The Kings and Coyotes plan to reap the benefits of their stay in Australia

Melbourne, Australia – The Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes had a great week in Australia, forgetting that the 2023 NHL Global Series – Melbourne marked the start of training camp for both teams.

An unusual training camp, sure, but a training camp nonetheless.

Which is why, at the end of two matches at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, coaches were pondering the impact the trip would have on their squad.

Kings coach Todd McClellan agreed after the 3-2 victory. “We wouldn’t have a mandatory vacation, we wouldn’t have lost training time because of the quality of the snow. But that’s okay, because there are advantages to this trip. »

One of these benefits: the connections players are able to make.

This is one of the reasons why both teams agreed to go to Australia. This is a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships, players get to know each other and become a cohesive team.

“It’s a great experience for our team,” said Kings forward Adrian Kempe, who scored twice on Sunday. “I think everyone is really excited to come here and discover a new country and play there. We developed great chemistry together. »

There are group activities, such as Coyotes players being split into groups and asked to dress in Australian-themed attire to an event where they play darts and darts. There was golf, restaurant dinners and other unique moments.

“I think these opportunities to spend time together, develop team spirit, do activities, have fun, laugh and work together will benefit us greatly,” Coyotes coach Andre Tourigny said.

But more than chemistry. There will be benefits in hockey as well.

“It’s a great opportunity to put our team together and play against another NHL team with a full roster,” Tourigny said. It was an opportunity to improve our understanding of what we need to do in various situations such as the neutral zone, forecheck, exits and everything in between. Many elements of our game system were tested. We were able to get to know each other even in a competitive environment. »

But the Coyotes and Kings face another challenge when they fly again Monday morning. They have to endure a second 15-hour flight and a 17-hour time difference. They must also observe mandatory holidays when they return to Phoenix and Los Angeles.

So rest is very important.

Because they need to start the engine quickly after that. They will analyze videos from matches in Melbourne and integrate what they have practiced in training to prepare for the season. Both teams will return to their full lineups for the first time on Friday, with the Coyotes facing the Vegas Golden Knights and the Kings facing the Anaheim Ducks.

“We’re going to get on the ice and get our rhythm back,” Tourigny said. Guys are rusty after a few days off. But for us, there’s a lot to learn about ourselves from these matches, from the little details, like our battles in the arc and the rhythm where we’re a little out of sync on the counter-attack, we can do better.

“In a way, it’s not negative. It’s early, it’s okay. »

That’s what matters most: Tourigny, McLellan and their respective teams are preparing for the regular season. They will leave Australia with a head full of memories and go back to work.

“When we get on the plane tomorrow, our sports science department, which is staffed with highly qualified people, will help us get back on our feet very quickly,” promised McClellan. It is the responsibility of each individual to take advantage of it and do what is appropriate to regain control quickly.

“We count on it. We cannot afford to let the players fall behind. »