From tombstones to milestones - the travels of Jordan Weal

Life's lessons often come when you least expect it.

For Kings prospect Jordan Weal, one such moment arrived a few years ago while driving down the highway with his father. "He asked me a weird question," began the 19-year old center when we spoke recently by phone. "He asked me 'What would you want on your tombstone if today was your day?' I didn't really know what to say."

Weal went on to share that in retrospect, it may have been the moment his maturation process really took off. Although he's openly admitted to being a selfish player earlier in his junior hockey career, he appears to be a changed person these days.

It's something former Kings coach Terry Murray noticed as well, sharing these comments during training camp last September - "The most important thing that I saw was a player who is maturing and growing up. He’s a better teammate. He’s a really good guy now."

Even with Murray now gone from the Kings organization, Weal still values what he was told prior to being sent back to the WHL.

"When you hear something like that from a coach, it's really positive," said Weal, who feels he's made great strides as one of the leaders on the Regina Pats.  "As an older guy, you have to really be a team guy - that guy who's in the dressing room getting everybody ready to go. Maybe when I was younger, I was trying to focus on getting myself prepared for the game instead. As a leader, you have to really focus on the team first. Then, you can worry about yourself after that."

Los Angeles Kings Prospect Report - November 10, 2011

It's been another busy week for the LA Kings prospects. This time around, we have an almost broken foot, some expanding facial hair, a Russian invasion and much more. Take a look...

Manchester Monarchs

It was another rough weekend for the Monarchs, as they went 1-2 in their back-to-back-to-back games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The lone victory came on Saturday in a 2-1 win, with goalie Martin Jones in net and Brandon Kozun picking up a goal. Sunday's loss came via the shootout, so they still picked up a point.

Then, last night, Linden Vey (last year's WHL scoring champion) picked up his third goal of the season late in the game and gave the Monarchs a win in the rematch with Portland.

Left wing Ray Kaunisto, who sat out a pair of games over the weekend after fearing he broke his foot while blocking a shot on Friday night (no break, just swelling), was back in the line-up last night ans scored his second goal of the season.

Brett Hextall, a Phoenix Coyotes draft pick and son of Kings asst GM Ron Hextall, scored for the Portland Pirates in both games against the Monarchs this week (an interview with him can be found at the bottom of this article).

- Other notes: Goalie Jeff Zatkoff was in goal last night for the win, it was his second victory of the season...Grinder Jordan Nolan continues to play well, he now has seven points in 14 games - he was also suspended for two games this week, due to an elbowing incident on November 4...Andrei Loktionov leads all forwards with 14 points (3goals, 11 assists) and Jake Muzzin is tops among defensemen with eight points (3G, 5A) in 13 games played.

Los Angeles Kings Prospect Report - November 2, 2011

So, what's been going on with the LA Kings prospects since we checked in last week? Let's take a look around North America at the various levels of hockey...and as an added bonus, this week's report includes some quotes from a goaltender selected at the 2009 NHL Draft and a defenseman taken in 2010.

Manchester Monarchs

Things continue to be a struggle for the guys in the American Hockey League right now. They went 1-2 in their three games last week and only scored a single goal in the two losses.

- Martin Jones was in net for both losses...Jordan Nolan continues to have a fine season thus far, picking up another goal and an assist (six points total through 11 games played...Linden Vey, who was on MayorsManor last week after scoring his first goal as a professional, netted another one in last Saturday's win...Robbie Czarnik, who's been in Manchester all season, finally made his debut on Saturday - and picked up an assist for his efforts...goalie Jeff Zatkoff also picked up an assist in that game, something Jones had done a few games prior...Brandon Kozun, who is off to a slower start than expected, picked up the lone goal (his second of the season) in Sunday's loss...Andrei Loktionov still leads the team in points (three goals, nine assists) and has a plus-5 rating.

- Starting tomorrow night, the Monarchs will play one of those Manchester specials - a three-fer - with games back-to-back-to-back, Friday through Sunday.

Weal and Toffoli will be the only Kings representatives

Over the last few seasons, the LA Kings have been rated as having one of the top prospect pools among NHL teams. However, many of those players with high-end potential are starting to age out of junior hockey.

When it comes to Team Canada at the World Junior Championships (WJC), the Kings have also been well represented in recent years, with Thomas Hickey, Martin Jones, Brandon Kozun, etc.

Besides their annual summer evaluation camp, for the last eight years, Canada has tuned up for that event with a warm-up against a team of Russian players each November.

Dubbed the Subway Super Series, it's six games total, with the team of Russian all-stars playing twice against each of the three major junior leagues - the QMJHL, OHL and WHL.

Last year, the Kings were represented in every game - wtih Maxim Kitsyn (Russia), Nic Deslauriers (QMJHL), JF Berube (QMJHL), Tyler Toffoli (OHL), Jordan Weal (WHL) and Linden Vey (WHL) participating. Each of those players also appeared on MayorsManor during the tournament, offering their perspective on the games (links below).

With all six of the Kings' draft picks this past June being ineligible - three of the picks are playing college hockey, Andy Andreoff is too old, Michael Schumacher is from Sweden and Christopher Gibson will likely play for Finland at the World Juniors - only two of LA's prospects were available for the Super Series this year and both were selected.

Los Angeles Kings Prospect Report - October 24, 2011

It wasn't a good week for the slew of goaltending prospects throughout the Kings organization.

First off, in LA, Jonathan Quick kept Jonathan Bernier from getting any playing time - especially after posting three straight shutouts.

In the AHL, things went south for the Kings' top two prospects in Manchester. After giving up a total of five goals in his first four starts, Martin Jones gave up four goals on Wednesday night and another five on Friday. Ouch! Jeff Zatkoff fared only slightly better, giving up three goals in a 4-2 loss yesterday.

Down in the ECHL, JF Berube - who was looking to rebound after a disappointing 5-4 loss on opening night a week ago - was back in the net for Friday's game in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, he gave up another four goals and the Ontario Reign lost 4-1.

Here's a quick look at several of the Kings' other top prospects...

Los Angeles Kings Prospect Report - October 17, 2011

This weekend looked to be a rough one for the Manchester Monarchs - the Kings top farm team. Their schedule saw them playing three road games, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Fortunately, they came out of it with a 2-1 record and scored a total of 15 goals. Martin Jones was in net for the two wins, giving up only one goal in each game. He's looked every bit the part of the goalie many have predicted a big season for - now giving up only five goals total in his four starts (1.26 goals-against average with a .956 save percentage). His only blemish on a 3-1 record was a game he lost 1-0 last weekend.

Jeff Zatkoff, who Jones split time with in goal last season, made his first start of the season in yesterday's 5-2 loss. He made 22 of 27 saves. It was his first game action of any kind in quite some time, as he accompanied the Kings to Europe as a three goalie.

Here are some additional early season notes on a few other Kings prospects:

DEFENSEMEN

Jake Muzzin (ranked second among the Kings top ten prospects heading into the season) - this weekend marked his returned to action after suffering a head/neck injury in training camp...he picked up a pair of goals in the three games played...was credited with seven shots on Goal in yesterday's game, doubling is season total to 14

High / Low with Terry Murray... on players cut from roster

Schumacher in rookie game (photo: CIKIRI)

Just before game time last night, the Kings released the names of 11 players who had been cut from their list of 60+ players in camp.

Eight of them were camp invitees and the other three were former LA draft picks - Christopher Gibson, Michael Schumacher and Jordan Weal.

Interestingly, the latter group will be heading to three different junior hockey leagues - Gibson to the QMJHL, Schumacher the OHL and Weal goes back to Regina in the WHL.

After the first round of practice today, I asked coach Terry Murray for some highs and lows that each experienced in camp this month.

The normally positive, or at least even-keeled, Murray actually had some pointed criticism of Gibson. Apparently, the five goals he gave up in the third period last week vs. a team of Phoenix Coyotes prospects left a lasting impression...

Murray on Gibson - "Clearly (after) the game that he played, he has a lot of improvement that's needed. First of all, he has to be able to handle his emotions. You're going to be put under the spotlight as a pro player. So, get used to it kid. You have to find a way to get into a game where all your management and coaches are fans are watching and have high expectations of a second round pick. So, you have to get through that and then you take it from there. Working on your game never goes away. He left here with a lot of information from our goalie staff and they'll follow up with him in junior and keep pushing his game along."

POLL: Most impressive King in Rookie Camp game two?

After the Kings-Coyotes first rookie game on Wednesday night, readers of MayorsManor voted Brandon Kozun as the most impressive LA prospect in the game.

He captured 40% of the votes, just enough to beat out Andy Andreoff's 38%.

Yesterday afternoon, the Kings beat the Coyotes 4-3 (game recap here).

If you were at the game or watched it online, who do you think was the most impressive?



Poll closes Saturday at noon.

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LA Kings coach knows exactly what he wants tonight

The time has finally arrived.

Tonight there will be something more meaningful than an intrasquad scrimmage taking place on the ice at the Kings practice facility.

Sure, it's not an NHL regular season game - we'll slowly build back up to that over the next few weeks.

However, a division rival is sending over their best prospects and rookies to take on a Kings team that will include Tyler Toffoli, Brandon Kozun, Jake Muzzin, Nic Deslauriers and others.

Phoenix Coyotes vs Los Angeles Kings at 6pm PST in game one of a two-game tournament. You can watch all the action live on MayorsManor, we'll post the video stream later today on the homepage.

Head coach Terry Murray walked me through the process of putting the line-up together for tonight...

"We (Murray, Manchester coach Mark Morris and the rest of the coaching staff) get get together with the amateur scouting staff also. Mike Futa (co-director of amateur scouting for the Kings) knows these guys very well. He gives us some advice, recommendations, opinions on what the players' strength and weaknesses are. So, we try to sit down as a community thing - get our heads together and put players in a position where they can be successful most importantly."

Second only to 'Who is starting in goal?' - perhaps the most often asked question last year of Murray had to do with the line combinations.

For tonight's rookie game, he said "It won't look too far away from what we've been looking at the last few days. It will be close."

Which means you can probably expect Linden Vey and Kozun together on one line, with Toffoli and Jordan Weal on a different line. The other line to keep an eye on features Michael Schumacher and Andy Andreoff. Closer to game time I'll post the official line combos on twitter/facebook.

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

LA Kings 2011 Rookie Camp - full roster and schedule

The Los Angeles Kings have announced the official roster and schedule for this year's Rookie Camp, which is set to begin on Saturday at their training facility in El Segundo, CA.

Camp itself will consist of four-days of on-ice activities and then culminate in the fourth annual Rookie Tournament vs. the Phoenix Coyotes.

SCHEDULE

Sat, September 10: On-ice practices from 10 a.m.-Noon; 4-5 p.m.

Sun, September 11: On-ice practices from 10 a.m.-Noon; 4-5 p.m.

Mon, September 12: On-ice practices from 10 a.m.-Noon; 4-5 p.m.

Tue, September 13: On-ice practices from 10 a.m.-Noon; 4-5 p.m.

Wed, September 14: Pre-game skate from 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.; Game at 6 p.m.

Thur, September 15: Game at 2 p.m.

note: all times are subject to change


LA KINGS 2011 ROOKIE CAMP ROSTER

Putting Kozun aside, now it's Tyler Toffoli vs Jake Muzzin?

Toffoli and Kozun (photo: Jeremy Cacal)

The seeds are already starting to be planted for a possible September showdown between Brandon Kozun and Tyler Toffoli - with each seeking to secure that RW3 position (right wing, third line) in the Kings line-up.

However, do we have it all wrong?

Is Toffoli's real battle with defenseman Jake Muzzin?

In the first scrimmage game on Monday, Team White changed their defensive assignments late in the first half. Muzzin was now assigned the primary responsibility of covering the speedy Toffoli.

Instantly it became apparent what type of tactics Muzzin was going to use, as he began playing very physical with Toffoli, including a thunderous check into the boards, down behind the goal line.

When I asked him about his rough play Muzzin was rather clear on his motives - "Because I don't like Ty," he began, while trying to maintain a straight face.

Kings Dev Camp: Detailed Black v White scrimmage notes

Throughout the day today at Kings Development Camp I tweeted various notes from the scrimmage and quotes from several players.

For those who like a little more detail, below is a semi-thorough recap. Special thanks and a major stick tap to Scott Coffman of The Fourth Period for the assist here:

First Period Highlights

Team Black started Martin Jones in net and Team White went with Matej Machovsky (camp invitee from Brampton, OHL)...Team Black also includes Tyler Toffoli, Linden Vey, Michael Schumacher, Derek Forbort, Andrew Campbell and Nic Deslauriers...Team White also includes Jordan Weal, Ray Kaunisto, Brandon Kozun, Nic Dowd, Nick Shore, Jake Muzzin and Kevin Gravel.

Michael Kantor rocks Gravel, who skates back to the bench very slowly...Team Black is on the board first when Toffoli scores...it looked like a missed play by defenseman Alex Roach, allowing Toffoli to bang home a jam play...minutes later Machovsky makes a big save on a breakaway against Toffoli, don't think Toffoli got the shot he wanted...half way through the first period and it's all Team Black, very little offensive pressure from Team White.

Kings prospect Brandon Kozun says 'I'm ready for the NHL'

Brandon Kozun, 2009 Kings draft pick

If you're a prospect in the Kings organization right now, it's probably best to be a forward.

The goaltending situation in LA is set with Jonathan's Quick and Bernier. Manchester is even solid there too, with Jeff Zatkoff and Martin Jones.

Defensively, the Kings top-6 are arguably the best unit in the Western Conference and with Alec Martinez just inking a two year deal - well, that group seems to be set for next season.

Now, at forward, it's a different story. After the signing of Simon Gagne and the trade for Mike Richards, the first two lines are set. However, things are little more murky after that. Jarret Stoll, Trevor Lewis and Kyle Clifford are guaranteed three of the final six spots. Who will be playing with them is still yet to be determined though.

If you ask Brandon Kozun, he's highly confident he'll be one of them.

Check it out for yourself...

MM: As you look back on your first year in Manchester, what would you say you were able to learn from the coaching staff?

DevCamp 2011: Pre-camp comments from Jordan Weal

Jordan Weal posted 102 points (35g, 67a) for the Regina Pats during the 2009-10 season. Even though that was only four points fewer than the more highly touted Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin, cynics wondered if he'd be able to post such large numbers again this season without Jordan Eberle.

Guess they were right.

He could only muster 43 goals and 96 points this year.

All jokes aside, the Kings were somewhat surprised when Weal was still on the board in the third round of last summer's NHL Draft. They nabbed him and have continued to be impressed ever since. He looked solid at both last year's Development Camp and again in Rookie Camp prior to the start of the season. His speed and shot were on full display in the two-game series with the Phoenix Coyotes rookies.

After his WHL team missed the playoffs for the third straight year, he headed east to Manchester (AHL). He played in seven of the teams final regular season games, picking up a single assist for his efforts. In part, that led to him being a healthy scratch for the Monarchs run through two rounds of the playoffs.

In a few weeks he'll be back in Los Angeles, where his whole journey to the NHL began one year ago. Since then, he's been a guest on MayorsManor numerous times and today he checks in again with some pre-camp comments...

MM: Let's start with Manchester. Any thoughts about your time there at the end of the season?

JW: It was a great experience. They had a really nice group of guys who made it very comfortable to fit in. It was great to get into some games and get used to the speed of the game there. It was just unfortunate to have an early exit from the playoffs.

MM: Was there any one player you bonded with this time around - obviously you already know several of them...

Los Angeles Kings 2011 Development Camp Roster Notes

As previously announced, the Kings are getting ready to hold their annual summer development camp at Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, CA - with sessions open to the public on July 11 and 12. Most of the players are scheduled to arrive on the 8th.

Last year 40 players were in camp, including five goalies.

So, who's coming this year?

While the full roster is expected to be announced shortly, here are some confirmed participants, four of the tryout players and a few miscellaneous notes.

Confirmed Draft Picks

JF Berube - 2009 fourth round, Montreal (QMJHL)
Nic Deslauriers - 2009 third round, Gatineau (QMJHL)
Derek Forbort - 2010 first round pick, North Dakota (NCAA)
Kevin Gravel - 2010 fifth round pick, St Cloud State (NCAA)
Brandon Kozun - 2009 sixth round pick, Calgary (WHL)
Michael Mersch - 2011 fourth round pick, Wisconsin (NCAA)
Tyler Toffoli - 2010 second round pick, Ottawa (OHL)
Michael Schumacher - 2011 seventh round pick, Sweden
Jordan Weal - 2010 third round pick, Regina (WHL)

Invited Guests

Each year a number of guys are invited to attend camp on a tryout basis. So far, the following players have accepted and are scheduled to be in camp:

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?

LA Kings Prospect Report - 2011 Playoffs, Round 2 Updates

While the Kings get ready for their opening round showdown with the San Jose Sharks later this week, their junior prospects are already two games into the second round of the CHL playoffs.

Below is a brief overview of how each of LA's top prospects have fared so far, plus a look ahead to the Manchester Monarchs (AHL) post-season plans...

Western Hockey League (WHL)

Brayden Schenn - The team that was tops amongst all WHL clubs this season enters tonight down 0-2 to the Kootenay Ice, who will now host games three and four. Schenn produced ten points in six first round games, posting five goals and five assists. Kootenay's ability to limit him to just one point in the first two games of this series has been a major story line so far. Can the Ice possibly sweep the Saskatoon Blades right out of the playoffs? It sure would make for an interesting conversation about Schenn's immediate future.

Linden Vey - He leads all WHL players with nine goals and 18 points in the playoffs. Exactly what you'd expect from the 2010-11 WHL Scoring Champion.  Vey was also just named the WHL Player of the Week, rightfully so. His Medicine Hat Tigers crushed the Red Deer Rebels in the first two games of this series by scores of 9-1 and 5-0. Vey had a pair of goals in each game. The series moves back to Medicine Hat for games three (today) and four (tomorrow).

[update, Tuesday 4/12/11:  Vey has been announved as the CHL Player of the Week too, so not just the WHL - but, now all of Canadian junior hockey]

Ontario Hockey League (OHL)

RECAP: Dean Lombardi Meeting with 'Shareholders'

Kings GM Dean Lombardi met with a group of about 500 season ticket holders - whom he repeatedly referred to as the team's shareholders - at their training facility in El Segundo, CA Sunday morning.

Backing him up were Chris McGowan (Chief Operating Officer), Jeff Solomon (VP of Hockey Operations) and Ron Hextall (Assistant General Manager).

Among the topics covered were the power play (or lack thereof), the play of Drew Doughty, game times at Staples Center, Brad Richards, Dustin Penner, Kyle Clifford, Wayne Simmonds, head shots, fighting, etc.

And if you're wondering, yes - he did get the Flyers and baseball references worked in too.

Here are some of the key highlights:

(note: all comments were from Lombardi unless otherwise noted)

* He repeated the 'Scott Parse is one of our top-3 skilled players' line, originally used at HockeyFest last September.

* [topic: Marco Sturm] The biggest thing with Sturm was mental, it's tough coming back from an injury like that. "Not everybody is like Tony Granato, who was like a kamikaze pilot when he came back."

Prospect Report - Kozun, Toffoli, Forbort, etc.

Being able to acquire Dustin Penner on Monday for a prospect and two draft picks just goes to show how deep the Kings development pool is these days under GM Dean Lombardi.

In part, LA could afford to trade defenseman Colten Teubert (a former first round pick) because of the wealth of young talent on the blue line - including Thomas Hickey, Viatcheslav Voynov, Jake Muzzin, Andrew Campbell, Alec Martinez, etc.

And while Brayden Schenn has been stealing most of the spotlight this year among forwards, there's plenty of other news to go around...

* Yesterday afternoon the AHL announced that Brandon Kozun of the Manchester Monarchs had been named February's Rookie of the Month.  The speedy right wing, taken in the sixth round of the 2009 NHL Draft, has been playing well all season in Manchester, culminating with eight goals and seven assists last month, for 15 points in 13 games.  He also picked up a point in nine of his last 10 games.  He is now tied for third among AHL rookies in goals (19) and points (38).  After scoring 107 points with Calgary (WHL) last season the big question was could he do it at the next level.  Seems so.