Since Dean Lombardi's arrival in Los Angeles in April 2006 he has been on a mission to stock the organization with high-end prospects.
This Saturday, 3,000 fans are expected to descend upon the Kings training facility in El Segundo, CA for the second annual HockeyFest - where fans can interact with alumni, get autographs and attend various speaker sessions.
Simultaneously, the fruits of Lombardi's labor will be on display, as the Kings Rookie Camp gets underway in the same building. Nearly every major prospect he's acquired in the last four years will be present - forwards Clifford, Kozun, Loktionov, Schenn, Toffoli and Weal; defenseman Deslauriers, Fransson, Hickey, Muzzin and Teubert; plus goalies Berube and Jones.
Corey Elkins will be there too. The 6'3" center just completed his rookie season with Manchester, where he posted 21 goals (tops on the team) and 43 points (second on the team). Both totals also placed him in the top-10 for rookie scoring in the AHL.
He was expected to battle Brayden Schenn for a possible roster spot with the big club this season. Now, with news coming out today about Schenn having a knee injury that could keep him sidelined for several months, you may start to hear more about Elkins.
Get ready for camp! Here's the first in a series of exclusive interviews you'll find on MayorsManor in the days to come...
MM: You signed with the Kings organization as a free agent coming out of college in the spring of 2009. What made you want to sign in Los Angeles, especially considering the team hadn't made the playoffs in eight years at that point?
CE: Well, when I was going the process it was crazy. It was almost like getting recruited for college all over again. The opportunity just felt right with the Kings though. I liked Hex (Ron Hextall) and Jack (Johnson) and some of the guys that were coming out. I had some meetings with them and it all felt right. With me being a little older, it looked like I could have a quick learning curve in LA and get some good experience - whether it be in Manchester or with the Kings. It was also exciting to be part of such a young and up and coming team. You see the talent. If you go though the guys that are in the organization, you know it's just a matter of time. So, I was excited to be part of that.
You're pretty familiar with the Kings future, having been to a few of the camps already. How about the past? Let's see how well you know your Kings history - can you name five players that wore the old purple and gold jerseys?
