Kings Article: LA Kings LW Prospect Joel Lowry’s Hands Need To Catch Up To His Mind

[FrozenRoyalty]

After suffering a setback last season during his rehab after back surgery the previous year (while playing for Cornell University), Los Angeles Kings left wing prospect Joel Lowry had to play catch-up, while everyone else was in mid-season form.

But Lowry found his game late, and was a solid contributor during the Ontario Reign's playoff run last season. making an impression on his coaches, and the Kings' front office.

For details on what they all think about Lowry, including exclusive comments from Lowry, Reign head coach Mike Stothers and Kings Vice President, Hockey Operations Michael Futa, check out...

LA Kings LW Prospect Joel Lowry’s Hands Need To Catch Up To His Mind

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[PJ Kings Hockey]

he’s a student of the game. He’s got that same burn in his eyes that his Dad had when he played, and he’s got a hockey mind that’s special. He’s got an NHL hockey IQ, there’s no question about that.”

“Your hockey mind is an incredible strength when you read the game as naturally well as he does,” added Futa. “There’s certain guys who have to look at the playbook and commit it to memory. ‘Am I in the right spot?’ He’s always in the right spot because he has such a good feel for the game on the defensive side of the puck and the offensive side. But when you’re talking about back surgery, he’s so far behind, from an experience standpoint—it was a bit of a stationary bike race for a little while with him. Now, he’s starting to make some strides, but his body now has to catch up to his mind.”

Lowry's been one of the under-the-radar prospects because of being a college guy and then being sidelined due to his back injury. Glad to start to get to know who he is and what he brings to our team. The Trevor Lewis comparison gives me an idea. With potentially losing Dowd and Mersch and not getting Watson this season, we know that Brodzinski, Amadio and Lowry are going to have to step up. Stutts' decision to have Brodz and Lowry assume leadership roles in rookie camp is a passing of the torch among prospects with a possible NHL future with the Kings.

Thanks for the interview, Gann.