Center Linden Vey, who entered the season ranked third among the Kings’ Top Ten Prospects, was a healthy scratch back in Manchester on Thursday. From what we gathered, he left town for Christmas and ran into some travel troubles returning to Manchester in time for the morning skate. Although that’s understandale at this time of the year, rules are rules – thus, coach Mark Morris sat him out of the game vs. Portland. According to our sources, the real issue was that Vey didn’t notify the team of the delays in a timely manner.
It’s not the only travel he’s been up to recently though. After a call-up to the Kings in November, he played a total of 14 NHL games before being sent back to Manchester last week. Although he didn’t score during his time with the big club, Vey showed flashes of his slick skills and demonstrated he could play in coach Darryl Sutter’s system. Already one of the Monarchs top players this season, it was a good first taste of life at the next level for the 21-year-old forward.
Here’s his chat with MayorsManor, reflecting back on what he took away from the overall experience…
On what he learned from playing in the NHL:
“You take bits and pieces from the whole experience. Obviously it was the first step, the first time being up. A lot of emotion, especially early on. You’re just trying to find your groove and find your game. Obviously I got more comfortable every game and for the most part, I thought it went pretty well.”
On the experience:
“I think the first game is pretty exciting. You step on the ice for the first time and finally realize you’re playing your first game. Especially growing up in Canada, that’s what you dream about- playing in the NHL. It was definitely really exciting.”
On the process of returning to the AHL:
“Before they sent me down, they just said it’s a process. I have to come down here and work on my game and just keep playing. Obviously I was sitting out the last couple of games, so for me I was just excited to be back playing hockey.”
On the difficulties of readjusting to the AHL:
“I think it’s a little bit different- maybe the speed. But I’ve been here for the last couple of years, so I kind of know what to expect. We have such a good team this year and we just have to find a way to keep going.”
On if it was hard to be scratched in the NHL:
“Yeah, it is. I think every guy wants to play. Obviously you don’t want to sit out. At the same time, you want all the players out there [to succeed] and you just have to keep going.”
On if adjusting to the pace of the NHL was difficult:
“Yeah I think a little bit, just different style I think. Up there, everything is so structured and you’re playing against guys that have been in the league… like Robyn Regehr who has been in the league for almost 1,000 games. Guys always know the right spots and when you come down here it’s a little bit more chasing the puck a little bit. A little bit different, but it was good to get the win tonight.”
On if the size of the players in the NHL was a challenge:
“No, there’s a lot of big guys down here. It’s just, like I said, the pace is a little bit different. I think the biggest thing though- when you go up there, it’s the confidence. You have to wrap your head around trying to play your game and trying to find a game that you can be successful at up there.”
On what veteran helped him out the most:
“Regehr actually. He grew up actually not too far from me. We had lots of dinners and took note on the road. He’s a really good guy. It’s good to have guys like that to help you along.”
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Vey will be adamn good center on the Kings, eventually. The more I learn about Robyn Regher, the more I like.