Not every prospect gets their chance to show what they’re made of at the NHL level. Those who are lucky enough to work their way onto a big league roster often hold their fate in their own hands. Play well enough and you stay in the league, living out your dream at the highest level possible. Falter and you risk never getting another chance to show your mettle.
Unfortunately, for Jordan Weal – who recently cracked the Kings Top 10 Prospect Rankings – his first crack at getting that elusive call was taken away from him. With Los Angeles down to only 17 skaters, and looking to call one up from Manchester, Weal was the organization’s first choice. However, bonuses on his contract put his cap hit over the allotted amount the Kings had to use. It has been a frustrating experience for all involved and Weal spoke with MayorsManor about what went down, his recent training camp in LA, and more…
On showing frustration in a recent game over penalty calls:
“I shouldn’t [have] opened my mouth. Sometimes when you say one or two words, the guy’s just not having any of it. We can’t get frustrated like that after we get penalties. We just [have] to keep it inside, [and] keep working, because killing off those penalties is good momentum for us, especially at home with the crowd.”
On having a long training camp in LA and how it affected his confidence:
“It was a lot of fun. It was good for experience more than confidence. Just getting to play against some pretty key players in that conference. It was a lot of fun. Hopefully [I] can work hard and maybe get a call.”
On possibly being atop the forward list for next call-ups:
“You never know. You just have to keep working and take it day-by-day, [becaus]) we have a good team here and we have a good thing going.”
On knowing the Kings wanted to call him up:
“It’s comforting, for sure. But, there was just troubles here and there with the salary cap and stuff like that. [You] can’t really worry about that. It’s out of your control. You’ve just got to focus on the games this weekend and try to get some wins here.”
On if he was frustrated the salary cap rules nullified his first NHL call up:
“You can’t really worry about that. Control the things you can, [and] don’t worry about the things you can’t control. It’s one of those things [you can’t control]. Just got to keep moving forward, keep working hard, and having fun playing hockey.”
On fellow prospect Justin Auger, who has joined the Monarchs this season from the OHL:
“He’s using his body well. You definitely see it in the games. He gets going, and gets physical below the goal line, and that really makes space for smaller guys like myself and [Zach] O’Brien.”
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Kings Of the Podcast: Ep. Q14 with John Wroblewski, Ontario Reign Head Coach
Another day, time for another Kings of the Podcast. In this episode, John Wroblewski — new head coach of the Ontario Reign — stops by to discuss joining the LA Kings organization and what the future may bring.
Topics discussed:
– The hiring proces
– Background notes leading up to the interview
– Scouting notes on Mikey Anderson, Cole […]