Drew Doughty Comments on Mark Hardy

March 19, 2011 By John Hoven

photo courtesy of Michael Zampelli

Earlier this week former Kings defenseman and assistant coach Mark Hardy was a guest on the MayorsManor podcast.

Among the myriad of topics discussed was the play of the Kings current defensive group, many of whom Hardy coached over the last few seasons. Specifically, he broke down some of the challenges Drew Doughty has faced the last two years and the changes he’s had to make in his game. Hardy also had plenty of praise for #8, even calling him his “favorite player on the Kings.”

After practice yesterday Doughty provided a few thoughts on his former coach in return…

Doughty – “Harpo’s a good coach. You know, as a player he really taught me a lot. I think when I first came into the league I was kinda – not that I was laid back, but my intensity wasn’t where it is now defensively. He really taught me to be hard in the corners and strong in front of the net. That’s one thing he really helped me with and from day one he gave me that confidence, he started playing me over 20 minutes (a game) in my rookie year. That confidence really helps me today, making the Olympics last year – a lot of that was just all confidence. He instilled that in me. He’s a great coach and we miss him here.”

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