The Hockey News, Tanguay & The Mayor

A buddy of mine emailed me an old Hockey News article I had almost forgotten about...


Click on the image to the left to enlarge the scanned article.


Apparently, I must have really gotten under the skin of Alex Tanguay (then of Calgary). He called me out in The Hockey News, even saying I was 'world-renowned."

Am now!

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119

Modin on NHL Radio/TV - How the trade went down...

Kings newly acquired winger Freddy Modin was on the NHL Power Play earlier this afternoon and had the following to say:

* The transition to the Kings has been easy (3 goals in 6 games, what do you expect him to say?). Lots of good young kids.

* Anybody impress you or that's been better than you expected? Kopitar and Doughty. Playing with Wayne Simmonds has opened his eyes to how good he is too.

* Injuries have hampered him the last few years. He's feeling great right now and knock on wood he'll be in good shape for the rest of the season and the playoffs.

* The Kings were doing well before he got there. The team has several great leaders in the room, that's one area where the Kings aren't lacking. Come playoff time, he thinks he is one of the guys that some of his teammates will lean on (because of his experience).

* Some of the veterans that helped him in Toronto were Doug Gilmour, Larry Murphy, Wendel Clark, Kirk Muller, etc. Mats Sundin came in later and he learned a lot from him too.

* He had a no trade clause in Columbus, so how did the deal go down? Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson approached him saying he had some calls from some "peeps" (real quote) and Modin said he was willing to work with him. The deal with LA came up right at the last minute and he had to make a decision quickly. He said it was a "no brainer" to come to LA, even though he and his family only had a few minutes to think about it.

* They had a lot of expectations in Columbus this season after their success last season. He got off to a rough start and the coaching change was difficult. He still believes in goalie Steve Mason, who has struggled this season.

* How was your Olympic experience? It was a lot of fun, Vancouver did an amazing job with the games. It was an amazing atmosphere. Having Peter Forsberg back was fun and "I thought he played well for us."

* How important is it for LA to finish in 4th place in the West and get home ice in the first round of the playoffs? Its huge. That's what we're shooting for.

* When he was in Tampa Bay Phil Esposito was always on him to shoot the puck more. In fact, he still tells him every time they cross paths.

You can listen the full segment by clicking here.

Not the most in-depth interview ever...but, hey - at least the Kings are getting some national attention for a change.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119

Question of the Day

Now that the Regina Pats have been eliminated from the WHL playoffs, where will 'Mr Nasty' Colten Teubert end up? The Kings 2008 first round draft pick was sent to the Ontario Reign after last season.

The Reign are currently battling for the final playoff spot in the ECHL's National conference. A player of Teubert's caliber would sure be a shot in the arm for the 'proud affiliate of the LA Kings.' He's won back to back medals at the World Junior Championships for Team Canada and finished this season as the Pats captain...not to mention the physical presence the 6'4" defenseman brings to the ice.

That said, the AHL's Monarchs - the Kings top minor league affiliate - have lost a ton of players to injury this season. Additionally, they've been sliding a bit recently, having fallen to third place in their division. On paper this would seem like his most likely landing spot...especially for his development.

The answer should come in the next few days.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119

PROSPECT: Brandon Kozun wins WHL scoring title

Brandon Kozun, drafted in the 6th round by the LA Kings last June, capped off an incredible regular season for the Calgary Hitmen earlier today. He had four assists to pass Jordan Eberle for the WHL scoring title, winning the Bob Clarke Trophy!

Eberle was a first round pick back in 2008 by the Edmonton Oilers.

Kozun, a 5'8" right wing, has twice been named the WHL player of the week this season...in addition to playing for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships - winning a silver medal.

His teammate on the Hitmen, fellow Kings prospect Martin Jones, had quite the season himself - also being named WHL player of the week back in February. Like Kozun, he too earned a silver medal with Team Canada at the World Jrs and has been the best goalie in the 'Dub this season (by far) - leading in nearly every statistical category. Hard to believe the Kings were able to pick him up as an undrafted free agent last summer. Another solid goaltending prospect, just adding to the riches the Kings are currently experiencing in net.

Many of the Kings top young prospects are playing in the WHL this season - besides those listed above, 'Mr Nasty' Colten Teubert of the Regina Pats and Brayden Schenn of the Brandon Wheat Kings are also there.

Along with Thomas Hickey, who was assigned to Manchester this year, the trio represents three straight years of first round draft picks from the WHL by Kings GM Dean Lombardi.

Calgary and Brandon were the top two teams in the WHL this year, the only two teams in the league with 100+ point seasons. Both will begin the playoffs later this week. More on that in the days ahead.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

ADDITIONAL UPDATES:

* Read the official WHL press release on Kozun winning the scoring title by clicking here.

* MayorsManor interview with Brandon Kozun from training camp