Enforcer Westgarth a nice tough guy | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Off the ice, hockey enforcers tend to be among the most articulate and interesting people you’ll ever meet.

Kevin Westgarth, who will replaceRaitis Ivanansas the Kings’ resident tough guy, is a Princeton graduate with a degree in psychology. Westgarth, who signed with the Kings as a free agent in 2007,blogged for The Hockey News last seasonand provided interesting insights into life in the minor leagues.

He used his fists to make a statement Tuesday in fighting Ducks enforcerGeorge Parros, a fellow Princeton alum with a finance degree and a sometime Fabulous Forum blogger. According to The Sporting News,Parros is the fourth-smartest athlete in sports— and a South Bay neighbor of Westgarth’s.

The next night,they went out to dinner. Of course.

Westgarth said Thursday that he doesn't have the athletic bragging rights in his own household. He gave that honor to his fiancée,Meagan Cowher, daughter of former Pittsburgh Steelers coachBill Cowher. The couple met at Princeton, where she played basketball and led the Ivy League in scoring twice and was the first player in the program to be a first-team all-league selection three times. They’ve set a wedding date for next summer.

“She’s actually the real athlete of the family. She’s the best player,” he said. “I’m looking forward to having kids and retiring on what they end up doing.”

Fourth line still has spots open

Kings CoachTerry Murraysaid he’s still deciding who will join Westgarth on the fourth line.Brad Richardsonwas slotted there until second-line left wingScott Parseinjured his groin and toe but Richardson lately has moved up alongsideJarret StollandJustin Williams. The fourth line in Thursday’s practice wasKyle Clifford,Brayden Schennand Westgarth.

Richard Clune,Trevor Lewis,Andrei LoktionovandJohn Zeilertook turns on another line and remain in the mix for spots. Schenn and Clifford are 19 and would have to go back to their junior teams if they don’t make the Kings’ roster.

“With the young players still here, Schenn, Loktionov, I clearly want to use them while they’re here,” Murray said. “Clune and Zeiler and Lewis are here and I’ve got to play around with that and try to get the best looks that I possibly can.”

Source