Valicevic Will Try to Make Most of Return

Forward Rob Valicevic, who was signed as a free agent in August, had a solid training camp for the Kings and thought he had a good shot of making the team when the season began.

But unfortunately for Valicevic, the Kings’ coaching staff didn’t feel the same way and sent him to the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League.

“I knew that it could have gone either way if I was going to be here for the start of the regular season,” said Valicevic, 30, who played most of the previous three seasons with the Nashville Predators.

“But when I was sent down to Manchester, I just went there ready to play because I knew whatever was going to happen was going to happen. I have no control over that. It’s taken a while for me to get it but I’m older now and I understand things better. You have to be ready when the opportunity arises. I knew that I’m playing my best hockey now.”

Valicevic’s stay in the minors didn’t last long. A week into the season, King Coach Andy Murray made a quick change when he assigned center Randy Robitaille to the Monarchs and recalled Valicevic to add more toughness to the roster.

“It definitely happened earlier than I expected and for me, that’s fantastic,” said Valicevic, who didn’t play in the Kings’ recent two-game trip.

On Saturday, Valicevic saw his first action when he centered a line with Craig Johnson and Ken Belanger. Valicevic didn’t score, but he tried to play with the same physical style that got him to the NHL.

“I’ll just stick with the style of play that I am used to and that’s getting it in deep, grinding it out,” Valicevic said. “Working hard every shift, every night--that’s my game. I understand that I’m not a player with a lot of talent but I feel that I can bring a lot of heart and energy.”

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The Monarchs, the first minor-league franchise the Kings own, won their first game with a 6-3 victory Saturday over the Norfolk Admirals. Robitaille had two goals and one assist.