Vey talks about development camp

At the same time Tyler Toffoli was potting goals by the dozens in the Ontario Hockey League, fellow Kings prospect Linden Vey was leading the way in the Western Hockey League. Vey, a fourth-round draft pick of the Kings in 2009, led the WHL with 116 points last season as he totaled 46 goals and 70 assists for the Medicine Hat Tigers. Vey, who had totaled 75 points the previous season, turns 20 on Sunday and will be eligible to join Manchester of the AHL this season. After today’s development-camp sessions, Vey talked about his recent past and his future…

Question: You’ve been to a couple of these camps now. Does the comfort level just get higher each time?

VEY: “This has been my second or third time here, and every year you get a little more comfortable. It’s good, after two months off the ice, to get back on the ice and see some of the guys that you’ve played against over the past couple years.”

Question: You’re coming off a strong season. Was that just natural maturation, or were there things you specifically improved on?

VEY: “Last summer, I spent a lot of time training with Tim (Adams, the Kings’ strength and conditioning coach) here in Los Angeles. I think that was one of the things that benefitted me the most. I’ve always struggled a little bit, conditioning and strength wise. Last year, I think I took big strides in that department, and it really helped me to be more consistent throughout the whole year, last season.”

Question: You’ve got the shorts and the flip-flops. No trouble adjusting to the California weather, right?

VEY: “I don’t think it’s too hard adjusting to this weather. In Saskatchewan, where I grew up, the winters are a little tough. When you get minus-40 in the winter, it’s not the funnest. I think I can handle the weather here.”

Question: How much pride do you take in those scoring numbers from last season?

VEY: “I don’t think it’s something you try to think about too much. I think last year is done with, and I’ve got to start focusing on the upcoming season. It’s a big summer for me, training-wise, and I know I want to take the jump to pro hockey and I know I have to enjoy the last season but be sure to put that behind me and start getting ready for next year.”

Question: What are your plans for the rest of the summer?

VEY: “I’ve got a couple trips. I’m going to go to Minnesota for a couple weeks and train there. I trained there last year with a bunch of my junior buddies. It’s a good place. I went there last year and I thought it really benefitted me, so I’ll spend a little bit of time there and also probably come here for a bit.”

Question: What, in your game, do you think made a big difference last season?

VEY: “Just being more consistent, being in better shape. I could play each and every night. When we would have three games in three nights, I could play at a high level each night, whereas a couple seasons before, I would have a good first game and then I’d have to take the next couple games a little bit slower. I think when you’re in condition, you can play more consistent throughout the whole season.”

Question: Have the Kings stressed anything in particular they would like you to improve?

VEY: “I think it’s a big thing for me to work on my strength. I’ve always struggled a bit with that strength aspect. You’ve got to make sure you get stronger. You’ve always got to keep improving as you move up, and I have to make sure to improve on all aspects of my game.”