Names like Greentree, Brzustewicz, and George might be dominating the headlines in recent months, yet the Kings prospect perhaps best positioned to make some serious noise over the coming season is defenseman Angus Booth.
If you’ve never heard of him, that’s somewhat to be expected. Originally selected in Round 4 of the 2022 NHL Draft, Booth was plucked out of a pond LA scouts simply don’t go fishing in very often. Although the CHL is comprised of three separate Canadian junior hockey leagues, Booth is LA’s only QMJHL prospect among their 40 most recent draft picks. In fact, over the Kings past 12 draft classes — a group of more than 80 picks in total — they’ve only selected a QMJHL player twice. The other one was Jordan Spence, a fourth rounder in 2019.
Just 21-years-old, Booth carries himself like a seasoned veteran. Throughout his 2024-25 rookie campaign as a pro, then-coach Marco Sturm consistently offered praise of the budding blueliner — from the early days of training camp, right on through Ontario’s last game played. See some of those positive comments here, here, and in the video below:
Now prepping to begin his second season in SoCal, Booth is keenly aware of what some might call the elephant in the room. So much so that he actually brought up the topic when reflecting back on last year’s appraisals.
“That was huge to me, to hear all that positive feedback from some very high-class people, such as Marco and [Chris Hajt], and a lot of the Kings management,” Booth told Mayor’s Manor. “That meant a lot to me, but we all know about the second-year slump or the sophomore slump, as they call it. I really don’t want to fall victim to that issue. So, I’m just starting fresh. I’m not worrying about last year, good or bad. Just starting new and feeling good again.”
Well, it’s one thing to say it, but how does one actually go about avoiding such a thing?
“I think you just don’t want to think about,” he went on to explain. “The more you think about it, the more it could happen. So, I think you just focus on the moment. You practice, you play hard, you do what you’re going to do usually, and it should… it should be avoided.”
Consistency was a hallmark of Booth’s play for Ontario. Thus, we’re not expecting any sort of regression. Actually, progression in his game is far more likely. And new Reign coach Andrew Lord appears to have similar thoughts, as he shared Booth is among a small handful of players he’s already identified as candidates to wear letters at this weekend’s Rookie Faceoff games in Irvine.
“He contacted me soon after the announcement came that he took the job,” Booth shared. “We had a good conversation then, but I knew of him just because he’s been around a couple times already at these camps when he was Greenville’s head coach. On the phone, we had a good call, then the past few days we’ve had some good talks too.”
With one day of practice already in the books, Booth says he ready to build upon that in Friday’s final tune-up before facing San Jose on Saturday.
“I had a good summer,” he remarked. “I rehabbed my injury from last year, and then once I figured it out, then I just got on with my regular summer training. I feel great. I probably took a couple weeks off [after the playoffs] and then got right to it. Near the beginning of August or so, I like to take a little break there before I get going for real.”
Overall, he feels like he’s more ready than ever before — with much of that confidence is derived from familiarity.
“I think it makes a huge difference,” noted Booth. “Obviously, you know what to expect, and you’re way more comfortable. In these pressure situations, you have a lot of eyes on you. And when you’re new here, it’s the fear of the unexpected. But now? I expect pretty much everything. I know what’s happening. I know where to be and where everything is. So, I feel comfortable. I still need to do what I do on the ice, but that’s second nature to me.”
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