Below are 10 quick quotes from LA Kings Development Camp, featuring Alex Turcotte, Sammy Fagemo, and coach Mike Donnelly:
Turcotte on being back at the team’s training facility and Dev Camp getting underway
It’s nice to be with all the guys. I’ve actually been training here most of the summer anyway, so I’ve been back for a while. Just having other guys come in — especially all the guys I played with in Ontario and then meeting all the new guys — it’s great to finally meet them.
Turcotte on this year comparted to his first Dev Camp in 2019, after just being drafted by LA
I feel obviously a lot more comfortable. I remember my first Dev Camp a few years ago. I was pretty nervous and I didn’t really know anyone. Now, I pretty much know everyone; and for the new guys, I’m just kind of introducing myself and helping them whenever I can, if they have questions or anything. It’s definitely nice being back here and knowing everyone.
Turcotte on his 2021 season with AHL Ontario
Last year was great for me, development-wise. Coming in, I didn’t start off too hot. It kind of took me a while to get going. That was part of the process and I know that’s pretty normal. You want to get going right away, but it took me a little bit. I felt by halfway through the season, I got comfortable in my game and started playing my game more and started producing really well. I just kept that going for the rest of the year and I thought I finished really strong.
Turcotte on what areas of his game he was working to improve this offseason
Something I noticed coming in was just how strong everyone is in the corners, and you’re playing against grown men. They’re really physical out there. That was something I needed to work on this summer, just getting more muscle and more strength. I feel like I’ve had a great summer with that. I feel more than ready for this next season. I feel like I’m taking everything I learned from last year into this season and I’m looking forward to it.
Fagemo on what he’s looking to build on from last season in Ontario
There are a lot of things. Coming to LA for my first year, it’s been really fun. The biggest thing was probably for me to adjust to playing on the smaller rink. It’s so much faster and you can shoot the puck more too. So, coming into this year, I just want to play the puck with high pace and shoot the puck as fast as possible.
Fagemo on Day 1 of Dev Camp this year
The first practice back here, it was fun to meet new guys and to see some of my teammates from last year too. It was a blast out there and I really had a lot of fun.
Fagemo on what the staff is telling him to focus on
I think the biggest thing for me to focus on and develop is my defensive zone play and to get stronger. So that was my main focus during the summer – to work out in the gym and stuff like that. It was all about those two things; to get stronger and get better in the defensive zone.
Donnelly on Fagemo
I think he’s made big strides. It’s tough coming from Europe and playing, getting used to the different ice surfaces and a different style of hockey. It’s always a bit of a transition for European guys. He’s very coachable. He really wants to get better, he pushes himself hard. I think his [development] curve is – I think he’s doing great.”
Donnelly on Turcotte
He’s had a great summer. He’s working very hard. He understands how hard it’s going to be to make it and he’s putting the work in. He’s putting the work in the gym, he’s working on his game, and his effort. His effort — like how he plays on the ice — that’s how he’s training in the summer. I’m seeing huge strides in him from last year [and] throughout the summer. I’ve noticed a big difference in his game right now.
More from Donnelly on both players
Last year, with the COVID situation, it was difficult as far as development. It was a tough year. Both have them have really good offensive instincts. They just have to get stronger and learn the pro game. It’s not easy. The American League is a hard league, there’s a lot of good players in it. I think if you look at both of them, they both had good first years. It’s exciting to see. We know that they’re both talented and we just have to keep working with them; getting them better every day and not put too much pressure on them. They’re young kids and it’s a hard league, and we want to teach them the right way. We want them to develop the right way. We don’t want to push them in there. We want to make sure that they’re just continually getting better every day. That’s our goal.
Today’s schedule:
Tuesday, August 24
10:15 a.m. – Defense Group
11:15 a.m. – Forward Group
3:00 p.m. – Full Group
Later today, we’ll have quotes from prospects Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence.
As expected, Kings are going with "day-to-day" on Byfield… https://t.co/GWJco62FNU
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 24, 2021
LA Kings Dev Camp – Day 2
Defensive session is over. Forwards have now taken to the ice, except…
Alex Turcotte didn't come out. Awaiting word on what's going on.
As we reported yesterday, Byfield D2D. See previous tweets.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 24, 2021
Word on Turcotte is he just wasn't feeling well today.
Will pass along any additional info as it becomes available.
Back to camping…
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 24, 2021
Update 2pm — Latest update we’ve been able to gather on Turcotte: “Did not participate this morning out of an abundance of caution.” MayorsManor was also specifically told it’s not covid-related. So, another day-to-day situation.
More from Dev Camp, including pictures, a few observations, and an update on Quinton Byfield’s status can be found at the link below.
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Lead Photo via ALoImages
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