Bernier interview
For those who might have missed the previous post, Jonathan Bernier is in camp even though he's still recovering from a high ankle sprain, which he suffered during the QMJHL playoffs. Later on, I'll post an interview with Bill Ranford, in which he elaborates on the possibility of a young goalie (namely Bernier) making the team this season.
Here's the Bernier interview...
JONATHAN BERNIER
Q: I hear you've been a little hobbled with a bad ankle...
A: Yeah, I've been out since I finished my season, so about for a month and a half. It's pretty hard to come here and get through it, but the guys have been pretty fair with me, so it's been good.
Q: You played on that for a while, right?
A: Yeah, I played on it all through the playoffs.
Q: That couldn't have been fun...
A: No (laughs). It was alright though. It wasn't that painful.
Q: What was that year like? You obviously had success there and the Kings are happy with you. How was it?
A: For sure I had a rough time when I was cut from Team Canada (for the world juniors), but the big thing was coming back strong. That's what I tried to do and just tried to help my team win the (QMJHL President's) Cup. At the beginning of the season that was our goal, to win the Cup, so that was nice.
Q: What do you get out of a week like this, being here with some of these top prospects?
A: It's great, especially for me. I haven't been on the ice very much recently so it seems like I'm starting over again. It's a good workout to come here.
Q: Do you think about coming into training camp and winning a spot on the Kings? Is that motivation?
A: For sure. You know, last year I came here and it was the same thing. I know I was young, 18 years old, but in my mind I was coming here and wanted to make the team. This year I'm more prepared and hopefully I'll have a good camp and stay as long as I can.
Q: Is it fair to say it's a goal of yours, to make the team?
A: Yeah, for sure. It's my goal. I don't want to go back to junior.
Q: What is the thought behind that, that you've done what you can there and that you can learn more here?
A: I can learn a lot from practicing with those (NHL) guys, even if I just play 10 games here, or 15 or 20. Just practicing with those guys, it's a huge difference. Either I play 60 games (in juniors) or 20 games here, I think it's going to be the same thing. It's more of a benefit for me to play here. I've got to do the job first, before that can happen.
Q: Can you analyze your game a little, your strengths and weaknesses at the moment?
A: I need better reaction in terms of making a play behind my net with the puck. This year I've worked on my consistency, and I think in the playoffs that was one of the keys. I was proud of that. My biggest asset is probably that I'm a patient goalie. I just try to react and read the play.
Q: Do you enjoy working with Bill Ranford? Has he been real helpful to you?
A: Yeah, for sure. All those guys who played in `the show,' it's always great to get something from them.
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About the bloggers
J.P. Hoornstra writes about NHL and IHL hockey for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. He welcomes any and all dialogue on the finer points of hockey.
E-mail J.P. at jp.hoornstra@inlandnewspapers.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.
Vincent Bonsignore is a sports columnist for the Los Angeles Daily News. E-mail Vinny at vincent.bonsignore
@dailynews.com.
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Thanks Rich!
Rich,
I just saw Aaron Miller signed with the Canucks for 1 year, $1.5 million.
Isn't this similar to what Modry got? I am okay with Modry as a number six guy, but I would have preferred to have Miller back there.
Why do you think it didn't work out with Miller coming back to the Kings especially when Lombardi could have dealt him at the trade deadline?
From what I understand, Miller initially was looking for a two-year deal. If I had to guess, I would presume that he didn't find it out there. That's just a guess. Also, I was told a few months ago that the market for Miller at the trade deadline wasn't as strong as presumed.
If I was a betting man, I'd say Bernier's chances of making the club is 10/1.
As i sent an email earlier about the Kings building from the back end i feel they have made some real good moves this season coming up ,The Kings will have real balance this season from front to back,It will be great to watch them this year.