Bartosak sent to Monarchs for conditioning assignment

Patrik Bartosak is turning the corner on his recovery.

On Friday, the Reign announced that they have loaned the 22-year-old goaltending prospect to the Manchester Monarchs of the ECHL for a conditioning assignment. Bartosak, who is making his way back from thumb surgery on his catching hand performed in early October, practiced in full this week with his teammates for the first time this season.

Bartosak, a native of the Czech Republic who was chosen by the Kings in the fifth round of the 2013 draft, was an integral part of the team that won last year’s Calder Cup as the Manchester Monarchs. Bartosak replaced an injured JF-Berube in the final series and also played in 28 regular seaons games for the Monarchs, going 13-8-5 with a 2.23 GAA and .919 SV%.

Bartosak has been wearing a brace under his glove and had the opportunity to work with Kings goalie development coach Dusty Imoo this week.

“The thumb’s feeling better and better every day,” Bartosak said Wednesday. “I can see progress with the range of motion and everything. With the brace underneath my glove I feel really good and really solid in net.”

The Monarchs host the Toledo Walleye for a three-game homestand starting tonight and running through Sunday afternoon. The Monarchs team site reported Bartosak would be available for Saturday night’s contest.

Reign head coach Mike Stothers said Wednesday that Bartosak should see his first action with the Reign this season, barring any setbacks, when the team travels to play the Texas teams next week (San Antonio on Friday and Texas on Saturday).