…And Now You’re Caught Up – March 21, 2011

It’s been another busy week in the sports world, so you may have missed a few odds and ends out there.

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

Here are the ten Kings related (or at least hockey related) items you should definitely know about heading into the week ahead…

* Call it the junior hockey version of Kings Undisputed, here’s a short video produced by the Saskatoon Blades with Brayden Schenn talking pre-game routines, new cars and a few other things.

* For the second straight year, a Kings prospect (Linden Vey) won the WHL scoring title. And as an added bonus, another prospect (Tyler Toffoli) won the OHL scoring title. Full story here.

* Former Kings defenseman Rob Blake was just announced as the Assistant General Manager for Team Canada at the upcoming World Championships (talking place in Europe during the NHL playoffs). Consider it an open audition to head up Canada at the 2014 Olympics in Russia.

* All the Kings top prospects in junior hockey (Schenn, Toffoli, Vey, Nicolas Deslauriers, etc.) will be participating in the CHL playoffs – with one exception, Jordan Weal. His Regina Pats didn’t make it, so he’s expected to be assigned to Manchester here real quick.

* Schenn was named the top prospect in all of the NHL by The Hockey News…and four other Kings prospects ranked in the top-55.

* Last year’s first round draft pick, Derek Forbort (and the University of North Dakota), won the WCHA Tournament over the weekend. Now they’re off to the NCAA tournament next weekend. Matt Greene is pulling for Forbort and his alma matter to go all the way. The bracketing is set-up for a showdown with Boston College in the Frozen Four Final. Somebody alert Rob Scuderi.  Full bracket available here.

* Looking ahead for Forbort – already a bronze medal winner at this year’s World Junior Championship – it was announced Friday that Dean Blais will coach Team USA at next year’s WJC.  He was behind the bench for the classic 2010 final, where the Americans downed Canada for the gold.

* Speaking of Kings defenseman, last week former Kings assistant coach Mark Hardy called Drew Doughty his favorite player on this year’s team. Doughty offered his own comments about Hardy in an interview here.

* After cutting his press conference short the night before, coach Terry Murray had lots to say after practice on Friday – including he “screwed up” in his game preparation and offered comments on the Clifford and Westgarth fights vs. the St. Louis Blues.

* On a lighter note - if you like beer and goalie pads, these are for you.

And now you’re caught up.

The Mayor
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