POLL: Which player should the LA Kings call up today?

Two big things happened over the weekend. First, the Kings offense woke up and scored five goals on Saturday night - the third time they've hit the nickel mark this season. Then, yesterday, left wing Dustin Penner was placed on the injured reserve list for a hand injury he suffered back in Thursday night's game vs. the Canucks.

When Scott Parse went down last week, center Colin Fraser was activated.

This time around, they don't have an extra forward here in LA waiting around. So, expect to see somebody from Manchester (AHL) headed West.

Down two left wings, who could it be?

Here are the likely candidates to select from (in alphabetical order)...

Rich Clune, LW - one of only two players on this list who has NHL experience (played 14 games for the Kings in 2009-10)...is known primarily as an agitator, he plays a high energy game and ironically, any consideration he gets will be in large part be due to two players who left the organization

Ray Kaunisto, LW - one of the rare left wings on this list and the funniest guy from Manchester on twitter...he'll call out anybody, even his own wife

Dwight King, LW - the other player on the list with NHL experience (six games last year)...he was also the guy the team tried to call up when Jarret Stoll was suspended in the playoffs, but they couldn't get it done in time...was one of the last players cut in camp this season...has six points in 17 games with Manchester this season

Checking in with Linden Vey - talks first pro goal

Linden Vey in Manchester (photo: S. Babineau)

Earlier this summer on MayorsManor, Kings prospect Brandon Kozun spoke about the humbling experience of moving from the WHL - where he was big man on campus - to being a rookie in the AHL last year.

Now, fresh off of scoring more points than any other player in all of junior hockey last season - Linden Vey is making that transition.  The 6-foot forward posted 46 goals and 70 assists for the Medicine Hat Tigers, more than enough to earn the WHL scoring title.

Then, last night, he turned the page. In his sixth game as a professional, he picked up his first goal as a member of the Manchester Monarchs.

After practice today, we spoke by phone, where he described the memorable moment like this - "It was off a faceoff play in the offensive zone. (David) Meckler got the puck and he threw it in front. I got the puck in the slot and put it upstairs."

Like most players, he plans on giving the puck to his parents. After all, they were ones driving when he made all those trips to the rink as a youngster.

Even after scoring all those goals last year, this one still meant something to him.

"Any time you score your fist goal in any league it's always pretty special," Vey said. "With those first five games, I was hoping I'd get it a little bit earlier because it's something you'd like to get out of the way early. But, now that I did, it's kinda nice. Hopefully I can build off that and continue to do the things I've been doing and put more pucks in the net."

Who exactly might be setting up his second goal sounded like a work in progress though.

Top prospects talk disappointment of not playing tonight

Yesterday afternoon, Los Angeles Kings coach Terry Murray announced he was going with a more veteran line-up tonight vs. the Anaheim Ducks - with Andrei Loktionov as the lone prospect included in the group of forwards.

After talking a look at prospects Brandon Kozun, Tyler Toffoli and others vs. the Phoenix Coyotes, they'll sit out tonight's contest.

Here's some reaction from a few of the Kings prospects on that decision and their experience from Wednesday...

Toffoli - "I always want to play. But, I just have to work hard every day. It's their decision...I think I've done well so far. I've done everything that they've wanted me to do - work hard, get myself into better conditioning...and I thought I played well in the game (vs. Phoenix)."

Kozun - "We played against basically (the Coyotes) entire roster, they weren't missing many guys. So, that was fun. I went to Phoenix trying to do my best and, honestly, I think played a pretty good game. The biggest thing I took away from it is I know I can play against those guys. I know I can have success against them and now I just have to wait for my opportunity."

Ray Kaunisto - "It's a little (disappointing), but I was kind of expecting that - they want to get their regular line-up in and get some games under their belt before the regular season starts. So, you kind of have to expect that."

Over on defense, Nic Deslauriers had slightly different expectations...

"I was waiting to play a game," he shared. "Now, I'll just keep proving myself and preparing myself for what's next. That's the main point. For sure, I thought I maybe had a chance to play with the two games (on Wednesday). But, I'll get over it and think about Manchester now."

Two of the other defensive prospects getting the bulk of attention so far, Thomas Hickey and Slava Voynov, will both patrol the blueline again, as they did on Wednesday at Staples Center.

The longer Drew Doughty isn't signed - and if he plans on joining the team in Europe, he needs to be in camp by Friday at the latest - the more likely one of those two will be in the starting line-up on opening night.

Coach Murray evaluated the play of both in an interview here.

The full line-up for tonight is as follows:

Date Night with your Los Angeles Kings

What started as an innocent conversation with Kings prospect Jake Muzzin quickly spawned an idea for an article.

Life as an NHL prospect probably isn't as glamorous as it may seem at times. Over the last two weeks, guys from all across North America have been housed out of a hotel in El Segundo, CA (which, for those of you reading this article out of state, let's just say - it's not Hollywood).

By day, they've been been working hard on and off the ice, under the tutelage of head coach Terry Murray and his entire staff. By night, well - they're starting to go a little stir crazy in their 20x20 rooms.

During out little chat, Muzzin encouraged me to go see 'Moneyball.' He says it very good, especially the work by Brad Pitt. On the other hand, he strongly does not recommend 'Drive,' saying it was too slow.

After practice today, Ray Kaunisto was already looking ahead - revealing he plans on taking Brandon Kozun out for 'date night' later this evening.

To get some varied perspectives from around the room, here are comments from a few of the other Kings prospects...

Tyler Toffoli - "We saw 'Contagion,' I wouldn't recommend it. It was really slow." (Jordan Nolan started laughing in the background and shaking his head side to side. He didn't approve of the flick either.)

Kings' Ray Kaunisto calls Anaheim Ducks fan 'a lost cause'

Kaunisto during Rookie Camp (photo: CIKIRI)

It's time for the return of the Yooper.

Ray Kaunisto, a 6-foot-4 left wing, played 57 games for Manchester last season, the Kings' AHL affiliate. He had 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists) and finished with a minus-6 rating. Not exactly numbers that will shoot him past Brandon Kozun or Tyler Toffoli on the depth chart.

"To be realistic, I'm not a top-two liner," Kaunisto says.

He knows his role and he's sticking to it - "I like to be a defensive forward and I think I'm getting better at that as a pro - after being good at it in college."

With four years at Northern Michigan under his belt, he signed with the Kings as a free agent in March 2010.

Even though the odds may be stacked against him flying to Europe with the Kings to start the season, he's had a straight forward approach to training camp this week.

"How I look at it is, I come to camp and I do what I can," said the 24-year old, who hails from the Upper Peninsula area of Michigan. "I'm going to go out there and play rough, I'm going to hit and try not to turn the puck over. I want to be good in my own zone. I'll try to put in a couple of goals and be there for my teammates. If it doesn't work out here - I hope to make the team here, that's what everyone hopes here - but, I know that may not be the most realistic thing right now. The step after that is, go to the AHL and be a top player there."

Right before camp opened though, he had to ship something back home - his wife. Married over the summer, the Mrs. was in town for a few days.

LA vs PHX - Thursday's post-game notes and quotes

Kings v Coyotes Thursday (photo: J. Weinberg)

Brandon Kozun can rest a little easier.

Fresh off his rookie season in Manchester last year, he wasn't talking like a player in a meaningless training camp game after Wednesday's 8-7 loss to the Coyotes - where the Kings gave up five goals in the third period.

He was visibly upset and shared his frustrations following the game, calling the loss 'unacceptable.'

While not on the level of a Mark Messier playoff promise - still, though - he all but guaranteed a win on Thursday.  Per the plan, he and his teammates delivered.

Saying the Kings dominated the first period would be an understatement. After barely showing any signs of defensive life for the final 20 minutes of the game prior, they held the Coyotes to only three shots in the opening period of yesterday's game. Then, only gave up eight more in the second. Goalie Martin Jones could have taken a nap in the crease there was such little action in front of him.

Like the night before, Kozun was again front and center for most of the action. He followed-up his two goal performance in the first game by assisting on three of the Kings four goals Thursday - and two of them were things of beauty.

First, he set up Linden Vey to put the Kings up 2-0, after Jordan Weal opened the scoring.

Following the game, Vey said, "It was good to get the win, especially after the way we lost yesterday."

However, he also had some praise for the play of Kozun, saying "I thought Kozy was great in both games." Indeed.

As for the fewer fights and less physical play in game two of the Coyotes-Kings rookie series, Vey said "We were moving the puck better. It's tough to play physical when a team is moving the puck like that."

So, perhaps that's why Jordan Nolan - who's normally known more for his fists than his soft hands - was able to have such an offensively rewarding day. He scored two goals, including the game winner - set up on highlight reel-like passes from Vey and Kozun.

POLL: Most impressive LA King in Rookie Camp game one?

This poll is going to be a quick one, as voting will end at 1:30 pm PST today.

If you were at the Rookie Game last night versus Phoenix or watched the game online (right here on MayorsManor!)...who were you most impressed with?

Stats don't always tell the full story of a player's contribution on the ice. However, here are some numbers for your reference:

Andy Andreoff - two goals, plus-2, nine PIM, five shots

Martin Jones - 28 of 31 saves in 40 minutes played

Ray Kaunisto - one goal, one assist, five shots, five hits

Brandon Kozun - two goals, one assist, four shots

Jake Muzzin - two assists, plus-1, seven PIM, one shot, two hits

Michael Schumacher - two assists, plus-3, two hits

If you don't like any of those, feel free to suggest your own...




REMINDER: We'll have a free live stream of the second game between the LA Kings and Phoenix Coyotes right here on MayorsManor, beginning at 1:45 pm PST. Don't miss it!

The Mayor
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Kozun vs Toffoli, round one - Kings Rookie Camp notes

Following the morning skate that officially kicked off the LA Kings 2011 Rookie Camp, here are some comments from the two guys who are front and center...plus, a smidge of Ray Kaunisto.

"I'm feeling pretty good. It's nice to be back out there and get into the hockey season a bit," began Brandon Kozun. "It's been a long summer and it's nice to get back on the ice."

He hasn't felt much of a rivalry with Tyler Toffoli just yet though. "Everyone is coming into camp with one goal and that's to make the team," said Kozun. "So, you're not competing with one guy - you're competing with everyone. You want to go out there and show your stuff and you hope (the coaches and management) like what they see."

If he finds his way onto the Kings' roster this season, it would mean a little more than it normally might, because - in his words - "The Kings are a very good team and a Stanley Cup contender. It would be exciting to be part of something like that."

Kozun said he felt comfortable in camp today, especially because Mark Morris (the head coach in Manchester) was running the drills.

However, fellow Monarch Kaunisto may have been the one thing he didn't enjoy about today.

LA Kings 2011 Rookie Camp Primer - the forwards

Business is about to pick up...

Fresh on the heels of yesterday's official release of the Kings 2011 Rookie Camp roster and schedule, below is some additional information to get you primed and ready to go.

KINGS PROSPECTS

Andy Andreoff – 6-foot-1 center, drafted in 2011, third round - played 66 games for Oshawa (OHL) last season, scoring 33 goals and was impressive at the Kings' July Development Camp - if he a signs pro contract, could end up in Manchester this season - his most recent MayorsManor interview was just yesterday morning, linked here

Robert Czarnik — 6-foot forward, drafted in 2008, third round - originally was at the University of Michigan, then 'transferred' to the Plymouth Whalers (OHL) - scored 33 goals and 44 assists last season - most recent MayorsManor interview went up yesterday also, linked here

Ray Kaunisto — 6-foot-3 left wing, signed as a free agent in 2010, following his college career at Northern Michigan - played 57 games for Manchester last season - one of the best (and most respected) chirpers among the prospects - gave an epic interview on MayorsManor earlier this week, where he provided his 'bucket list' - check it out here

Brandon Kozun — 5-foot-8 forward, drafted in 2009, sixth round - has proclaimed he's 'ready for the NHL' - played 73 games for Manchester last season (23 goals, 25 assists) - expected to get a long look by the Kings leadership group at this year's camp - frequent guest on MayorsManor, with his most interview posting later today (in what will be a partial follow-up to Kaunisto's bucket list)...update: it's been posted, link here

Robbie Czarnik, the somewhat forgotten LA Kings prospect

Czarnik at Kings DevCamp (photo by K. Spatz)

Earlier today we took a look at Kings prospect Andy Andreoff and his possible move from the OHL to the AHL this season.

You can definitely count on fellow Kings prospect, Robbie Czarnik, leaving the OHL though - he's out of junior eligibility.

The 6-foot center was originally selected by Los Angeles in the third round of the 2008 NHL Draft.  He began playing college hockey at the University of Michigan - who gave him a full scholarship at 15 years old - before moving on to play for the Plymouth Whalers.

Last season you didn't hear much about him though, given that Tyler Toffoli was running away with the goal scoring title and Russian superstar-to-be Maxim Kitsyn came over to play in the OHL after the World Junior Championships in January.

So, I asked him, does he feel like the forgotten prospect?

"No, not really," he said. "I don't really look at it that way. They're goal scorers, but I put up points too and I have another side of my game. I'm excited that I’m a two-way forward."

When he was in LA for Development Camp in July he says there wasn't one particular part of his game he was trying to show off. Instead, he wanted the coaching staff to see that he's continued to make improvements in his all-around game - including "puck protection, competing at all times and defensive-zone coverage."

Once Dev Camp was over though, he headed to Miami for a little R&R.

"My girlfriend lives down there," he explained. "So, I went and visited her for a little bit. She goes to Michigan with me. I had never been down there before, but it was a good time. We went to the beach and spent time in downtown Miami, South Beach and then went to the Keys for a few days."

Yes, even though he took his hockey game to the OHL, he still takes classes at Michigan.  Czarnik says he has no ill feelings towards the school - in fact, he loves it. He just felt he could better develop his skills in the OHL.

Czarnik also likes to pester his girlfriend on twitter. Earlier this summer he tweeted quite a few 'Go Mavericks' blats during the NBA Finals.

"I don't really care that much for basketball," he admitted.  "I was constantly giving her a bad time when they were playing Miami and she wasn't too happy about it. I went against the Heat because she's obsessed with the team. So, it was just a funny thing I would play with her about."

He also likes to tweet about some of his favorite TV shows - like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Dexter, American Idol and Gossip Girl...wait, what?

LA Kings prospect Ray Kaunisto submits his bucket list

Kaunisto in his pre-prospect days

If you're a hockey fan on twitter, you know all about @BizNasty2point0. And if you're a Kings fan, you should definitely be following @RayK71.

Signed as a free agent in March 2010, Ray Kaunisto might not be one of the more ubiquitous prospects in the organization - like Tyler Toffoli, Martin Jones, Derek Forbort, etc. Yet, more people should be paying attention to him, even if only for his world class sense of humor.

During his inaugural season in Manchester last year, the 6-foot-4 left winger posted eight goals and 50 penalty minutes in 57 games played.

He also routinely chirped his teammates and other hockey related personalities on twitter. He's also not afraid to tweet about his personal life...

For example, he openly bragged about playing on the Kings top line with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown...in video games.

About a month ago he updated readers on his hunting adventures...chasing coyotes with a hockey stick.

If it's 'in the know' lingo you're after, he'll school you on all things Yooper...for the city folk out there, that's a person from the Norther part of Michigan.

When the Kings traded for Mike Richards back in June, what's the first thing he wanted to know...was Richards really a red neck or did he just include that in his twitter profile to get more followers?

Even though Kaunisto has own blog, he recently submitted his personal bucket list to MayorsManor.

Like any good 'live life to the fullest' person, he's had to update it a few times recently, as he was able to scratch off one of his items during his recent honeymoon (go scuba diving).

In reverse order, here are the next 12 things he'd like to do...

Rich Clune on Bud Holloway leaving Monarchs for Eurupe

Rich Clune in camp (photo: Cikiri)

During the Kings training camp last September, high-energy forward Rich Clune was starting to turn some heads.

Many thought he might even have a chance to crack the line-up in Los Angeles rather than spend a third season in Manchester (AHL).

Originally drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2005, Clune has since spent time in the ECHL, AHL and NHL. All the while, patiently waiting for his opportunity to remain in the big show.

Clune stayed with the Kings through Frozen Fury weekend in Las Vegas. However, ultimately, he lost out on an NHL roster spot - in part, due to the emergence of Kyle Clifford.

No problem, said Clune, when we spoke Friday night on the steps of the Dodger Dugout (several players were at the stadium to throw out the first pitch).

"It was a good year for me because I was able to get a lot more ice than I probably would have in LA," was Clune's view on his 66 games in Manchester last season. "It's a long road. There's a lot of young guys and we had a really talented team. It sucks we didn't go further (in the playoffs). I think we could have easily (won) that first series with Binghamton. What - five games in overtime? But, I had a lot of fun. Wherever I am, I like to have a good time."

Things haven't been quite as fun since arriving back in Los Angeles. He's been working out with Kings strength and conditioning coach Tim Adams, left wing Dustin Penner, etc. (more info on those grueling workouts can be found here)

"I came in for some training with the guys and just did a week with (that crew). My calves are sore," he complained - before joking "that's why I'm leaning up against this railing."

Tweeting the night away with LA Kings Campers

Forbort, Dowd, Kaunisto via @RayK71

Tweet, tweet!

I know, I know - you prefer facebook.

For everybody else out there who likes to follow the action and conversations that take place in no more than 140-character sound bites, good news...

Of the 35 guys scheduled to attend this year's Development Camp, many of them are on twitter. And several of them have already started commenting about the experience.

Here's a partial list of campers on twitter, with I'm sure more to come in the next few days:

@JimmyDowder26
Nic Dowd — F, seventh round 2009, St. Cloud State (NCAA)

@Durepos23
Pierre Durepos — D, free agent, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

@derekforbort4
Derek Forbort — D, first round 2010, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

Monarchs' Kaunisto talks Clune, Kozun, Kings Dev Camp

Over the past 18 months GM Dean Lombardi and the Kings have been stuffing their pipeline with left wings, American born guys and/or college hockey players.

Ray Kaunisto meets all three categories.

His name isn't mentioned much when talking about the Kings prospects though, except to maybe only the most die-hard fans. He's largely gone under the radar, having not been drafted and then signed as a free agent in March of last year.

Still, he says he doesn't feel forgotten about - knowing every team needs (what he calls) a 'certain type' of roll player.

Without knowing it, his ties to the Kings began years before he signed with the team.

Prior to college he played with former Kings prospect Teddy Purcell in the USHL.

He also grew up in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan and would cross the river to attend games of the legendary Soo Greyhounds. In fact, during his college days, when he would sneak in a game or two on visits home, the 'Hounds team he was watching featured Jordan Nolan and Jake Muzzin, two of his current teammates in Manchester.

In the conversation below the self-confessed twitter addict talks about being recruited by Los Angeles, players he draws motivation from, the toughest player in Manchester, his thoughts on the most underrated prospect and shares a prank once pulled on him...

MM: You signed with the Kings after playing college hockey at Northern Michigan. How did you end up there?