Monarchs Insider: Rick Laurendeau again gets the call

MANCHESTER – Rick Laurendeau is getting the call again.

The 1990 Manchester West graduate was signed to a professional tryout agreement with the Manchester Monarchs for last night's game against Providence at Verizon Wireless Arena. Laurendeau was called to duty because Monarchs starting goalie Jonathan Bernier is being kept out for precautionary measures with a wrist injury.

"Bernier's been playing so well, it's unfortunate for him," said Monarchs head coach Mark Morris. "He was going to start tonight but (Jeff) Zatkoff is ready to go." Zatkoff got his third start of the season and Laurendeau will act as the backup as he has several times in the past.

"He's been with us a few times. Hopefully we won't need him tonight or anytime soon," Morris said of Laurendeau. "I'm sure it's a thrill for him to get into a Monarchs uniform once a year."

►Monarchs blank Providence (1)

Laurendeau is 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds. He was a standout at West and went on to play at Plymouth State.

The setback is a tough one for Bernier, who was has been the Monarchs' top player this season. He is 5-1-0 with a 1.34 goals-against average and .963 save percentage. Bernier helped Manchester blank Bridgeport 2-0 Friday night, stopping 40 shots to earn his second consecutive shutout.

"I feel great. I'm playing my game right now," Bernier said after Friday's game. "I'm just trying to work hard in practice and keep that up. It's been good for me. It's been the team too, I can't say it's all me."

Bernier had a strong camp in Los Angeles before being sent down late. The Kings top goalie right now is Jonathan Quick, who has been solid but not spectacular with a record of 6-3-0 and goals-against of 3.01.

Kings backup Erik Ersberg has started one game, a loss to the New York Rangers in which he gave up four goals. Bernier might be the better option right now to be in Los Angeles, but by keeping him in Manchester it allows him to play and stay sharp.

But there's not much doubt that Bernier will get his shot in California at some point this season.

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ZEILER GETS ON THE BOARD: Monarchs right wing John Zeiler scored his first goal of the season on Friday night, breaking through for his first point of the year as well.

"To see John Zeiler score is very heartwarming," Morris said. "He's a kid with a big heart and to be rewarded for that is great to see."

Hard work is the hallmark of Zeiler, who has never scored more than 28 points in a single season.

"I play the same way every night. My game doesn't change much. I go out and work hard, get hits, play smart defensively, get chances here and there," Zeiler said. "It's about time I put one in the net and get it out of the way. Hopefully I can keep contributing on the board."

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ASSESSING THE TROOPS: Monarchs general manager Ron Hextall was in town this weekend to get a look at the team first hand.

"It's an evaluation essentially of the hockey team and the coaching staff, different aspects of the organization," Hextall said. "I try and get out here once a month for five to seven days and see what's going."

In addition to getting a closer look at the players, Hextall also closely monitors the coaching staff and goes over his thoughts with them about the players and systems.

"(I see) how the practices are run. You can learn a lot just by being around the team, seeing the mood and where their heads are at," Hextall said.

With a steady stream of talent moving up from the Monarchs to the Kings every year, relations are good between Manchester and Los Angeles.

"No question. Between our development program and here in Manchester, we're extremely happy," Hextall said. "We look at the team and we've got a lot of guys on this team right now we feel have a good shot at playing in the National Hockey League."

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Ian Clark covers the Manchester Monarchs for the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News. His e-mail address is iclark@unionleader.com.