February 9 practice quotes: Keaton Ellerby

On how he found out he had been traded:
“I was in bed and Dale Tallon called me. He just said that I had been traded to the Kings. A lot of things rushed through my head in a split second, but now that I’m here, I’m super excited, and I’m just ready to get things going and start a new chapter in my career. I couldn’t have come to a better organization – winning the Cup last year and planning on repeating this year. Yeah, I’m ecstatic right now.”

On whether he sensed that a trade was in the works:
“Not really. There’s always a ‘what-if’ or an ‘X-factor’ or something like that. No, I was just going about my business. We played in Philly the night before. I didn’t expect anything, but like I said, there’s always that ‘what-if’. I got the call in the morning, and here I am.”

On whether he’s familiar with any of the Kings:
“Yeah, I played some Hockey Canada stuff with Drew and Bernie, so I know them from years back. I played against King and Fraser, also, in junior, so I know them a little bit. But other than that, just playing against guys throughout the league. I haven’t played with really anybody. It’ll be a quick transition. Hopefully I get used to the systems and figure things out quick.’

On having played with Doughty:
“Back in juniors we did Under-18 Canada-Russia stuff…I’ve played with him a lot. Obviously, he’s a great player. Being paired with him right now, it’s definitely a positive coming into it. Having a guy like that to be paired up with is pretty exciting. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation to come in to.”

On being coached by Brent Sutter earlier in his career:
“Brent coached us at the Canada-Russia challenge. We were [in Russia] for two weeks and [in Canada] for two weeks.”

On understanding Darryl Sutter:
“Yeah, I understand Sutter very well, actually. I’m an Alberta boy, so they’re kind of legends around there. You know what you’re going to get from Darryl. You know what he wants from you, which is hard work, high battle level, compete and everything like that. I’m ready to come in and work hard for him.”

On getting through his first day of practice:
“The coaching styles are a little bit different. Practice is different. But it’s hockey, right? You just figure it out as you go and just get used to it and it becomes second nature. It was a good practice, day one.”

On how he sees himself fitting in with Doughty:
“I think we complement each other well. Obviously, he’s a very offensive guy. He’s always up in the play. I’m going to be back there – big body, banging guys around and being the physical presence, hopefully, in our pairing. Hopefully we complement each other well and can be a solid pairing for a long time.”

97 Comments

  1. KC23 says:

    Waking up and finding out your new defensive partner is Drew Doughty. This should be interesting.

    [Reply]

    Save, Hrudey! Reply:

    @KC23,

    Almost as good as waking up and finding your new “partner” is (insert Hot Girl of your Dreams).

    [Reply]

    Gustavo Reply:

    @Save, Hrudey!,

    Yeah, right, lol..Let me run that thought by my wife, first.

    [Reply]

  2. Jerry says:

    I like his attitude

    [Reply]

  3. neil says:

    he said “compete” …..

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @neiling, He also said “right?”, right Beavis?

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Duncanz, Yeah, yeah, hehhe, yeah.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @neiling, He also said “right?”, right Beavis?

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Deja Vu? :-)

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Kingsfiendone, … I think that was the name of the chick who was dancing on my lap the other night … right?

    neil Reply:

    Duncanz…, That is name of the club…not the dancer….

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @neil,

    Name of club AND name of the chick. All over again! :-)

    goldielocks Reply:

    @neil,

    Chill through my spine … what else he said? Heavy on the stick?

    [Reply]

  4. Jerry says:

    His stick is still taped red to match his panter uniform

    [Reply]

  5. rogiesbackup says:

    Ellerby’s ultimate test with staying in the lineup is to have good defensive stick work like Scuds, Green, mitchell witch is one of the reason for Quick’s good GAA. Plus he and the dmen really need to CLEAR OUT people in front of the net. Hasn’t been happening lately.

    [Reply]

    kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @rogiesbackup,

    +1

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @rogiesbackbrace, Equally I’m looking for a good read of what’s coming at him and solid positional play.

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @Duncanz, absolutely!! Positional play!!

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @Duncanz, RE:rogiesbackbrace…rogie was a flopper but incredible…in a sense Gary Edwards was solid positionaly and as a result WAS his “backbrace!!! LOL

    [Reply]

  6. Mars says:

    LOVE the last line.
    I am hoping he brings a can do presence attitude that seems to be missing.

    [Reply]

  7. Harry says:

    Hopefully he can be the new Kyle Quincey…

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Harry, We’ll get a chance to make the comparison right off the bat.

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    This isn’t baseball.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Michael Jordan., Ok, so I mispronounced ‘stick’ … is that any reason to charge me with an error?

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Dunkin Donutz,

    Bat: Flying squirrel (not to be construed as a baseball instrument) :-)

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Dave Duncan(z),

    Right through the wickets… errrr… five hole.

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Kingsfiendone, Hey! That was the name of the chick right after her!

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Dunkin Donutz,

    Soooo, you DID have deja vu! :-)

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Harry,

    He’s pretty much the antithesis of Quincey though, no? Big, stay at home. Quincey, smaller mobile d-man. Quincey was a pp guy. I doubt Sir Ellerby will be.

    [Reply]

  8. Duncanz says:

    Catnapus interruptus..

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Duncanz, He didn’t say he was sleeping ;)

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    So Tallon’s call could have been quite deflating?

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Michael J., Or perhaps an accelerated conclusion.

  9. DesertKing says:

    First game with a new team in Detroit probably isn’t the best scenario, but heres to hoping he can stick it to the Red Flings.

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @DesertKing, Oh like Detroit is tearing it up and not on a tail end of a back-to-back.

    I likes our chances.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Token,

    Completely agree, but still a tough house with tough crowd.

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    I’ m mostly worried about that tough crowd of 4 zebras with their timely interventions in “Hockeytown”. At least we don’t have to watch Maltby or Holmstrom grab a Kings’ stick and lift it to their face for a high sticking call anymore.

  10. Deirdre says:

    Seems to have embrced his new role and indeed has a very postivie attitude:

    On getting through his first day of practice:
    “The coaching styles are a little bit different. Practice is different. But it’s hockey, right? You just figure it out as you go and just get used to it and it becomes second nature. It was a good practice, day one.”

    Looking forward to seeing him play.

    [Reply]

  11. Sancho says:

    “The golf course looks great, my swing feels good, I like my chances.”

    Just seems like a canned response… but…hopefully it’ll be a nice fit!

    [Reply]

    kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Sancho,

    Classic!!

    [Reply]

    Real 7 Reply:

    @Sancho, you were referring to Pens, right?

    [Reply]

  12. Harry says:

    Maybe all the players who still have a beard, should shave. Especially Drew Doughty.

    [Reply]

  13. neil says:

    If we didnt win the Cup last season…this is just like last season(before TM was fired) …line changes….benching s…minor trades……lack of scoring…..lack of compete….what is going on??

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    Did he take anyone out in practice as brutally as Andrew Campbell did the other day?

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    Replied to you by mistake, @neil.
    Need to get off my knees here.

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Uhhhh… nevermind….

    Happy Lappy Reply:

    @neil, As Yogi once said “It’s Deja Vue, all over again”. I know, this isn’t baseball, but I can see DS telling the players to “pair off in threes”.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Happy Lappy,

    I thought pairs came in 5′s? Interesting.

    [Reply]

    Cup4la Reply:

    @neil, Pre-season just ended.

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @neil, That’s hockey.

    [Reply]

  14. I already like this guy. Great team attitude, he’s excited and he understands what is required. Lets hope his skill level is up to a Stanley Cup Caliber(I have my doubts). You never know though, he’s big on the Ice and it’s a good pairing with Drew. I bet Ellerby will be keen to impress and will want what Drew already has.

    I feel good!

    GKG.

    [Reply]

    Happy Lappy Reply:

    @kissmyblarneystones, Hope he doesn’t try to impress from the penalty box. Sure do want to see a few hard hits though.

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @kissmyblarneystones, I am really pulling for this kid.

    [Reply]

  15. Goring 19 says:

    Dude looks kinda lanky…must have a big wingspan with the stick

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @Goring 19, Great attribute to have!!! He better be good taking time and space away from the opposition.

    [Reply]

    Gustavo Reply:

    @Goring 19,

    Yup!
    6’5″, 217. Nothing wrong with lanky if he gets the job done.

    [Reply]

  16. KC23 says:

    Howard playing today for Detroit so it looks like we’ll get the rookie tomorrow. I’m wondering if Bernier is going to get his first start tomorrow?

    [Reply]

    NamidaEurope Reply:

    @KC23, That rookie is from my country, but I hope he wont do his best tomorrow. GKG!

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @NamidaEurope, He looks like he’s gonna be a good one.

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @KC23, That’s the sign that they know Kings are struggling; when they put their back-up against you.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @rogiesbackache,, Instant Vez candidate!

    [Reply]

  17. baldhedjer says:

    I like the kid’s attitude, at least he seems to be saying the right things. He sounds like he is coming in sort of hungry to do well. We’ll have to wait and see how he does when he gets in the game. Hopefully this shakes a few other people up.

    [Reply]

  18. Save, Hrudey! says:

    Someone get him a sandwich.

    [Reply]

  19. PurpleRocks says:

    This was my favorite line…

    “I couldn’t have come to a better organization – winning the Cup last year and planning on repeating this year. Yeah, I’m ecstatic right now.”

    I hope the rest of the team shares his plans on repeating!

    LGK!!!

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @PurpleRocks, “I hope the rest of the team shares his plans on repeating!”

    Doesn’t look like it at the moment!! LOL

    [Reply]

    LVKINGS88 Reply:

    @rogiesbackup, Doesn’t look like he’s been watching what we’ve been watching with these SC Champs.

    [Reply]

  20. Kenny44 says:

    Interesting low risk high reward play by DL. If he works that junior magic he had with DD, this could be a tremendous deal. If not, we gave up very little.

    At least the days of grabbing broken wingers off the scrap heap is over. Now we’re taking chances on an underperforming D just coming into his prime. I call that progress.

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @Kenny44, This is what I’m afraid of…..this “reward” system could be hurting the moral in the locker room!!!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @rogiesbackache, DS_should_be cracking the whip and making guys feel unsettled!
    Maybe it didn’t get done enough before.
    They’re supposed to be professionals, not poodles.

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Kenny44, I agree 100%. Loktionov was unhappy and ready to leave for the KHL and we get an Alberta kid who DS is likely going to be able to connect with better than most. Just entering into a defensemen’s prime time of NHL life (mid 20s). Throw in the fact that he shoots left and has already been paired with DD before and it would seem worth a try especially for a 5th round pick.

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @KC23,
    I was wondering about the Lokti deal when the Ducks picked up Lovejoy the same day for the same price, but now I see that DL was always a step ahead with a much better deal in mind.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Kenny44, You think KE ends up outperforming BL?

    KC23 Reply:

    @Kenny44, Lovejoy is a right shot, DL wanted to get a lefty I think (KE is a left shot). All our depth d-men are right shots (DD2, Campbell and Bodnarchuk).

  21. rogiesbackup says:

    Red wings fits more the style of Quick…..probably Bernier will get the start against the Blues.

    Speaking of style Breez not as good in philly cus the game they play is more open…vs in the Yotes they play a more defensive game so he is better in that situation……This holds true for Jonathon Bernier.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @rogiesbackbrace, They said of him on a broadcast today, “He’s very in touch with the universe.”, or some equally cosmic reference.
    Wonder if he and Penns are Twitter buddies, perchance..

    [Reply]

  22. neil says:

    How long does DS gets a free pass on coaching….a year? …two years??? He is coaching completely opposite of last season…..

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @neil,

    That’s because his players are performing completely opposite of last season.

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @Michael J., Well…….it was/is too early in the season yet he’s ALREADY benching players!!!!

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @neil, Yes, I feel he’s somehow affecting the moral of the players….maybe the way he “sends his message” through rewarding and benching players.

    [Reply]

    IN King Reply:

    @neil,

    I’m with Michael J on this one. Sutter’s coaching style depends on players being invested in the game, and having a desire to succeed. That seems to be missing from this team so for. Right now it looks like they’re just coasting along. It’s like Daryl Evans said, the Kings need to stick out their chest and play like champions.

    [Reply]

    neil Reply:

    @IN King, is changing the lines the answer??? or playing time??? or yelling??? The line changing started with the first game so to me …that isnt the answer…

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @IN King,

    Right. DS is coaching differently than last year for a very obvious reason. When he got here last year, the team was underperforming because they were squeezing sawdust out of their sticks and playing in fear of making a mistake. Plus TM did not pay attention to any detail in his forward lines – all are fungible and must play the same way. Faced with that, DS came in and encouraged the players to relax and go out and make plays like NHL players. And he worked toward establishing balanced lines in the traditional set (power forward, playmaker, finisher). That process wasn’t completed, though, until we got Carter.

    This year, many of the Kings appeared to come back a little lackadaisical, we lost a third of our D, and Kopi started hurt. DS needs to get the players energy and discipline back, as well as deal with personnel issues. Of course he’s coaching differently. I’m glad he’s adjusting to his roster, unlike some coaches.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Kenny44, ‘Some coaches’ historically unmatched winning %age of .560 with the Kings – except for a too small to count sample under the current regime – is seen by experts as exemplifying that said coaches had an innate ability to taylor (sic) their style and tactics to the severe limitations in talent of the squad with which they were encumbered throughout their wildly successful tenure.

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Duncanz
    Playing sound D with good goaltending will put you above .500 in the regular season in the league. You need that foundation. But you also need more to be a championship contender. Murray was a good coach to build that foundation. He was excellent at it, in fact. he was not, however, the right coach to lead the team forward after that precisely because he could or would not make the right alterations to his tailoring.

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Kenny44, Oh yeah, that’s the guy!!
    Well, probably he was too busy becoming none other than the winningest coach in Los Angeles Kings Club de Hockey histoire to worry about the residual stuff.
    As they’ll repeat repeatedly in the future, there’s no ‘I’ in team, but there is TM … but not in duds!

    YoBro Reply:

    @Kenny44, Fungible ? Hmmm, had to look that one up. Well done. You don’t have your ‘Doc’ Emrick thesaurus handy do you? ;)

    Go Kings

    Duncanz Reply:

    @YoBro, That one shuffleboarded its way right by_you_as well, eh?

    KC23 Reply:

    @neil, Not sure how long, but definately longer than the first 10 games of the new year. :)

    [Reply]

  23. trytodethroneus says:

    Per NHL Network:

    Tyler Myers will be a healthy scratch for tonight’s game.

    Just sayin’

    [Reply]

  24. bbb7 says:

    I’ve come to not care about line shuffling because that never seems to solve the problems with this team. It’s playing style and will that must change, and unless the players decide to go to the middle and stop always playing perimeter hockey the offense wont perk, no matter who plays with whom.

    I do like the practice D pairs because it balances the experience and styles better. Likely to take a couple of games to gel tho, so I have low expectations for the next two games.

    Welcome to LA, Cat.

    [Reply]

  25. My breakdown of the past few days…

    Royal Shakeup – Is Lombardi and Company panicking or just being prudent? You make the call..
    http://kingsnewsdaily.com/royal-shakeup/

    [Reply]

    Gustavo Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    Nothing so far looks anything remotely panicky to me.

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Gustavo,

    +1

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Gustavo, +1. Agreed.

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @Gustavo, Agreed, not remotely. Just normal hockey activity.

    [Reply]

  26. Osaka says:

    It would seem strange to pair him with Drew where he would have tough match ups and a lot of TOI. Those 2 have played together before and if he keeps it simple and looks to give the puck to his partner it may work well. Your defensive partner and your chemistry have a huge factor on your success. Of course skill and confidence are paramount, but your partner has an an affect their too.

    [Reply]

  27. Gailweb says:

    Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

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