NHL lockout: Kings' goaltender Jonathan Bernier signs to play in Germany

Goaltender Jonathan Bernier has agreed on a contract with second division German club Heilbronn Falken, and the Los Angeles Kings' player is expected to play this Friday, according to the Toronto Sun.

The Kings' backup goalie heads overseas to stay in game shape as the NHL lockout reaches a month in age. Heilbronn Falken coach Rico Rossi told the Toronto Sun that the lockout came at a good time for them, as the club is in desperate need of a goalie.

"We had to act quickly after the injuries to (goalies) Kevin Nastiuk and Domenic Bartels," coach Rico Rossi told the Toronto Sun. "So the NHL lockout came at just the right time because it is not every day that you can attract such a star to Heilbronn."

A 24-year-old from Laval, Quebec, Bernier was drafted No. 11 overall in 2006 but couldn't win the starting goaltending spot with Jonathan Quick's strong play that led the Kings to a Stanley Cup victory this past season.

In 2011-12, Bernier went 5-6-2 and had a goals against average of 2.36 with a saves percentage of .909. Bernier is 20-17-5 in his career.