Prospect Watch: Nick Shore
RinkRoyalty will be reviewing the progress of Los Angeles Kings prospects every Wednesday as the season continues into full swing.
This week’s edition takes a look at centermen Nick Shore.
Nick Shore is a 6’1, 190 pound center from Denver, Colorado.
At age 16 Shore began his transition to elite hockey, moving from his midget team in Colorado to the United States Developmental Program’s National 17 and Under team. After 7 goals, and 13 points in 16 games, Shore was moved up to the USDP’s National 18U team.
Shore would finish out the 2008-2009 with the USDP’s National 18U team, playing 42 games and registering 10 goals, 21 points, 30 penalty minutes and a +3 rating.
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Another bonus for Shore in the 2008-2009 season, he was accompanied by his brother Drew. Making the Shore’s the first siblings to be in the USDP at the same time.
The next season saw an increase in production from Shore. Joining the team from the beginning of the year allowed Shore to participate in the World Junior Championships during the 2009-2010 season. At this point in time, Shore had elevated his junior hockey gamesmanship to the level of a point-per-game player.
In 39 games with the USDP’s 18U team Shore scored 13 goals, 37 points, an even rating and 30 penalty minutes.
Shore helped the United States win gold in the World Junior Championships in 2010. Shore played in all 7 games for the USA. Shore scored 3 goals, 10 points, 0 penalty minutes, and a +7 rating in the tournament.
In 2010, after junior hockey with the USDP, Shore enrolled in the University of Denver, where he would go on to play for three seasons. Nick Shore’s best year was his sophomore campaign, after his rights had been drafted in the NHL.
Shore was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the third round, 82nd overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Despite the selection Shore went back to playing hockey for Denver. During the 2011-2012 season Shore scored 41 points in 43 games, including 13 goals, and a collegiate career high of 28 assists. Shore’s 41 points were good enough for third on his team.
The next year Shore would lead Denver with 34 points, also leading the team in goals with 14, and tie with a teammate for the lead at 20 assists.
Last season Shore attended the Kings 2013 training camp, after officially signing an entry-level contract on April 13th, 2013. After camp Shore played for the Kings American Hockey League affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs.
Adjusting to the rigor and rhythm of professional travel, and the length of the schedule – the AHL can more than double the number of games the NCAA plays – takes time. Players need to adapt and find their comfort zone so they can focus on playing, and that can take time, depending on the player.
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Shore is no different. He’s not a phenom, it will take him time to develop. That’s not a knock against him. His first season of professional hockey his numbers dipped a little, that’s to be expected. The good news is after only one year, he’s stepping back up.
In the 2013-2014 season Shore scored 14 goals, a +18, 36 penalty minutes and 38 points in 68 games.
Shore is back playing for Manchester. In his second season in Manchester Shore is off to an impressive start. After 22 games the youngster is already approaching AHL career statistical highs. Shore is in a three-way tie for the lead in points on the Monarchs. Shore, Jordan Weal, and Brian O’Neill are all tied at 22 points.
Shore leads the team in goals with 12, good enough for second in the AHL. He also leads Manchester in plus/minus at +16; putting Shore in a three-way tie for first in the AHL . The next player on the Monarchs is O’Neill at +10.
Not just leading in points, Shore is finding ways to lead his team to victory. Manchester’s 5-2 victory over the Norfolk Admirals.
Shore is a scoring forward who has decent size. He’s not afraid to drop the mits, battle along the boards, or do the dirty work in front of the net either. That’s L.A.’s style. Shore may already be playing like a King, whether he knows it or not.
We’ll continue to watch’s Shore’s progress and development as the season continues. More likely than not he will stay with the Monarchs all year. Don’t be surprised if he makes a run at the NHL in 2015; if the Kings have salary-cap issues Shore could be the next young forward in Tanner Pearson, or Tyler Toffoli’s role.
Sep 25, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Nick Shore (37) in the second period of the game against the Anaheim Ducks at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports