Prince Albert Raiders defenseman Landon Kosior is coming off a successful development camp with the NHL's Los Angeles Kings. (Keith Hershmiller/WHL)

By Rob Mahon

Kosior Kings Camp

Confident Kosior returns from Kings development camp

Aug 30, 2021 | 5:33 PM

Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Landon Kosior was more excited than nervous going into his first NHL development camp with the Los Angeles Kings. Coming out of camp, he felt confident about his showing at the skates.

Kosior attended Kings camp as an invitee from Aug. 23-27, joining a list of players littered with top-ten NHL draft picks and highly touted prospects. He was one of 11 defencemen in camp, six of whom were invitees.

“It was lots of fun and I think I was just super lucky to have that opportunity,” Kosior said. “I was able to take advantage of it. It was lots of fun to work with some of the top development coaches in the world and some of the top players in the world.”

Kosior’s whirlwind week included a meeting with L.A. Kings general manager and former NHL all-star Rob Blake, and regular practices against top-calibre competition. The pace didn’t phase the 19-year-old Regina native, however.

“Anytime you can play with guys that were high picks and you fit in, it’s going to boost your confidence,” Kosior said. “It’s nice being out there with those guys because you can pick up a few tips from them and take some of the things they do and put it into your game.”

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Before leaving for camp, one thing Kosior wanted to show off was his willingness to sacrifice his body. A well-known body checker, he also said he wanted to block more shots in this camp.

“I thought I actually did a great job blocking shots at camp,” Kosior said. “That was one thing I wanted to work on this summer was block a few shots while I was there. Another thing was my speed. I did well in the speed tests while I was there and I think that’s one of the strengths of my game is my skating.”

The Kings haven’t yet told Kosior exactly what they want him to focus on for the season ahead, though he has a Zoom call scheduled with them this week. His travel schedule, which included returning to Saskatchewan at about 3 a.m., isn’t done yet either as he’ll soon be on his way to Prince Albert for the Raiders’ upcoming golf tournament.

“It’s the first time actually I’ve flown by myself,” he said. “But I enjoyed it.”

Kosior will be entering his third season with the Raiders. The 2002-born defenceman is eligible to play this season and next with the club.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP