A Q&A with Corey Elkins

On behalf of Norton Sports Management and player agent Scott Norton, The Hockey Guys were able to sit down and obtain a brief Q&A with Los Angeles Kings prospect Corey Elkins.

Elkins appeared in three games during the 2009-10 NHL season for the Kings, scoring 1 goal in a limited fourth line role.  However, his style of play and what he showed in those three games make him a candidate to make the big club out of training camp this season.

Fresh out of the NCAA where Elkins skated with Ohio State University, he stepped right into the American Hockey League (AHL) where he appeared in 73 games with the Manchester Monarchs. Over the course of those 73 games, Elkins notched 21 goals and 22 assists for 43 points.

And now, the Q&A:

AC: Cory, you received your first crack in the NHL this year appearing in three games with the Kings.  In those three games you earned your first NHL goal. First, what was it like to actually live out your dream and skate in the NHL and second, your emotions after you knew the puck was in the back of the net? I’m sure they were on override, but can you elaborate what kind of feeling it is to actually score a goal at the NHL level?

CE: It is hard to describe what the experience felt like.  It was a mixture of adrenalin, nerves, and excitement throughout the entire day.  On one hand I felt prepared and ready to play at that level, and on the other hand I was taken aback by the fact that I am actually playing in the NHL.  I suppose not many people get to have that moment where their lifelong dream comes to life. It was a pretty special experience.  I think it really hit me during the Canadian national anthem.  I had watched many games on TV in that building where you can hear the crowd singing louder than the guy with the mic.  Actually being on the bench to experience that in my first game was unbelievable.

My first goal in Calgary felt so good.  It was surreal and didn’t register for a few seconds after I scored.  I got the pass from Oscar and next thing I knew he jumped up about 3 feet off the ice to hug me.  That game I felt really involved. I was on the ice quite a bit and was doing some good things.  It was obviously very special to score my first goal, but it would have felt even better to have won the game.

AC: You had a fantastic season in Manchester with the Monarchs and got to play with a great group of players, many of which could be linemates or teammates with the Kings in the future.  Is there anyone you’ve gotten really close with?

CE: I honestly have a great friendship with every guy on that team.  It was one of the closest teams I have been a part of, and I think its a pretty rare thing to find at the pro level.  When I first signed with LA after my senior year of college I had the chance to spend some time with the Kings at the end of the 2009 season.  I hit it off with Oscar right away, and have been close with him since.  I roomed with Andrew Campbell last year and we got to be pretty close.  I spent a lot of time with Bernie and Zatkoff too.  Lots of guys lived in the same apartment complex so we spent a lot of time together.

AC: How comfortable is it knowing that having a goaltender like Jonathan Bernier stopping the puck between the pipes for you? Does it provide a boost for the team when someone of JB’s caliber is there to bail the team out when truly needed?

CE: Bernie’s presence in net simply makes you believe you can beat any team, any night.  Its a comforting feeling to know that your goalie can make virtually every save he should, and most he shouldn’t.  We won a lot of games because he was able to make ridiculous saves.  Its great for the locker room morale before during and after games.

AC: Earning 43 points in your first year of professional hockey, do you feel that you personally can take on the role of a top six forward within the NHL when the time comes?

CE: I definitely think I can.  I got the opportunity to play some good minutes when we were low on bodies and it gave me a chance to put up some points to help us win.  I think I can be a good offensive player at any level once I have some experience and learn the game, and the pace.

AC: Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?  And if so, are you superstitious and have anything that you do prior to a game no matter the magnitude?

CE: For me its just about routine. I eat the same things and try to take a good pre-game nap.  With the length of the season compared to college, superstitions can be exhausting. I try to keep it pretty simple and just make sure I have what I need to bring good energy and have good legs.  I do some visualization before games, but I’m still learning new things. I think everyone’s habits gradually change as the season wears on as you try new things and like or dislike the results.  With the ups and downs of a season, I just try to stick to the basics of preparing my body.

AC: Who were your role models/idols from a hockey perspective growing up? In other words, did you ever say, “I want to be just like “_____________” when I make it to the bigs?

CE: I always tried to take different attributes from different players; however, the main player I tried to emulate was Sergie Fedorov.  He is such a great skater and was exciting to watch.  He did so many things that no one else did.  Also Stevie Y.  I don’t think I studied Stevie as much as I did Sergie, but I admired everything about his game and his leadership.
Thanking both Norton Sports Management and Corey Elkins for their time. We hope you enjoyed the latest Q&A here with The Hockey Guys