Clarke isn’t gone for long

Noah Clarke’s return to Manchester never got off the ground Sunday. After being reassigned to the Kings’ American Hockey League team, Clarke was waiting to board his airplane when he picked up his voice mail.

As he was checking his bags and clearing security, Kings forward Scott Thornton injured his back while lifting weights. Clarke was recalled before he had left the city.

“The airline had already called Zone Two and I was Zone Three when I saw I had a message,” Clarke said. “It was [assistant general manager] Ron Hextall saying they needed me to get back right away.”

So Clarke rushed to uncheck his bags, which included his hockey sticks and skates. He managed to get his gear and return to Toyota Training Center in time to catch the last half of practice Sunday.

“The airline was very helpful,” Clarke said. “They even managed to get my suit bag off. The baggage guy said he was a huge Kings fan, who watched every game. He made sure I got my stuff.”

How long Clarke will postpone his trip east is uncertain, as the extent of Thornton’s injury is unknown.

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Tom Kostopoulos was going to be $100 poorer Sunday morning, but just who deserved that windfall made for a lively debate in the Kings dressing room.

Kostopoulos offered a cash prize for the biggest hit in Saturday’s game with the Minnesota Wild, and many were lining up to collect the dough.

Craig Conroy proclaimed himself the winner, after getting the better in a collision with 6-foot-7, 270-pound Derek Boogaard. Dustin Brown was in the running after several quality hits. Even Michael Cammalleri asked for consideration, though it was a short-lived campaign.

“I think Dustin had the quantity, but Craig had the quality,” Kostopoulos said. “It’ll go to Craig.”

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TONIGHT

vs. San Jose, 7:30, FSNW

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Kings 5-10-4, Sharks 13-5-0.

Record vs. Sharks -- 0-1-0.

Update -- The Kings are 0-5-1 against the three teams ahead of them in the Pacific Division, which includes a 7-3 loss to San Jose on Thursday.

Tickets -- (888) 546-4752.

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chris.foster@latimes.com