Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jamie McBain shared the following comments with MayorsManor in advance of tonight’s outdoor game vs. the San Jose Sharks at Levi’s Stadium…
On the whole outdoor game experience:
“It’s pretty amazing, I think more so than anything, just the fact that it’s in California. I mean, obviously outdoor game are pretty special, and the technology for them to be ale to do it in a state like California is pretty amazing I’m excited to be apart of it.”
On the wild ride of being out of the NHL just a few months ago to now being part of the LA Kings:
“It’s pretty surreal. I definitely never thought I would have been playing in an outdoor game, much less one with Los Angeles; especially a few months ago. It’s been a fun ride, bumpy at the start, but it’s definitely worth it. I’m just excited to be here.”
On settling down after the first few games back in the NHL:
“I think it was a little bit of just getting used to the pace of the game again. I just went to a short little training camp there in Arizona, so I didn’t play a whole lot of games. Went and played five in Manchester. There is nothing quite like game speed, and you can’t train regardless how much you try to be able to keep us with game speed. I think it'[s just kind of getting settled with the group of guys, with the system, with the pace of the game and the teams that you’re playing are just so fast. It’s a little eye opening there right off the start. But I was able to settle down and I feel a lot more comfortable with this group, with the system and just with my game in general.”
On how Kings assistant coach John Stevens has helped him:
“He’s been great. Right from the get go, he’s made sure that the communication and dialogue has been great both ways. He’s like, ‘if you have any questions, make sure you’re letting us know, and we’re going to let you know how we feel too.’ So they’re very open with everything going on. whether I’m playing or not playing, they’re very honest about what’s going on. If I’m not playing, they’re honest about why and if I am playing, they’re honest about how I’m playing during those games. That’s just been the biggest thing. The open communication has been really good. He’s helped me a lot with just little details in my game, just watching video and making sure I’m keeping myself sharp, especially when I’m not playing.”
On any early impressions of the Kings-Sharks rivalry:
“It’s obviously definitely one of the bigger ones. You have the three teams in California, and the rivalry is pretty incredible to have three top notch teams in the state of California. Every time they get together it seems like a playoff-type atmosphere. Obviously tomorrow with the standings and where each team is, it’s definitely going to be a playoff-type atmosphere. It’s fun to be a part of. It’s been fun to watch. It’s something I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
And for those not following along on Twitter:
#LAKings 13-5-4 with @jbain4 (Jamie McBain) in the lineup.
— The Mayor John Hoven (@mayorNHL) February 19, 2015
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