More Monarchs news
Jason LaBarbera hurt his leg last Saturday -- this being hockey, that could mean anything from a bruised hip to a broken toe, although I believe it's a knee issue -- and is considered week to week. That's a big blow for a Manchester team that has designs on an AHL championship. The AHL playoffs start one week from tomorrow. Barry Brust has had a solid 2.49 goals-against average in Manchester.
As for more reinforcements, it wouldn't be a surprise to see both Brian Boyle and Marc-Andre Cliche in Manchester soon. Cliche is now under contract and now that the NCAA season is over, the Kings are free to sign Boyle. They're not expected to have the same types of problems with him that they've had with Scott Parse. Here's what Boyle told the Union-Leader on Sunday:
``I haven't been contacted yet (by the Kings), but I just arrived home after the (NCAA championship game) loss and spending time with my family. I expect to hear from (the Kings) this week. I really want to get back on the ice because I love playing and it will kind of take my mind off of what happened last night. I'd hate to see my studies go to waste and it would really benefit me to complete my final semester. Guys like Peter Harrold, Ryan Murphy, Jeff Giuliano and Brendan Buckley have kept me up to date. Physically, I'm fine and I'm looking forward to playing in Manchester. The building (Verizon Wireless Arena) was good to us (Boston College in NCAA Northeast Regionals) and I know the fans love their hockey up there. I can't wait to play again.''
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About the bloggers
Rich Hammond has covered the Kings, on a full-time or part-time basis, since the 2000-01 season. He was the beat writer for the entire John Torchetti era and has witnessed Bob Miller singing country music in a Nashville honky-tonk bar. A native of Los Angeles, Rich has worked at the Daily News since 1999 and also serves as the paper's deputy sports editor. E-mail Rich at rich.hammond@dailynews.com.
Jill Painter joined the Daily News in 2000 and during the last eight years she's covered the Dodgers, Cal State Northridge, UCLA, Kings, golf and everything in between. Even though she's from Colorado, she still freezes in the Staples Center press box but always manages to thaw her fingers in time to make deadline. E-mail Jill at jill.painter@dailynews.com.
Hey Rich,
I love your reading your blog for all the behind the scenes information. I was woneding when do you think the Kings will be able to sign Boyle/Parse to contracts?
Rick S.
p.s.-keep up the great work
Cliche has been very good in Lewiston and hot during their playoffs.
Boyle also puzzles me. Why has he not been signed yet.
I dont think we will see Cliche or Boyle until next year. I dont think we are having a problem with Boyle like we did with Parse.
I dont think Parse will get signed personally. Hopefully I am wrong as he has played well in Grand Rapids.