Results tagged “Jonathan Bernier” from Inside the Kings

Following up on the player evaluations from a couple weeks back, Don volunteered to do prospect evaluations as well, and did a ton of great leg work to track down information and get fresh quotes directly from coaches. Don compiled 10 top prospects and I'll start posting them in alphabetical order, along with, in maybe cases, a quick YouTube video to show what these guys look like...

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Jonathan Bernier
Goaltender
DOB - 8-7-88
Records/Stats:
Kings: 1-3-0, 4.03, .864
Lewiston (QMJHL): 18-15-0, 2.73, .908
Manchester (AHL):
- Reg season: 1-1-1, 1.63, .946
- Post season: 0-3, 2.76, .908

Manchester Coach Mark Morris on Jonathan Bernier:

"I've been sold on the kid since the very first time I saw him in development camp a couple of summers ago. I was blown away by his calm demeanor in net, his quickness, and he is very calculated in his movements, but positionally he is sound. He gives off an air of sure-handedness and calmness when there are mad scrambles in front of the net. There's no panic. He's got a high threshold for just holding his position and he doesn't seem to give up a lot of rebounds. The puck seems to stick to him like velcro."

Development areas:

"There aren't a whole lot of major things that I can talk about when it comes to his weaknesses. I just think that over the course of time he will learn how to be a better puck handler and just seasoning. I don't see a whole lot of holes in his game."

Mental aspects of the game (following demotion):

"I think most guys who come our of Junior think they should be in the National Hockey League, and I'm not saying this about Jonathan in particular, but some guys that are drafted high just don't have a clear understanding of the hockey that is played in the American League and the purpose of the league, which is to get these guys quality minutes and learning at a rate to get them ready for the NHL. You just don't want to see a guy get in over his head and I think it is something that he is starting to appreciate now with the quality of shots and level of proficiency in the American League."

Lewiston coach Ed Harding on Bernier:

"Jonathan is a very mature 19 year old. He is a professional with very good leadership qualities. Over his years in Lewiston, he has learned to compete hard every minute and his practice habits have developed tremendously."

The last couple days have been big and busy for the Manchester Monarchs. Jonathan Bernier is there and will start in goal tonight against Worcester. Manchester can clinch a playoff spot with a victory and a Springfield loss. Teddy Purcell has been named AHL rookie of the year. Davis Drewiske, the defenseman the Kings signed out of the University of Wisconsin, made his debut last night. Also, Josh Kidd has signed an amateur-tryout agreement with Manchester and is playing. To make room for Bernier, the Monarchs released goalie Curtis Darling from his tryout agreement. Whew...anything else? Oh yeah, the Kings play their season finale against the Ducks this afternoon. I'll be there to cover that and hopefully start putting the Lombardi quotes up.

For now, here's a real treat. Don Fulton scored an interview with Bernier in advance of his first AHL start tonight, so I hope you enjoy the read...