This weekend the Kings will take on their in-state rivals in the 2025 Golden State Rookie Face Off. From the OHL and Ontario Reign players, there are several young players vying to make their mark. With all these players aiming to one day make the Kings official roster, who are the biggest standouts to watch? Let’s break down which prospects will showcase their potential.
Defenseman Henry Brzustewicz
With the 31st overall pick in the first round, the Kings selected Henry Brzustewicz. Now it’s time for the first showcase of what the defenseman can demonstrate under the Kings radar. From 2024 to 2025, Brzustewicz’s progression skyrocketed in every category as a player. At 18 years old, Brzustewicz recorded 34 more points than the previous season, which caught the attention of Los Angeles.
The Rookie Face-Off is an opportunity for Brzustewicz to take the ice against higher level competition. The AHL has more physically developed players who will test the toughness of the young defenseman. This weekend is a test for Brustewicz to display his defensive attributes against more skilled skaters. For Brustewicz, this is a chance to improve his speed and intensity to better prepare him as an NHL prospect.
Forward Liam Greentree
The most hyped player on this Face-Off roster is OHL forward sensation, Liam Greentree. During the 2025 season, Greentree recorded 119 points, which was third most in the OHL. At 19 years old, Greentree is a prolific scorer and is the most promising prospect on the Kings board. Along with his scoring ability, Greentree has elite puck handling and high hockey IQ.
The 2024 first round pick is making his second straight appearance in the Face-Off to show how much he’s improved as a player. Greentree has exemplified that he can dominate the OHL, but now he has to translate those skills onto a bigger stage. The young forward must lead this offense and prove he can be elite against AHL players as well. All eyes are on Greentree for this face-off, and it’s time for him to show why he can lead a bright future for Los Angeles.
Goaltender Carter George
Last season in the OHL, George recorded a .909 save percentage with the Owen Sound Attack. He played well enough to be called up by the Ontario Reign for two games. While the sample size is small, George accumulated a .984 save percentage through his AHL stint. The journey to the AHL didn’t just start in the OHL, but it started in the 2024 Golden State Rookie Face-Off.
The experience against AHL level players allowed George to sharpen his mobility and lateral movement. George used his speed to become one of the most effective goaltenders in the OHL and adapt to a higher league like the AHL. Now that the 19-year-old has another opportunity in the Rookie Face-Off, an extra leap is expected this season. This face-off could lead to George becoming dominant in the AHL and a consideration for a call-up to the Kings.
