Ken Baker

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@2112hockey @Nevincooperkeel @MrHockeyAward Undoubtedly will feature some more Euros, especially at the beginning while they need to build teams. But I absolutely think it will generate more local talent after a bit of time. On a larger scale, how is it any different than a non-traditional market adding more rinks?

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@jasonhum72 @2112hockey Yep. It has to grow sometime. I just don’t get why anyone would be against literally growing the footprint of the game, assuming it won’t help create more good players.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@ReviewOfHockey @2112hockey Honest question: how would the midget and 18U teams be raided? Isn’t the goal of many of those players to reach leagues like this? Sounds like a new pathway that wasn’t there for many of these markets.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@jasonhum72 @2112hockey People who only consider players from other markets moving west are missing a big part of the point. Much of the reason there isn’t more talent is that there aren’t enough opportunities. The pipeline is too small in those areas.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@jasonhum72 @2112hockey See here’s the thing. Of course they will need to spread talent at the beginning. But having teams in those areas over time will begin to produce top talent. It’s about creating more opportunities for young players out west.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@USHL @LAKings @usahockey Fantastic!

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@MayorsManor Fantastic! We all know it will take a little time to find their stride and be successful, but this plan and investment is worthwhile when looking through the lens of their players and their opportunities to play. Don’t let the “too watered down” crowd win.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@Buccigross This is awesome. More opportunities for players, and continuing to grow the game west.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@sweetannieod @ZachCav I should have kept scrolling lol

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@ZachCav I saw that, but it’s actually only five sheets: Kroc, UTC, SDIA, Poway, and Carlsbad.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@bob_digital0014 @gregbeacham Not the plan; it will be down the road at Kit Carson. They did try to make something work, but just wasn’t feasible.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@AnaheimDucks @The_Rinks This is amazing. San Diego is hurting badly for ice. The facility in Irvine is top notch and anything like it would be fantastic for the region. Bravo to the Samueli family if this goes forward.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@jonnyrosen Whoops, seems like your source missed on this one if Friedman is correct that LA was not given permission.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@KevinMcCurdy I agree with your take, all of it. Per the NHL, it’s not whether it crossed the line, it’s whether it conclusively (via real time evidence) crossed the line. I think it crossed, and I’m glad it counted, but the NHL is not being consistent with the application of its own rules.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@LAKings64768054 @KingsMenPodcast Ceci has been rough for sure. But this year, Edmonson has been the guy we all thought we were getting last year. Not sure Henry is the answer, he will need to learn how to be a pro first. Not a generational-type guy enough to bypass that.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@Miggysbat Stay strong, you’re right about this. ABS is great. Some people don’t like change, even if it’s good (pitch clock, runner on 2nd in extras, etc.). Get the calls right and it won’t be needed. I do not accept abject human failure is a good part of the game.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@calstanvard That is, if the Kings re-sign Laughton.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@prblslvr50 @Buccigross Right or wrong, I’m pretty sure most LA fans would be unwilling to move Clarke straight up for Matthews. All markets overvalue their players (including Toronto though).

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@LiveLaughLeafs2 @ScuderiLAK @Buccigross It is too much, but needs context. Mathews should be costly and it is certain no player heading the other way would be as good as Auston. But the “too much” part is the impact it would have on LA. They would be left both virtually no future.

[Ken Baker @kbaker78]

@LAKingsSteve Kinda like when the Kings were stocked against Vegas?