POLL: Who should the LA Kings honor next season?

It's been confirmed to MayorsManor that the LA Kings will keep the same jersey rotation for next year, including the purple (Forum blue) and gold version for three Legends Nights. As of now, the names haven't been finalized. However, a list of possible candidates is being pulled together. So, let's take a break from the playoff races for a moment and see what you guys think...

Over the course of 45 years, a lot of names have come through the organization. In an attempt to make things a little easier, we'll break this up into three eras. First up, we'll give you a list of pre-Gretzky stars (see below). In the next poll, we'll look at the 1988-2000 era (i.e. Kelly Hrudey, Marty McSorley, etc). Then, later in the week, we'll look at the Staples Center years (i.e. Ziggy Palffy, Ian Laperriere, etc.).

Most of the names on the list are obvious - such as Dave Taylor, who played more games in a Kings uniform (1,111) than any other player and has his number retired by the team. Yet, if you're not as familiar with some of the guys from the very early years, Brian Kilrea scored the very first goal in LA Kings history (something he talked about here). And Eddie Joyal was probably the first superstar hockey player in LA (discussed here).

Please select three people you think the Kings should honor next season:



Poll closes Wednesday at 8pm PST.

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

Reign President - 'Mark Hardy is on the short list of finalists'

Mark Hardy and Craig Johnson

Could former LA Kings Mark Hardy and Craig Johnson be on the verge of forming a coaching tandem in the ECHL?

According to Ontario Reign President Justin Kemp, Hardy is on the short list of finalists for the open head coaching slot - as he discusses in detail below.

Hardy, a former assistant coach with the Kings for more than 10 seasons, also is near the top in several statistical categories for LA defensemen - including third most games played (616), second most assists, third most points and fifth most penalty minutes. He was also part of the Kings run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993.

Johnson, most recently, has been coaching youth hockey in Orange County. He originally arrived in Los Angles as part of the epic 1996 trade that saw Wayne Gretzky dealt to St. Louis. After playing more than seven seasons for the Kings, he was a Mighty Duck for one year (2003-04). After a few more NHL stops, he wrapped up his on-ice career by playing a few seasons in Europe.

Hardy was one of the Kings assistant coaches during most of Johnson's time with the Kings.

Following up on today's earlier interview, here's Kemp with an A to Z look at the coaching situation in Ontario, including specific comments about how Hardy and Johnson might fit in...

Many frustrations for Ontario Reign President Justin Kemp

The Ontario Reign, proud affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings (that's their slogan), have been in the news quite a bit lately.

First, there were grumblings they were looking to create an affiliation with a second NHL team. This wasn't completely shocking news, as their team President, Justin Kemp, gently voiced his desire to get more support from the Kings in his pre-season interview here on MayorsManor last October.

Like he acknowledged then though, the Kings' number one priority is winning a Stanley Cup in Los Angeles. Thus, they need to do what's right for the parent organization first (when it comes to player development). Unfortunately, that may mean they don't have many prospects available for the ECHL.

The second Reign news item was that coach Karl Taylor had left to become an assistant with Vancouver's AHL affiliate in Chicago.

Oh by the way, that hiring came out of discussions the Reign were having with the Canucks about becoming that second NHL affiliate.  Sound a little fishy?

Earlier today, I sat down with Kemp again to address the entire situation.

Rather than splice it all up and just use selected quotes for an article, here are some of his raw comments...

- On the idea of adding a second NHL affiliate - "It started at the end of this last season. I went to Karl and asked him, we had struggled to get some help from the LA Kings over our first three years. Missing the playoffs the last two seasons, obviously, we needed some sort of a jolt - something to get the fans excited about. So, we inquired about what other affiliations were out there as a possible secondary affiliate. Vancouver seemed to be the best choice. They were going deep into the playoffs at that time. So, those discussion initially began between Karl and the Canucks. I came into the picture a few weeks later. We thought we're about a phone call or so away from getting a deal done. Ultimately, what happened is, they pulled back because LA was not in favor of us having a secondary affiliate. I think Vancouver wanted to be respectful of that."

Confusion reigning between Kings and ECHL affiliate?

Being an ECHL affiliate to an NHL team isn't quite as glamorous as it might seem on the surface.

The way hockey is structured, most top prospects are either playing major-junior in Canada - via the WHL, OHL and QMJHL - or are enrolled at an American University. Once the player is a little older, he's usually sent to the AHL before eventually joining his NHL team.

So, where does the ECHL fit it? Good question, actually. As far as prospects go, goaltenders seem to find the most success there - simply because there are only two goaltending slots on other teams, compared to at least seven defenseman and 12 forwards.  So, from a numbers standpoint, it's easy to see why a goalie ends up in the ECHL.  Hey, it worked out for Jonathan Quick - who spent most of his 2007-08 season with the ECHL's Reading Royals.

That said, several players on the Monarchs roster last season had at least spent some time in Ontario, the Kings' ECHL affiliate, over the few seasons prior - including their leading goal scorer, Bud Holloway, plus forward Jordan Nolan, defenseman Colten Teubert and goaltender Jeff Zatkoff.

However, last season the Kings weren't much help to Ontario. Goalie Martin Jones started the season there - only to be sent to Manchester after playing just one game (due to Erik Ersberg returning to Europe).

Prior to the start of last season, in an interview on MayorsManor, Reign President Justin Kemp said, "We're probably the biggest pains in the butt to (the Kings)...we try and try and try (to get players from them). The truth of the matter is, they're tyring to work on their own things...We have a lot more to gain from certain players coming here than they do. Sometimes we don't always see eye to eye. But, we continue to push."

Even so, Reign coach Karl Taylor noted on several occasions last season that he wished the Kings were able to supply him with more talent.

POLL: Los Angeles Kings - Which record falls first?

Taking a break from all the Development Camp interviews and notes, let's look at the Los Angeles Kings record book.

It's fairly safe to say that Jonathan Quick is well on his way to rewriting the chapters on goaltending. He's already established new single season marks for games played (72 in 2009-10) and wins (39, 2009-10). Plus, last season he tied Rogie Vachon's 2.24 goals-against average (1974-75) for tops all-time in franchise history.

So, how about over on the offensive side of the puck. Will one of the team's records be in jeopardy anytime soon?

Center Bernie Nicholls holds the goal mark, netting 70 in the 1988-89 season. Breaking it down by position, Luc Robitaille had 63 as a left wing in 1992-93 and right wing Dave Taylor scored 47 in 1980-81. Among the defensmen, Steve Duchesne found the back of the net from the blueline 25 times in 1988-89.

With the man advantage, Robitaille set the power play goals mark in 1991-92 with 26.

He also holds the record for most goals in a season by a Kings rookie, picking up 45 in 1986-87. Larry Murphy had a whopping 60 assists as a rookie in 1980-81.

Wayne Gretzky picked up 122 assists in 1990-91 and 168 total points in 1988-89. Neither of those will ever be broken, so - moving right along...

If it's penalty minutes you like, Dave 'Tiger' Williams racked up 358 during the 1986-87 season, a number that was eclipsed by Marty McSorley in the magical 1992-93 season (399 PIM).

Looking over the above numbers, which record do you think is most likely to be broken?


Poll closes Sunday at 7pm PST.

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

RELATED ARTICLES:

20 Questions with #20 - an interview with Luc Robitaille

The Original Interview with Rob Blake

Interview:  Hugging the Post with Kelly Hrudey

POLL: Best U.S. born Kings player of all-time

Who was the LA Kings Rookie of the Year?

Manchester Monarchs: Gm1 Notes, Quotes, Schenn Update

Last night the Manchester Monarchs opened their 2011 AHL Playoff run with a 2-1 win over the Binghamton Senators.

They received goals from defenseman David Kolomatis and center Corey Elkins. Justin Azevedo, Jordan Nolan and Viatcheslav Voynov picked up assists. Jordan Weal was a healthy scratch and Tyler Toffoli managed just one shot in the game.

Game two is tonight, again in Manchester.

Prior to the series starting, several Monarchs made there way to MayorsManor - including defenseman Thomas Hickey, forward Bud Holloway and goalie Martin Jones.

Below are a few additional comments from afar. First, former Monarchs defenseman Alec Martinez, then Ontario Reign coach Karl Taylor, followed by an update on when to expect Brayden Schenn in a Monarchs uniform this post-season.

Martinez on staying in touch - "I talk to a few of the guys pretty consistently. I talk to (Jeff) Zatkoff a lot.  He and I were roommates in college and played together growing up. We go way back and have known each other for a long time. So, we chat a lot. Plus, the guys I lived with - like Mullen and Hickey and Kolomatis."

MM: I hear Hickey is quite the prankster. Did he pull any good ones on you?

Players Rep Their Schools on LA Kings All-College Teams

Later tonight, Kings prospect Derek Forbort and the North Dakota Fighting Sioux will continue their quest for an eighth NCAA National Championship.

It's a game that several of the current Kings will be watching, namely Matt Greene and Jack Johnson. Greene went to UND and of course, Johnson went to Michigan.

Other former college players on the Kings roster this season include every defenseman not named Drew Doughty and forwards Scott Parse, Dustin Penner and Kevin Westgarth.

And then you have a whole group of more guys in the system, like Jeff Zatkoff - starting goaltender in Manchester.  Just a few years ago he was roaming the campus of Miami University (Ohio) with defenseman Alec Martinez.

So, with that in mind, here are the Kings All-Time, All-College first and second teams...

Ontario Reign Coach on Poor Season - 'It's All On Me'

Last night was another sellout crowd at Citizen's Business Bank Arena in Ontario. And on the ice, the Reign lost another game.

Wait...they won 3-1.

Losing has become such a frequent thing for the team this year it's easy to assume it happened again. However, it didn't. The goaltending - which has been a point of concern all year long - was strong and the offense came through when it needed to.

Prior to the season starting, the Reign had high hopes of returning to the playoffs after just barely missing out last year.

On the eve of game one, their President Justin Kemp was on MayorsManor and emphatically said coach Karl Taylor was "not on the hot seat."  Fast forward 71 games and they have 38 losses, tops in the league.

They'll play their final home game tonight, before another sellout crowd.  But, where do they go from here?

Some thoughts from Taylor after the game last night...

Coach Terry Murray - A Student of History?

With the Kings returning to the playoffs last year after an eight year hiatus there were many stories to reflect on at season's end - including the play of Jonathan Quick and Drew Doughty. Yet, in the first half, all of the news centered on Ryan Smyth, Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams.

Specifically, Smyth - who seemed to have unlocked something in Kopitar. The two had instant chemistry from the first day of training camp.  And the magic they produced didn't go unnoticed either, as in December 2009 Kopitar made his first appearance on the cover of The Hockey News.

Their play helped propel the Kings into becoming one of the hottest teams in the league during the opening months of the 2009-10 campaign. Then, in a flash, it was gone by late December due to injuries.

Still, few thought that Kings coach Terry Murray would enter this season with a different top line.

Thus, when he made the announcement as training camp opened that he was replacing Williams with Dustin Brown, questions began flying from all corners.

The answer was simple though, he was looking for a more balanced attack and wanted to see greater output from Brown (who scored 33 goals in 2007-08, but had dipped to 24 in back-to-back years).

When asked at the time, Smyth said "Whatever coach wants is best for the team."

...And Now You're Caught Up

For the loyal hockey fans who work hard all week and don't have time to follow the key stories, here are the ten things you need to know before the game tonight...

* Yesterday was Ozzy Osborne's 62nd birthday. Tonight, the other Ozzy - Chris Osgood, will start in goal for the Detroit Red Wings. He has a career record of 19-10-4 vs. the Kings, including 7-3-0 at Staples Center. Jonathan Quick will be in net for LA.

* Quick ran away with the October Player of the Month poll, capturing 51% of the votes.  Who won the November poll this week?  Results available here.

* Is AEG thinking of selling the Kings?  That's what money gurus Forbes say in this article. (h/t to Royal Half)

* The Montreal Canadiens are having their game-used equipment sale today. If you're still looking for a smelly Mike Cammalleri jersey, you better hurry.

* While Cammy continues to thrive since leaving Los Angeles, the same can't be said for one Mr. Alexander Frolov. This week he played just eight minutes for the Rangers on Thursday and was limited to only two shifts in the third period of Monday's game. Forget the goals, he hasn't had a single point in seven straight games. Ouch!

Counted Out Too Quickly?

LOS ANGELES, CA -- When asked for one word descriptions on his recent play, forward Michal Handzus and Jarret Stoll said "calm" and "awesome"... rookies Kevin Westgarth and Kyle Clifford used "dependable" and "unbelievable"... meanwhile, veteran defenseman Willie Mitchell said "he's a battler."

From the moment he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 2006, the hype surrounding Jonathan Bernier began to escalate at almost an alarming rate.

In the coming months compliments and rave reviews came pouring in on the teenage phenom, with phrases like 'the savior' and 'future of the franchise' nearly always included.

So, it would have been very easy for Jonathan Quick to get lost in the shuffle after being drafted by the Kings in the third round the year before. In some ways, the deck almost seemed to be stacked against him.

First off, he was part of a rather mediocre draft class. Sure, the 2005 NHL Draft featured the ultimate prize - Sidney Crosby - and other big names like Bobby Ryan and Anze Kopitar. However, after the first round just take a look at the names drafted by the Kings that year: Dany Roussin, T.J. Fast, Quick, Patrik Hersley, Josh Meyers and John Seymour. Slim pickings to say the least...

[note:  The remainder of this article appears exclusively on TheFourthPeriod.com, where The Mayor will be providing additional Kings coverage throughout the season. Please click here now to continue reading.]

Opening Night weather: More Thunder than Reign

Over the weekend we ran an interview with Justin Kemp, President of the ECHL's Ontario Reign - proud affiliate of the LA Kings. One of the questions was about the success the team has had at the gate during its first two years.

Well, their popularity continued Saturday night for the 2010-11 home opener, with an announced attendance of over 9,500 at Citizen's Business Bank Arena. Although the fans saw an exciting back and forth game, when all was said and done, it was the visiting Stockton Thunder who were leaving happy. They prevailed 3-2 in a shootout and left town with the two points.

A full game recap is available on the Reign website (click here to view). Think of the notes below as more of The Mayor's Mumblings...

* There was a frustrating moment for the Reign in the first period on what should have been the first goal of the game.  Jeff Corey skated in on a breakaway and fired the puck so hard it went straight through the back of the net.  It was a goal.  No doubt about it.  Yet, all the officials missed it.  No goal. Coach Karl Taylor says the ref apologized for missing the call.  Corey said he asked the ref about it also, "in a polite manner, of course - and he did acknowledge that it went in."  Wonder if he really was, um, polite about it.

Looking Back with Jonathan Bernier

By now, even casual Kings fans know who Jonathan Bernier is.

However, the goalie of the future is still waiting for his chance somewhat. Sure, he set the world on fire last year in the minors - becoming the AHL Goaltender of the Year. Yet, here in LA, Jonathan Quick was having his own strong season and isn't quite ready to give up his spot.

Still, Coach Murray has said the Kings are just as committed to giving Quick rest this season as they are Bernier starts. Thus, he isn't expected to get the Ersberg treatment and only ride the pine.

In fact, the coach says his plan is to play Bernier about once a week. Looking at the upcoming schedule, that means his most likely next start is either in Wednesday's home game against Carolina or the following night in Phoenix.

Before moving forward, we took a little trip backwards with Bernier and discussed the road that's brought him here...

MM:  When you were drafted by the Kings in June 2006 the team here was a in a bit of flux.  They had just hired a new GM in Dean Lombardi and were about to go through several changes.  Going back to draft weekend, what did you know about the Kings at the time?

Interview w/ Los Angeles Kings legend Marcel Dionne

Throwback Thursdays continue here at MayorsManor...

Today we're proud to welcome in another living legend. Earlier this week Marcel Dionne celebrated his 59th birthday, which is hard to believe for some...as it seems like just yesterday he was skating on the Triple Crown Line with Dave Taylor and Charlie Summer.

In reality, Marcel played for the Kings from 1975 to 1987. When he netted goal #700 in 1987, he became just the third player in history to reach the milestone.  Nearly all of those came with the Kings (550).  Dionne is in the top 10 of almost every major offensive category for the Kings and he took his rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame after retirement.

In the interview below, The Mayor and Marcel look back at his career - from being drafted by the Red Wings...to signing with what-was-then hockey Siberia, Los Angeles...and finishing up in New York, on some really bad Rangers teams. Never shy, he shares his thoughts on the league, owners, managers, his teammates - well, let him tell you all about it...

Interview with Andy Murray

They say nice guys finish last. Well, they at least get screwed over.

Tonight the Kings take on the Blues, an opponent that usually doesn't get the juices flowing for most fans in LA. There isn't any sort of a rivalry between the two teams.

Although, a decade ago there was plenty of hate when the Blues swept the Kings in the opening round of the playoffs (in game 3 the Kings were up 3-0, LA's Sean O'Donnell 'politely introduced himself' to Geoff Courtnall - after he took a run at the Kings goalie - resulting in a five minute powerplay for the Blues...St Louis rallied back and won the game).

For most, the memories have faded since then and this game is no different now than Columbus or Nashville coming to town.

However, prior to last Saturday, there was another reason to care. A beloved former Kings coach was at the helm and it was always great to see him back, even as a visitor.

Andy Murray went from being a virtual unknown when he was first hired by the Kings to their most successful coach in history. After three trips to the playoffs and with the team above .500, despite being riddled with injuries, he was let go with just a handful of games remaining in the 2005-06 season.

It may have been de ja vu all over again last Saturday morning. Murray led the Blues to a remarkable second half run last season, putting the team in the playoffs for the first time in five years. His team was riddled with injuries this season, played poorly at home and he was promptly welcomed into 2010 by getting his walking papers from the Blues.

Prior to his being let go I had a chance to speak with the always approachable Murray as part of my game preview for today. Obviously, some of it is out of context now, but the answers and insight were still worth sharing. We talked about his career, the Blues, family and a team he truly cares about - the Kings.

MM:  Your first year as the head coach of Hershey in the AHL you guys won the Calder Cup and then you were promoted to the Flyers as an assistant. Did you have to switch your mindset a little with the move?

AM:  When Bob Clark (GM of the Flyers) asked me to help out Paul Holmgren (head coach) I was happy to do so, but I would say my mindset hasn't really changed from one league to another. I've been coaching practically my whole life. I was even starting to coach back when I was still playing. My dad taught me that people are your most important assets in business or when managing a team, so I've always tried to approach things the same way, regardless of where or what level I'm coaching.

In 1992 you were an assistant with the North Stars when they went to the Stanley Cup finals...

Bob Clark got me that job too. He was fired in Philly and when he landed in Minnesota he called and asked me to join him.

Before the finals, did you feel you guys needed to alter your approach at all or was it important to just continue doing the things that got you there?

Well, at that point the guys are tired. They're getting banged up every night, but running on lots of adrenaline. Not a lot needs to be said at that point. It's funny. You get labeled in life, it doesn't matter if you're a coach or a player. At the time people were saying I like to have a lot of meetings, even if I didn't have them. But, I remember trying to keep the message simple.

Eventually you ended up taking some time away from the NHL. In 1996-98 you coached Team Canada and then eventually ended up at Shattuck-St. Mary's, a prep school...

The real reason I took the job at St. Mary's was when I was the coach for Team Canada - I mean it's a great gig, you're coaching one of the best programs in the world - but we didn't have any home games. Our home base was in Calgary. We'd have practice there and maybe some hockey clinics, but we traveled all over the world to play our games. Brady was playing at St. Mary's and when the coach left there was an opening. It was a great opportunity for me to spend more time with my family.

Then in '99 you were hired by the Kings...

When I got the job in LA I had never met Dave Taylor before. I knew Al Murray and I knew Rob Blake from coaching him with Team Canada. I had one interview with the Kings and when they asked me back I figured they must have liked me. When we went out to dinner and they offered the job I think I surprised them when I said I needed to think about it. But, I wasn't expecting them to offer me the job so soon and wanted to talk to my family and think about the kids back home that I had made a commitment to when I became their coach.

You mentioned taking the Shattuck job to spend more time with family. Why take the job with the Kings? Was it to get back to the NHL, was it the opportunity to be a head coach?

For sure. There are only 30 NHL head coaching positions. To be considered for one means that you have done some good things leading up to it. That's why I tell young coaches "Don't think so much about the future. Coach the team you have. If you do that well, the future opportunities will come." To answer your question though, there were other reasons. I always admired Dave Taylor as a player and I wanted to work with him. I also enjoyed coaching Rob Blake with Canada, so that appealed to me. The best part of being a coach is the day they ask you. It's a validation of all you've done up until that point.

Your first three seasons in LA your teams had 90+ points and made the playoffs all three years. Then the team lost to Colorado in '02. The next season the Kings had 78 points. What happened?

Well...I don't like to use injuries as an excuse. However, we set a record at one point for the most man games lost over a multi year period. We lost Allison, Deadmarsh, Palffy was out for an extended period - plus other guys. We weren't dealing with small injuries either. We had guys out with broken bones and concussions. That would be like Anaheim losing Getzlaf and Perry this season. It would crush them. Or the Kings losing Kopitar. It would hurt. Who knows where we would have been without a guy like Derek Armstrong. I think people forget, he basically became our number one center. It was a tough road to hoe there. We were struggling to find consistency. Looks like the Kings have that solved this year. But, that was a problem in LA for a number of years.

You left LA with more wins than any other coach in Kings history. Is that your legacy here or would you like to be remembered for something else?

You know what means the most to me? Going to the rink and having guys come up to me and still want to shake my hand. The way I'm treated when I return. Players, front office people and the fans, they all treat me so well. I love the handshakes and the hellos. The Kings are a great team finally. They are so fun to watch and I truly enjoy the people in LA. I'm glad they still welcome me.

In the Spring of 2006 you were fired with just a few games left in the season. Looking back on it, do you think it was a desperation move by a GM trying to save his own job?

I remember us being 8 games over .500 when I was fired. But we had been playing poorly for awhile and just came off a terrible game in Colorado. It was about 4pm and Dave Taylor called me into his office. I knew something was up. The only time he called me to his office at a time like that was if we were sending somebody down to Manchester. He'd call me in and we'd tell the player together. I knew that wasn't the case here so I went over and stuck my head in his office and said "Are you sending me down to Manchester?" and he was white in the face. I knew what was coming. I thanked him for what he had done for me, how he helped me and for the opportunity he gave me.

I'm not mad though. I had a great time in LA. I liked working for Mr Anschutz, Tim Leiweke and the whole team. I loved everything about being the Kings coach. I just wish we could have stayed healthy. It also would have been nice to still be there when guys like Brown and Frolov developed into the players they are today. Wow, they're something special. The only thing that bothers me is some of the stuff that people wrote that wasn't true - about my supposed battles with certain players and stuff like that. Even with Sean Avery. Sure, he's a real character. But he's become a pretty darn good hockey player for the Rangers.

For me, it's all about the relationships. I feel like now I can go back there when I retire and sit and watch the Kings games and enjoy it.

As far as the decision to let me go, sure I was disappointed. But, those things happen in our business and you just have to move on. I don't blame Dave. I'm a big Dave Taylor fan. Still am right now.

Let's move on to family. Your son Brady was drafted by the Kings and then finally made his debut in the NHL when the team played a series over in London back in '07. Was that a bittersweet moment for you since you couldn't be there at the game?

First off, I had no idea we were drafting him. It's a common misconception that I influenced that happening. Truth is I didn't know. As a coach you really don't get to see the draft book. Sure, you go to the draft - but that's basically just to shake hands or if there is a trade being proposed they'll consult you. But, most coaches know nothing about the draft - unless you're a coach and GM. You're not part of the decisions. I didn't even know where we had him ranked. In fact, I had been told by somebody in the Nashville organization that the Preds were looking to draft him around the third round. I guess somebody they had ranked higher fell to them in the second or third and then when it came around to us picking Al Murray walked around to the end of the table and said 'We're going to take Brady.' I had no idea. They told me just minutes before it was announced.

Anyway, it was great that he finally made the team in '07. He had a good summer camp. Nelson Emerson was keeping me informed. He was just living the dream there.

Then, when the Kings came home, one of their first games was against us (the Blues). So, to see him playing for the Kings at Staples Center - a building he was skating around in as a kid when it was first being built - it was special.

A couple games later he scored his first NHL goal, only to be sent down the next day. So, that was an exciting time, we just wished he could have stayed up a little longer.

He's playing in Europe right now, right?

Yes. He's playing as a non-import over there since I was there for eight years. He's making real good money and he led the league is scoring last year. The Kings qualified him. However, LA just has so many good young players right now you just never know if there's room for him. Who knows. In another year or two maybe he'll be back to give it another crack.

And your other son, Jordy, he's a left wing is in his second season at the University of Wisconsin. How's he enjoying himself?

He really likes it there. He was a little down in December after separating his shoulder. Right after it happened he was a little sour about being out. But, he'll be fine.

I just watched a tape of my daughter Sarah too, she is playing at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, one of the best women's hockey programs every year. She's a senior and she's getting ready to go play in a real good women's pro league over in Switzerland. In fact, she's going to sign with a team that's in the same city as Brady, so that will be pretty exciting.

(Just a reminder before the next section, he was still coaching the Blues at the time...)

Last year St Louis finished #6 in the West after being near the bottom of the standings at the All-Star break. As a coach you're constantly having to build guys up and keep them motivated. Confidence is important. How did you keep yourself motivated during that time period...to not start doubting your ability to coach?

Again, a big part of it came down to injuries. We lost Brewer, Kariya, MacDonald, TJ Oshie, guys like that in the first half of the season. So we had lost a lot of close games, but we played our butts off. I didn't talk to the team about the standings or points. I just tried to keep everybody focused on he next game. This season people here (in St Louis) got ahead of themselves and started talking Stanley Cup and stuff. That's too much pressure for most young players. Look at Kopitar, it took him three years to figure things out. Young guys like Doughty are definitely the exception.

Anyway, we just tried to think about the next game. If anybody had told our players in January how many games they would need to win in the second half to make the playoffs, it would have been overwhelming. We didn't even talk that way. We just talked about the next game on our schedule. I know that sounds very much like a coaches cliche. But, guys believed in that. We were just trying to win the next game. Its the same thing we're doing right now. It's a tight league, every point is so valuable. You have to win the next game though. If you don't win enough 'next games', you wont have any more to play at the end of the regular season.

When you were coaching in LA you often talked about the most important shift in a game being the one right after a goal is scored. When the Blues visited Staples back in early December the Kings scored, then you guys came right back and scored on the next shift...

That's why I harp on it, it's so important. A few weeks before that we had three of our young guys on the ice and a goal was scored against them. As soon as it happened all three of the young guys skated to the bench. Jackman and a couple other guys hopped on and lined up for the face off. Their thought was they got scored on, so I must have wanted them off. I made them get back out there. I made a point right then saying 'If I want to change it, I'll change it.'

I never want to see a player change himself. Unless it was a lazy goal or something, when a goal is scored on you I want you to go right back out to center ice and line-up. Show our team and show the opponents you're ready to battle.

When that goal was scored by the Kings, all five our guys stayed out. I was impressed by that. Obviously, they got a goal on that next shift. But, that's just a bonus. You want to have a strong shift after a goal is scored. You want to take the game back and we do talk about that. I was very proud of our guys at that moment.

How about some word association Andy?

Sure!

Here we go, we'll start with some guys you coached early in your career and move forward from there...

Dallas Drake - tough
Tie Domi - irritator
Nelson Emerson - great guy
Brent Thompson - passionate
Jay Wells - competitor
Ron Hextall - ultimate competitor
Rick Tocchet - ultra, ultra competitor (he laughs)...how about 'total package'
Mike Modano - quality guy, quality player
Rob Blake - great person
Luc Robitaille - one of the nicest guys in the game
Frolov - happy guy...I love being around him, always makes me smile
Ziggy Palffy - I still talk to Ziggy quite a bit - for him I'll say 'dynamic player'
Dustin Brown - wish we had him on our team
Sean Avery - underrated as a player
Ian Laperriere - love the guy
Jeremy Roenick - was fun to coach
Mattias Norstrom - warrior (then he laughed and said or 'a Canadian Swede')
Keith Tkachuck - classy guy, real leader on our team

* * * * * *

When we wrapped things up I thanked him and said I'd see him today. Only I won't.

A week ago he was fired by the Blues. Their home record - worst in the league - was partly to blame. Overall, Blues management felt he wasn't getting through to the team anymore and it was time for a change. Such is the life of a head coach. Hired to be fired.

In one of his final moves, on the way out the door, Murray left a a hand written note for new Blues coach Davis Payne. He wished him well.

And now it's official...Andy Murray might just be the nicest guy - not only in hockey, but anywhere, ever.

A class act.

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

RELATED ARTICLES:

Interview with Rob Blake

Interview with Luc Robitaille

Interview with Ian Laperriere

LA Kings HockeyFest 2009: Day Two - Where Art Thou?

People, people, people...

What is going on?

Kings fans are known for turning out in droves for just about any reason to get together. Minus a few thousand I've seen this weekend, most of you are missing the best event the Kings have done in the 20 years I've been following the team.

This isn't hype. Father I cannot tell a lie. I call it like I see it. I've bitched about plenty of bad decisions made by various people in the organization (both on and off the ice). This is real. Like Dustin Brown last night, I'm speaking from the heart...

HOCKEY FEST is AMAZING!

Sure there were lots of autograph opportunities with current and former players. However, let's review what has easily turned out to be the shinning stars of the weekend - the various guest speaker sessions...

The first event today was for kids. I missed it. Heard it had several funny moments. Cool enough.

My rankings for the other three sessions and some recap notes:

Number Three - The Enforcers with (the lawyer) Stu Grimson and Brad Norton

Like pluggers and grinders as players, this session was solid. This wasn't your top scoring line, yet they brought it. To be fair, this session was missing that something special or somebody special, like say Marty McSorley.

Nick Nickson did a fine job as host and navigated through the fun, yet predictable, questions of does fighting belong in the league, how has the game changed, who hit you the hardest, what was your best fight, etc. It was ok, no complaints, just clearly the third best of the day. I can only imagine that if McSorley had been there the dynamic - and the stories - would have been so different. It surely would have pressed the other two sessions harder for top ranking.

Number Two - The Triple Crown Line (no explanation needed)

This was the session I was most looking forward to. It didn't disappoint. In fact, probably the only element that kept it from earning my top billing would be time. There was just too much to cover in the time allotted. They could have easily gone another hour...and still had plenty left in the tank. Minor issue and I'm sure things like this will be evaluated and tweaked as we head into dos HF next summer.

Marcel was the star of the show...I know, big surprise...and he could have gone two hours solo. He had some great stories - like the one where he tells kids he remembers every goal he ever scored in the NHL - including the one he scored off his nose. Later he provided some insight into a not so light-hearted event that took place in Pittsburgh back in January 1979 - a phone call that shook him up after the guy threatening to shoot him dead if he scored a goal. The not so fun side of being a pro athlete or celebrity...even in 1979!

There was a funny story about Luc getting into a fight on the first day of his second training camp. Seems he didn't make the team after his first camp, as most young players don't. Management told him to toughen up that year. So, he came back in year two, got into a fight on the first day of camp. Three punches later and he was done. Didn't make the team that year either. Was told to work on his skating. Camp three was the trick. Made the team and...well, you know how that story ends. HOF here he comes!

For the pen pal inclined, Marcel encourages Kings fans to send him emails and interact with him directly at http://www.marceldionne.com/

Finally, the captain. Dave Taylor is the embodiment of a King - it's so weird to hear him say "we" when talking about the Dallas Stars now. I doubt I'll ever get used to him saying those words.

Number One with a bullet - NHL Experts Panel with Jim Fox, Ray Ferraro and Kelly Hrudey

Fox is Fox. I knew what to expect going in.

Ferraro, aka The Big Ball of Hate, is solid. Was expecting funny stories and he delivered.

The intangible for me coming in, Kelly Hrudey.

I've never been a Hrudey fan. Not a hater either. It's just about honesty. He was not an elite goalie in the league. Red Light Hrudey was just the best the Kings had seen in many years and he was surrounded by a high powered offense while in LA. The real rub for me has been how history has been rewritten - as it often is - and people give him too much credit for the Kings run in 92-93. As Hrudey admitted today, he was flat awful for about two months that season. Robb Stauber is sadly overlooked as a key contributor that season, including against Calgary in the playoffs. Want me to tell you how I really feel?

That is all water under the bridge now. I'm willing to let it go.  He was so brilliant today, words can't describe it. Former athletes - hell, current athletes - can sometimes be a bore to listen to when asked certain questions. They give canned answers, politically correct answers and the like. Granted, this usually isn't the case in hockey. So, perhaps my expectations were just low based on my rant in the previous paragraph.

For me, he was the star of the show. So honest, so articulate, so smart, genuine and spoke from the heart. He was real. And the fact that he was equally impressed with Brownie's speech the night before gave me chills all over again. He believes in Dean and he believes in the Kings. FINE - all is forgiven. We can be friends.

Ray-ray had several funnies to share, including a story about Jeff Odgers and Andrew Brunette when they all played together during Atlanta's inaugural season. Odgers ran over Brunette's car with his truck in a story that you simply have to hear from Ray. Too damn funny. He also told his version of the story Luc has mentioned several times about what Luc had to do to reacquire his #20 (now worn by Ray) when Luc came back to the Kings from the Rangers.

And in a little known fact, Ray claims to have gone 1-1-12 in his NHL fights. All 12 draws were by him holding on for dear life.

More on the '93 Finals - I guess all players in the NHL use illegal sticks, most for periods one and two. Supposedly, you can roll a tennis ball under Kovalchuk's stick. When one fan asked about Hrudey's take on stickgate '93 he shared a story I had never heard before - and here I thought that whole stick debacle had been explored from all angles. Apparently, the rumor was they were going to call Hrudey for an illegal stick. However, a scout watching the Toronto series (best series ever, see yesterday's blog) noted the curve on Marty's stick. So, late in game two, it was Marty that Montreal went after. Hrudey remembers went they went into the locker room after three periods in that game, he knew they were emotionally spent. He wasn't conceding the series, just thought they'd be going home 1-1. They did.

As for Foxy, well, looks like he is still looking to acquire a game used jersey from his days in purple in gold. Looks like he kept just one and it donated to a sports museum his friend owns in Newport Beech. Admission is free, so I guess I'm going to have to go down there and check this place out. Jim says he came across one of his jerseys for sale recently, but the seller wanted $1400, so he passed. Let me do some research. Perhaps I can start a "Get Jimmy his Jersey" donation box here on the blog.

That's day two people.

All the alumni seem so blessed and honored to be there. All the fans seem to be having a great time. Smiles all around!

The air conditioned 'autograph and interactive tent' was an added bonus. News of this fest is going to spread like wild fire throughout the season and V2 next August will probably draw a jam packed crowd. The Kings are already talking about how to make next year's event even better. Under discussion is making it a two-day event by moving the Friday night festivities to Saturday evening. Sounds good.

At the Kings Care Foundation booth...I cant believe the game used Frolov jersey went for $500. Wow. Steal of the day. For you curious types, Doughty went for $2250. These were game used and autographed.

This is the BEST event the Kings have hosted in the last 20 years. I can't give enough praise to McChris and his entire staff. Truly a crowning achievement. And we still have one more day to go.

Get off the couch and come down to LA Live on Sunday. Dean and Hex are hosting a session. There is Bob Miller's one man show - not to be missed. Plus, Growing up a King with Bernie Nicholls and Luc Robitaille.

All Kings fans need to be there in person.

Or at the very least, watch it online. Free stream here.

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

LA Kings HockeyFest 2009: Day One - Offhanded Observations

It's late, so here are just a few notes on opening night of the fest:

* Overall, I give it an 'A'. Great job by McChris and his entire staff. Obviously, a lot of work (and thought) went into the event. Good job. Extra kudos to the video guys. Those were simply perfection.

* Dustin Brown's speech made me believe in him as a captain. I've always loved him as a player. Over the last year I've grown tired of people bitching about his questionable leadership skills. The story about the conversation he had with Greene on the plane home last year should have told you all that you need to know. His whole speech was incredible. "These 20 guys to my right are no longer 20 individuals..." WOW - I still have goose bumps. I'm pumped! Seemed to me to be very heartfelt. He looked deadly serious (sure he was nervous - yet, I believe he meant every word he said). It backed up what Dean told me earlier this month about how impressed he was to have so many players in town in July for their voluntary camp.

* It's about damn time they pulled so many of the alumni together. Quite impressive to see so many former Kings greats all in one place. I hope the organization treats each one of them with class and dignity all weekend. Then word will spread on what a great event it was and more former Kings will want to come next year. I know its hard because lots of guys are employed with other teams (see Gretzky, Rychel, Granato, Robinson, Deadmarsh, etc.). Still. The more the merrier.

* We all have our favorites. However, if I could pick two guys that clearly deserve to be there it would have to be Kurri and Sandstrom. Jari has to be one of the most underrated guys in league history. He scored over 600 goals in his career, yet NOBODY talks about him when discussing the greatest goal scores of all time. He had such a touch. And Sandstrom? Come on! This guy gets taken out by Craig Muni (of the hated Oilers) in the playoffs...then comes back the next game and scores a goal - WITH A BROKEN LEG! Legend status for me, right then, that night. BTW - neither of you were ever Ducks. I've blocked that from my brain. UGH, it still hurts.

* Russ Courtnall - thanks for the cup of coffee you had here. You seem like a cool guy. However, your brother...well, we still need to talk about those playoffs vs. the Kings in 1996.

* Steve Duchesne - I still want my money back. You fleeced the Kings when you signed that big money free agent contract to return in 1998. However, at Luc's retirement dinner in Marina del Rey you were a good sport about all the grief I gave you in the later years in Detroit (after you skipped town with all of that money). So, I'll give you a 10% discount on the money owed all Kings fans.

* Will there ever be a playoff series better than '93 vs Toronto? Doubt it. Funny side note on that series...back then Jim Rome just did a local sports talk show here in LA (long before he was such a big hit nationally). He had Wendel Clark lined up for an interview on one of the off days. I'll never forget he missed the interview, so they booked Coach Burns instead. When he asked what happened to Clark, Burns said he was taking a nap. I love naps too. And I know athletes play at night, so they need their rest. Still, I found it funny. Not as funny as the Cubs' Mark Grace explaining slump busters to Rome...but that's a different story.

* Great to see the team mend fences with guys like Dionne and Taylor. Theses guys are major parts of the Kings history and should be treated like royalty.

* Where's the beef? Noticeably absent during the player introductions was Raitis Ivanans. Although teams like Philly and Washington have been speculated, Dean isn't saying anything just yet. If it is Washington, somebody better tell Kip Brennan (yes that Kip Brennan). The former King, more recently of the AHL, was reportedly trying to hook up with the Caps after Brashear went to the big apple. He thinks he'd be a good fit there. Whatever.

* According to several sources, it does in fact look like the Kings are looking for one more key player before the season starts. Interesting. However, it's not Heatley (who appears headed to SJ after today's deal). And it might not involve Frolov. Even more interesting.

* NHL.com did a piece on the fest - click here to read

* If you aren't lucky enough to be attending this weekend in person, the Kings will be streaming the event HERE. Super cool. Some of the sessions with former players should be amazing.

Saturday includes -
* Noon – NHL Experts Panel with Jim Fox, Ray Ferraro & Kelly Hrudey
* 2pm - The Enforcers with (the lawyer) Stu Grimson & Brad Norton
* 4pm - The Triple Crown Line (no explanation needed)

More info tomorrow after what should be another fun filled day at the fest.

The PLAYOFF PUSH began tonight.

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