UL: Monarchs who would be Kings 9/23/8

[go_monarchs]

from www.unionleader.com

By JOHN HABIB

MANCHESTER – It's all about opportunity and for 23 players who competed for the Manchester Monarchs last season, a few of them could end up playing in Los Angeles this season.

"The message from the get-go is that no one's spot is secure," said Monarchs head coach Mark Morris, speaking from Los Angeles last night prior to a scrimmage against the Phoenix Coyotes at the Staples Center.

It's a great opportunity for the 60 players in training camp this week because the team is coming off a dismal season that saw the Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning tie for the worst record in the National Hockey League.

The Kings fired head coach Marc Crawford last season and hired Terry Murray in hopes of resurrecting an organization that hasn't made a playoff appearance since 2002.

Morris, observing camp until he returns to Manchester for the start of the Monarchs' camp on Thursday, Oct. 2, had nothing but praise for Murray.

"He brings experience, has a great presence in the locker room and is a coach you can learn from," said Morris. "No question the organization will be young again with the hope that guys will develop quickly. The immediate focus will be on defense and there will be a focus on being an attack team."

The Kings allowed 263 goals last season, third worst in the NHL and, were out of the playoff race by early March. Morris said the Kings have a plan in place to change their fortunes.

"It's like taking an engine, having to replace the parts and stripping it down," said Morris. "The Kings are working towards having the right chemistry and matching up the personalities to march us forward."

Morris said former Manchester Monarchs' product Dustin Brown, who had 60 points (33 goals, 27 assists) in 78 games last season with the Kings, is part of the future in Los Angeles.

"He's coming of age, a force in the organization and throughout the NHL," said Morris.

While all 23 players who competed with the Monarchs last season won't make the parent club, forwards such as Brian Boyle, Matt Moulson, Ted Purcell and defenseman Peter Harrold have a legitimate shot of playing with Brown this season.

"It's noticeable how much more patient the players I coached last year in Manchester are with the puck this season in camp," said Morris. "They have a better understanding of the game and in my estimation, some of them are not far away from making the jump."

Last night, the Kings had split squad scrimmages, one in Los Angeles against the Coyotes and, the other in Kansas City against the St. Louis Blues. The Kings are carrying six goalies and last night former Monarchs Jason LaBarbera and Daniel Taylor were penciled in net at the Staples Center.

In Kansas City, Jon Quick and Jeff Zatkoff were slated to play. Morris said Erik Ersberg, returning from a recent bout with the flu, and Jonathan Bernier, nursing a hip injury, were not available yesterday.

Morris also said 21-year-old right winger Marc-Andre Cliche suffered a hip injury in practice and will be sidelined for some time. He was acquired from the New York Rangers in a trade last season and projected to be a major cog on offense for the Kings this season.

Patrick O'Sullivan, named by the Kings as their Defensive Player of the Year, is still an unsigned restricted free agent. Justin Azevedo, who led the Ontario Hockey League in scoring last season, is sidelined with a wrist injury that happened over the summer.

Including Azevedo, the Kings have 28 players in camp who are 21-years-old or younger.

After the Kings announce their cuts, the focus will shift to Manchester when the Monarchs open camp for physicals on Oct. 2 . On Friday, Oct. 3 the Monarchs hit the ice for their first practice from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Tri-Town Arena in Hooksett. The next day the Monarchs skate from 4-5:30 p.m. at Sullivan Arena on the campus of St. Anselm College.

The Monarchs play their first exhibition game in Fitchburg, Mass. on Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Wallace Civic Center at 4 p.m. against divisional rival Worcester Sharks.

[hockeynutz]

Meckler & Boyle each had a 3-point night vs. phoenix.

Tough to hear about Cliche - poor kid can't catch a break.

Danny had a shutout 3d period.

Heard that the first round of cuts should be coming today after the split squad games.