MAILLET cuts the Gulls lead to two with another REIGN GOAL!! pic.twitter.com/1Zi3VObBPS
— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) February 18, 2018
Sean Walker: Speaking of upgrading AHL contracts, Walker did just that after a strong rookie showing in Ontario this past season. While he’s far down on the depth chart, behind players like Oscar Fantenberg, Paul LaDue, and Daniel Brickley, Walker’s almost certainly going to be looking to raise his profile with the Kings to earn an NHL call-up in the near future.
That shot 😁 – 2 more years of Sean Walker in the Kings organization! pic.twitter.com/GZ18Xs8JmL
— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) July 3, 2018
Jaret Anderson-Dolan: All anyone can ever talk about with Anderson-Dolan is his poise and leadership on and off the ice. While he’s a player with a ton of skill, he also frequently garners praise for his dedication and maturity. Per Kings Insider, Ontario Reign coach Mike Stothers said that Anderson-Dolan’s “intensity level is off the charts”. He had a monster year with the Spokane Chiefs, putting up 91 points in 70 games. After Spokane was eliminated from the playoffs, he joined the Ontario Reign, getting into five regular season games (where he notched two assists) and three playoff games. While Anderson-Dolan will almost certainly be returning to Spokane this year, he’s well-regarded by the organization and will have every opportunity to shine in camp and these rookie games.
👑 | Get ready to hear “shoots and scores!” a LOT. @LAKings prospect Jaret Anderson-Dolan became the 28th player in franchise history to reach the 40-goal mark. ⬇️ Check out his season highlights! #GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/0XF9ukJbHq
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) May 18, 2018