There were already several dozen spectators at Los Angeles Kings practices this week, but on Saturday, while many people were off, hundreds attended the team’s pre-game preparation, then at that of the Florida Panthers, at the Videotron Center.
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«[Vendredi]when we arrived, we went to eat at the restaurant,” said forward Patrick Giles, as he left the ice rink. “People came to see us, they congratulated us.”
Head coach Paul Maurice was delighted to play the last preseason game at the Videotron Center, in front of a crowd that promises to be perhaps a little smaller than that of Thursday, certainly, but in front of stands that will still be almost full.
Photo Didier Debusschère
He will present almost complete training to Quebec hockey fans. Sergei Bobrovsky will be in net,
“There will be an energy in the amphitheater that will make this exhibition match much more fun, much more meaningful for us,” said Maurice. “We are going to play a match with much more intensity.”
Closest to the NHL
Sam Bennett will not be in uniform, like Quebecer AJ Greer, but Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart will face the Kings.
Paul Maurice has already visited Quebec in recent years. In 2016, he was Ralph Krueger’s assistant with Team Europe during the Hockey World Cup. “We spent part of our training camp here. We also ate a few flights here!” he said.
Photo Didier Debusschère
“We were able to enjoy the city, which I love,” Maurice continued. “It’s always good to be able to play matches in Canada. We are lucky to play our last preseason game here.
“And people are also lucky [que ce soit notre dernier match préparatoire]. We’re going to roll our bench like it’s a season game. “It’s the closest thing to an NHL game here this season.”
“It’s a superb amphitheater. I love this city and it’s great to be part of an event that people will enjoy so much.”
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