On May 17, in anticipation of Game 2 of the American Hockey League’s Pacific Division Finals versus the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Ontario Reign were practicing on the ice in Palm Desert. It was at that point that defenseman Angus Booth made his squad debut.
After his season in the QMJHL ended, Booth had traveled to the desert the night before. His junior career came to an end when he assisted in leading the Baie-Comeau Drakkar to the QMJHL Finals, where they were defeated in four games by Drummondville.
Booth remarked, “I still got the playoff experience, even though it didn’t go the way we wanted it to.” “I think it was a really special experience for me, and it’s good at any level.”
Three days later, he joined the Reign’s ranks. Even though Booth didn’t play in any games, his time with the group was crucial since Ontario’s season ended in defeat soon after.
“Merely spending time with the guys and getting to know them personally after the season was really beneficial to me,” he remarked. It was incredibly fascinating for me to experience the game’s pace when I saw my first games here in Ontario and at Coachella. Coachella, of course, was a
The Kings pounced at the chance to send their 2022 fourth-round pick to Southern California because they expected Booth to sign with the Reign the next season.
Marco Sturm, head coach of the Reign, stated, “Management knew that it was really important.” “In the end, the gamer will benefit from it. It is not a good idea to enter an environment where you don’t know anyone, whether it players, coaches, systems, or anything else. That was really important to him.
In order to spend more time with the other members of the squad, Booth stayed on for an additional week after the season concluded. In less than a year, it was his second time joining a new set of colleagues.
He had played for the Shawinigan Cataractes for his entire QMJHL career as he started his final junior season. He had captained the squad in the past and had even assisted Shawinigan in winning the league in 2022. Shawinigan, who was last in the division, was moved to Baie-Comeau, who was in first place, in January to help them challenge for the playoffs.
He remarked, “I think you get pretty comfortable after being in the same place for three and a half years.” “I think that was good for me because changing teams opened my eyes and made me more of a risk-taker rather than someone who stays in their comfort zone.”
He returned to Los Angeles as one of the more seasoned players at the 2024 Rookie Faceoff, having had the chance to captain both of his junior teams the previous season.
This year, he was prepared for all that camp had to offer, both the games themselves and the pre-camp drills and testing with the training staff.
He remarked, “It’s obviously difficult to prepare for this tournament.” “I was aware of the quality of the hockey going in. There’s a lot of work and grit there, but it’s a touch choppy and doesn’t have many passes on the film.
Having just finished his first professional season in the QMJHL with 28 points and a plus-29 rating, he is now in his third rookie camp and his game is clearly improving. Sturm, who is leading the Kings rookies this week behind the bench, has a lot to admire”I believe he now plays with more manly graces. You could see he was in pretty decent form when he got in. He worked really hard this summer, Sturm said. “He skates really well. Yes, he has made a few little errors that he has to work on, but overall, I’ve really like what I’ve seen thus far.
In December of last year, Booth inked a three-year entry-level deal with the Kings. He will likely join the Reign for the next AHL season, giving him the chance to collaborate with a coaching staff he has grown to know over the last several years.
He remarked, “I’ve been around them a lot since it’s my third camp.” “I’ve spoken with them extensively, and it’s great to see them again. They make excellent trainers and offer wise counsel.
He’s had many of opportunity to work with Chris Hajt, the assistant coach for the Reign, who usually works with the defensive group both with the Reign and at rookie camp, thanks to his previous rookie camp experiences. Hajt has been an assistant coach in the AHL since the Manchester Monarchs’ 2015 championship campaign. In the past several seasons, he has worked with players including Mikey Anderson, Jordan Spence, and Brandt Clarke.
“We nearly always shoot video. Regarding his time spent working with Hajt, Booth remarked, “On the ice, we’re always doing extra work just to work on the details of the game.” “He has a wealth of important knowledge. It’s incredible to just be around him, hear what he has to say, and develop as a player as a result of him.
The season is about to begin, but although though Booth is returning to camp and is acquainted with the coaching staff, he is aware that now is not the time to relax. Everyone is fighting for the same possibilities.
“Things have changed from when I was a junior. He remarked, “I think the reason you’re never really comfortable here is because everyone is vying for attention.” “I’m not a vet here, but I feel more at ease than I did in my first and second year.” I’m not really noteworthy.
Booth isn’t concentrating on anything in particular right now. All he wants to do is play the rookie showcase and give it his all.
“I believe I set goals each year, but this year is particularly special,” he remarked. “I obviously want to stay in the lineup and play as many games as I can. I anticipate being able to set myself more precise objectives as the season progresses.
He wants to concentrate on his work at rookie camp and enjoy his time with the other members of the team, who will complete the showcase on Monday.
“This group of men is awesome. I’ve been one of the guys who can help everyone with questions or whatever because this is my third rookie camp, he added. “So far, this has been an amazing experience, and I’m eager to wrap it up on Monday.”
At 3:30 p.m., Booth and the Kings will play the Anaheim Ducks to wrap off the Rookie Faceoff. On LAKings.com, fans may watch the game for free.
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