I’m blogging and I’m not even on the roster!  Some of you may think I am a ghost in Manchester because I was announced during the actual players’ introductions on Opening Night but didn’t skate out and I’m technically not on the Monarchs roster.  I am real.  I am Rich and I was on the bench during the open that first night.  Technically I’m on the Kings injured reserve list out in LA but I’m rehabbing here in New Hampshire and starting to practice with the team.  I am one of a number of new faces who will wear a Monarchs uni this year.  I am coming to my second AHL organization as Dallas and LA made a little flip-flop this summer which was beautiful.  I’m on the shelf with this rib injury for a couple more weeks.  Some guy hit me from the side into the boards against the Coyotes in the preseason out in LA.

A little background on me – things kind of never went smoothly in Dallas’ organization as I was a much different person and player at that time.  My game matured under Dave Allison in Iowa.  I think he’s helping out Colorado right now.  Smart organization.  So I am in Manchester now and have settled into a condo with another one of the walking wounded, Justin Azevedo.  He’s a great player...keep your eyes open for the little puck wizard.  He’s even better in the video game NHL ‘09.  We always give Cliche and Lewis a lesson in humility in some online X-Box action.

For the last six weeks, I have made some steady progression in this little hiccup.  I can’t reveal when I will make my debut in a Monarchs jersey because I don’t even know.  I’m feeling good but ultimately it’s going to be up to the coaching staff, right?  I look forward to earning my ice time when I get cleared to play.  I am very excited to play in front of the New England fan base.  It’s going to be a good experience to play in front of a knowledgeable fan base who knows the game as good as anyone.  I think it will hold me even more accountable to working hard which is always a good thing.  I like the group of guys we have around the room.  It’s funny – I’m hanging out with another Westgarth!  I feel like I know the guy due to the fact I lived with his brother Brett in Iowa last year.  He’s a scary dude much like the one we have here.  They are both good people.

I’m impressed with the potential this group has this upcoming season.  I am impressed with the opportunity the coaches give the players to do their thing and have an “earn your ice” theme going on.  I am excited to skate with guys like Purcell and Gauthier.  They both play a puck-possession game in the offensive zone.  That’s something I need to do this year.  Last year, it was pretty much me fighting my way out of the dog house with Dallas.  But hey, it toughened me up.  I am here to compete and live in the moment.  I can’t wait to get the boards rockin’ at the Verizon Wireless Arena!

Here’s my Video of the Week!

Ciao

-cluney-