“The bottom line for me, I would have rather invested my money with Bernie Madoff than invest in Edmonton’s word.” – Dean Lombardi per Helene Elliott

“My history with players is that if I get a guy that wants to be traded, I probably don’t want him. I want the guy who’s hurt by the trade.” - Dean Lombardi per Dennis Bernstein

A well deserved dagger tossed by Dean Lombardi earlier in the month, and a sensible view on dealing with unhappy players during Mike Richards‘ introductory media event. Unfortunately, no player was hurt in the deal that sent Ryan Smyth to the Edmonton Oilers just over a month ago. Instead, June 26′s transaction quickly grew to become a nasty, lingering aftertaste throughout the Kings’ front office and fan-base that could be no more satisfying than a healthy punch to the gut. What’s the most distasteful part about the entire process and it’s result? Tough to rank ‘em from worst to worst-er, so let’s just compile a nice list:

1) At some point in Late-April until June, Ryan Smyth requested a trade out of Los Angeles,  to the f*cking Oilers and no one else  preferrably to the Edmonton Oilers.

2) Word got out, Smyth denied the allegations. Those allegations ultimately caused his nose to get even larger. #pinocchio

HOLY COW!

3) He says it’s for family reasons, Edmonton being a very familiar and friendly setting for his family, the Oilers being a comfortable and historic team to end his career with.

4) Dean Lombardi shows respect to Smyth by acting on his request, a quirky one at that, considering where the Kings and Oilers stand in 2011-2012 respectively.

5) Dean calls Oilers’ GM Steve Tambellini.

6) “Oh hey Dean, yeah not much, just being a huge douche. How have you been?”

7) They agree on a deal, giving the Kings forward Gilbert Brule and a 4th-round draft pick for Smyth. The Kings planned on dumping Brule once the deal was finalized, but you can’t dump a player that’s not cleared to play, RIGHT STEVE TAMBELLINI? Brule’s health conditions called off the reportedly done-deal, his history of head injuries, one of which a concussion he was still recovering from, and a rumor of depression as the cause. OK, there’s one down.

Number 8 still unsigned.

9) They agree on a deal after the initial deal they agreed on was no longer concurred upon. This time, it’s forward Colin Fraser and a 7th-round selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. This deal is actually finalized, just two days after the Gilbert Brule report. Fraser, however, was a player the Kings planned on keeping in their system. And what do you know, further analysis by the Kings’ medical staff after the trade showed his ankle fracture not properly healed, deeming him ineligible to play. Fraser’s facture was publicized, but the Oilers stated that he would be clear to play in just a few days. Word had it that the ankle may require surgery, and that it did, with Fraser going under the knife this week in Cleveland, Ohio – he is out indefinitely.

10) Dean Lombardi, 34 days after the trade, lands the blow I’ve been waiting for since June 26. Lombardi files a formal grivance to the NHL regarding Colin Fraser‘s health conditions at the time of his trade to Los Angeles.

“This is twice. There comes a point where you say this is wrong.”

Here’s the way it needs to go, the way it should go. It’s not “if” the Kings get anything from this lawsuit, but “what”. The trade won’t get revoked, Smyth is 100% done in Los Angeles, scratch that possibility off the board. What adds even more fuel to this fire is the proposed deal BEFORE Colin Fraser, the transaction falling short with Gilbert Brule due to last-minute medical revelations. Look at it any way you want, but the Edmonton Oilers attempted to deal two injured players in the span of two days. Excuse my french, but fucking up like that doesn’t happen to honest professional franchises twice in as many days. Sorry, but this is on Tambellini and the entire Edmonton franchise.

The grievance has been filed, which calls for NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to open his schedule for a hearing. Bettman, who analyzes and files all grievances has yet to set a date for the meeting. Don’t fall for the Red Herring, Gary. This is an obstacle for Bettman, unlike many would think. His decision sets a strong precedent for trade grievances from here on, an issue that hasn’t been addressed too often since the lockout. If we’re staying true to the rules, Lombardi and the Kings pay off from filing this grievance.

We’re not in Kansas City, yet: But the marketing released is warming up the approach to the start of the season. As touched upon a few weeks back, the Kings will make their return to Kansas City’s Sprint Center for a preseason contest after a one year hiatus from AEG‘s Missouri-based complex. This will be the farthest the Kings travel at that point in time, September 27, after a home-and-home split-squad series against the Phoenix Coyotes and an exhibition with the Anaheim Ducks at Staples Center. A promotional advertisement has been released for the affair, and tickets start at just $10 – The exact same price charged by the person who produced and edited the commercial. What a deal.

Let’s just go over things here:

Horrendously banal hockey metaphors – CHECK
Footage of a former King: Wayne Simmonds – CHECK
Footage of  that scumbag another former King: Ryan Smyth – CHECK
Footage of Tom Preissing as an Alternate Captain – WHAT (Seriously, look close)
Is that Jonathan Quick wearing an all-white mask? – Check, I’m not sure.
Horrendously banal hockey metaphors – CHECK
Like more than 30 Jarret Stoll highlights – CHECK

- – -

Hey, if you think John Ahlers and Brian Hayward are downright f*cking atrocious at calling hockey games, discretely present your stance by wearing four-leaf clover sunglasses.

Now we know where Bob and Jim stand, others seem to think it’s a pretty fair consensus as well.

Kings ‘Caster’s Ranked High: A contributing writer over at SB Nation provided solid insight into the TV broadcast teams associated with each NHL club, in ranking them from worst to best. According to the list, the Bob Miller and Jim Fox tandem are ranked at five-stars, which only includes three other commentator couples – the voices of the Nashville Predators, the Florida Panthers, and the Dallas Stars. Jack Edwards of the Boston Bruins is ripped to shreds in this piece, and it almost wasn’t enough. Man, – He’s just terrible, bottom line. And what do you know? Ahlers and Hayward are hit first, and deservedly so. Oh, and to my Red Wings buddy, who constantly degrades the in’s and out’s of the Kings franchise in comparison to that of Detroit’s, often slamming the Kings’ tradition. Well, looks like Ken Daniels, Mickey Redmond, and Larry Murphy are traditionally bad at calling games. Eat that cake, Arthur.

Swede Additions

Where there’s Vacancy: Now, the only sources I’ve been able to find are on European websites, forcing me to send along this news thanks to a few attempts with a translator. However, the news is reliable and %100 true. Bud Holloway and Oscar Moller are giving their career’s a shot in the Swedish Elite League for the time being, agreeing to terms with Skellefteå AIK.

For Bud Holloway, this is an outlet he needed to pursue because of his situation in Los Angeles, a situation that simply wasn’t the best for his personal doing. It’s a decision you’ve got to understand; Holloway has consistently produced at the AHL level the past three seasons, tallying 145 points (65 goals and 80 assists) in a Manchester Monarchs uniform since the 2008-2009 season. Not once has Holloway dressed in a regular season game for the Kings, he’s been battling a heavy slew of prospects at the wing position since he left the WHL. The Kings’ moves in the offensive department this summer didn’t help his outlook, either.

As for Oscar Moller, his rookie contract failed to reach agreement on negotiations, and the Sweden native returns home by inking a two year deal with the same club as Holloway, Skellefteå AIK. Moller, who dressed in Los Angeles for 87 games, could never cement a role with the Kings. In his time in a Kings uniform, Moller supplied 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists). Often shifting through various lines, Moller never clicked with a certain pair to seriously instigate a permanent spot on the roster. His stature has been one of his biggest setbacks, where his speed becomes undermined. He may be able to get first-step to loose pucks, or track down an opposing player who’s possessing the puck, but retrieving that puck was an issue with his size and strength. The SEL looks to be a smart move for Moller, where he’ll see an increase in skill level and a decrease in physical play – compared to the AHL.

Who’s taking bets?

If there’s a pool for preseason hockey that exists, the Fox Sports West site might be of help. We’re losing to the Anaheim Ducks on October 3rd, at Staples Center. *SIGH

“I’m telling you, it’s 3-2 Ducks over Kings in October 3 Exhibition.”

Welcome to Los Angeles, Mike Richards.

Taking a quick break here from “real life” and dipping into LA Kings hockey. Check out Gann Matsuda’s latest piece on Jake Muzzin. Is the guy ready to compete? Read here to find out!

EL SEGUNDO, CA — Last season, defenseman prospect Jake Muzzin came out of nowhere to make the Los Angeles Kings’ 2010-11 opening night roster, despite having playing in just one regular season game and 13 playoff games at the American Hockey League level in 2009-10.

Prior to that, the 6-3, 213-pound native of Woodstock, Ontario was a standout with the Sault Ste. Marie (Soo) Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for four seasons, scoring 15 goals and adding 52 assists for 67 points in 64 games with 76 penalty minutes.

That was when he caught the eyes of the Kings scouts. The result: the Kings signed him as an unrestricted free agent on January 4, 2010, to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Muzzin was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round (141st overall) in the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft, but had surgery to repair two herniated discs in 2005, and played sparingly in 2006-07—just 37 games.

Not wanting to take a risk on a young player who already had major back problems, the Penguins did not sign Muzzin to a contract, nor was he selected in the draft by another NHL team. Accordingly, he became an unrestricted free agent during the 2010 off-season.

Last season, Muzzin played in eleven games in two stints with the Kings at the start of the year, recording one assist, before being assigned to the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL (Kings’ primary minor league affiliate) for the remainder of the season on November 23, 2010.

At Manchester, Muzzin scored three goals and tallied 15 assists for 18 points with 39 penalty minutes in 45 regular season games. In seven playoff games, he scored three goals and added an assist.

Looking a year older and more mature, Muzzin participated in the Kings 2011 Development Camp earlier this month.

“Just in his appearance, he’s more mature,” said Kings head coach Terry Murray. “You can see the growth.”

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty

Honda Center might lose it’s NBA dates, too. Oh wait, they didn’t get that team.

“Ok Stolly, I’ve got two ruts and a puddle in sight. Send word back – ‘Stay to the right!’”

Most have heard about the lockout threatening the NBA‘s 2011-2012 campaign by now, but who would’ve known that the Association’s labor talks actually hold some interesting implications for the Kings? The NBA houses two clubs at Staples Center, two clubs that vacate a minimum of 82 dates each year. For every single one of those dates, the Kings’ playing surface sits under multiple layers needed for configuration of the basketball courts. And every single time it happens, the quality of that ice is constantly battling damage – not exactly ideal. Ice conditions at Staples Center could very well be on the upside during the coming season, a building that has a shaky resume for maintaining a quality sheet.

- – -

During the 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend festivities in Raleigh this past season, the players voted on the worst ice sheet in the league.

Here again for some quick updates regarding discussion in Monday’s Pork And Beans.

Guilty of riding an off-season glittered with overrated applause for his 5-point postseason performance.

Richardson Renewed: Just four days after the Kings agreed to terms with Alec Martinez, the only other arbitration threat for the Kings, Brad Richardson and the Kings did the same. Richardson’s raise sees him cashing in for $1 million next season, and $1.35 million in 2012-1013, an improvement from the $900,000 earned this past season. Sure, I moderately agree with the signing, but I was bothered with Richardson’s performance this season. I had high hopes last summer while coming off of an 11 goal, 16 assist campaign, those hopes weren’t fulfilled. The statistics don’t portray a sharp decline in performance, due to games played, but his presence was quite weak this year. Great on the forecheck and transition game, Richardson had trouble MAKING plays. He can initiate turnovers with his consistent pursuit to the puck, but he rarely gets to it, or recovers it. Richardson may be able to initiate quick transition with his movement without the puck, but there’s no threat when entering the opposing zone when he has the puck.  Whether it’s late decisions, opting for a top-circle wrist-shot instead of challenging the outside with his speed, or a giveaway dump-in where he’s overcome by strength, the execution just isn’t there.

Do not touch!

Concept for Ice at Staples Center in 2011-2012.

Training Seminar: I correct myself from my last blog, claiming the crown has been imprinted since the inception of Staples Center in 1999. For the first time since 2003, the artwork at center ice will require new stencils. I hope the maintenance staff, which unfortunately were quite difficult to speak with, are really frustrated with this change. As expected, it’s the Kings’ new primary logo. I heard back today from a Staples Center receptionist, who “claimed” to have followed up on my request, but the only word in her dictionary seemed to be “yes” – to everything. Probably just trying to get me off of the phone. But before that, KingsCast reader ULVkingsfan got me the credible source I needed. The 3D seat viewer on the official website has the new primary logo at center ice, which all but deems it official.

So, Dustin Penner‘s getting in shape, eh?

Party for Marty!

What say you, Drew?

Paint Job: Roll through the countless Kings headlines this summer, and one of the most important issues has been tossed to the side like downtown cab cards. I’ve made an attempt to tackle that forgotten topic, making a formal request to the Staples Center maintenance department late last week for some insight on the plans for the design at center ice this season. Since the Kings made the move to Staples Center in 1999, the center ice has logo has remained the same – the silver, purple, and black crown – the now defunct primary logo for the Kings. You’ve got to put your money on the ‘LA shield’ logo as the new imprint at center ice. However, cutting that logo down the center (for the red line) might be tricky, as the ‘LA’ isn’t exactly centered, and the crown below is a lot smaller, where the red line would eliminate a lot of it’s presence. Don’t expect to see any purple at center ice some September, but maybe this? I’d almost give the purple-less crown a better shot than the new primary logo, hopefully we’ll know soon. I’m expecting to hear back from a member of the maintenance department early this week. For those who are attending Development Camp at the Toyota Sports Center, send word this way if you’re seeing any changes to the artwork on their ice sheets.

Paid in due.

Martinez Renewed: No surprise here, the Kings avoided arbitration with defenseman Alec Martinez by agreeing to a two-year deal worth $1.475 million on Friday. Martinez, who was called upon in November from the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs, solidified his name on the Kings roster immediately. Martinez arrived in Los Angeles to provide a spark to the Kings’ 2nd powerplay unit, and that he did. Along with that came sound defensive coverage coupled with an above average offensive skill-set for a back-end player. Martinez, in his first full season in the NHL recorded 5 goals and 11 assists in 60 games during the regular season. That doesn’t scream success, but when you back it up with a +11 plus/minus, you’re talking about a key asset. Let’s not get started with the value of the +/- rating statistic, the guy is dependable on the blue line – that you cannot argue.

Court Date: Unlike Martinez, Brad Richardson hasn’t been as fortunate this summer. If the Kings and Richardson can’t come to terms by July 21st, the negotiations will be decided by way of arbitration. Richardson made $900,000 last season, and has just 10 days to see the Kings agree to improve upon those numbers. I agree with the Kings’ strategy thus far, as Richardson bothered me throughout most of the year. Numerous fans praised his postseason performance, but other than his forecheck and transition presence, I haven’t seen much else. He’s got trouble finishing plays, winning loose pucks, and triggering production. In 68 regular season games, a lowly 7 goals and 12 assists were in Richardson’s name. The guy pours out 8 points in the San Jose series, and fans love him. Haven’t seen anything good enough to demand a raise, I expect the Kings to take this contract to court.

Paper Chasin’

Business Approach: It’s taking a lot longer than most fans have hoped in Drew Doughty agreeing to terms on a new contract with the Kings. The kid wants money, and his agents Don Meehan and Mark Guy are pushing for a healthy pay-day. Reports have surfaced that Doughty is looking to become the highest paid player on the roster next season, where Anze Kopitar tops the list, due for a $6.8 million salary next year. Doughty is apparently looking for $7 million a year, while Dean Lombardi has offered something in the vicinity of $5.5 million per season. Taking contract negotiations personally as a fan is difficult not to do, but you’ve got to understand the strategy from Doughty’s camp here. Something will get done, Doughty will remain a King, and probably for quite a while.

Looks at the Rook’s

Development Camp: The first taste of 2011-2012 Kings hockey takes place tomorrow at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo. You can find the schedule and roster here, where most of the prospects withing the organization will be skating in preparation for Rookie Camp and Training Camp. Last year’s first selection for the Kings in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Derek Forbert, is questionable for participation. Forbert reportedly is dealing with a bad back, possibly stemming from his struggles with mononucleosis during his freshman season at the University of North Dakota last year.

Gann Matsuda is concluding his stories on LA Kings trainer Pete Demers. His latest talks about Demers’ departure after Dean Lombardi was hired. Always good reading for any LA Kings history buff!

LOS ANGELES — After a career with the Los Angeles Kings that spanned 37 years, starting with three seasons with their former American Hockey League affiliate in Springfield prior to joining the big club in 1972, head athletic trainer Pete Demers left the club after the 2005-06 season. But that came right after four straight seasons when the Kings were absolutely ravaged by injuries (see Retired LA Kings Trainer Pete Demers Recalls Record-Breaking, Injury-Filled Seasons, 2001-02 to 2005-06).

In two of those seasons, the Kings set unofficial records for man-games lost to injury, with 536 in 2002-03, a record they eclipsed in 2003-04 when they lost 629 man-games.

Those seasons were sandwiched between years when they lost 211 man-games to injury in 2001-02, and 366 in 2005-06 (the National Hockey League did not play in 2004-05 due to a labor dispute).

That is an unfathomable, mind-blowing 1,742 man-games lost to injury in just four seasons.

Although the Kings made the playoffs in 2002, losing their first round series against the Colorado Avalanche in seven games, they would fail to qualify for the post-season party until 2009-10, four seasons after Demers left the organization.

With more injuries than anyone could possibly imagine on top of some very poor hockey during that period, there was a lot to complain about when it came to trying to figure out what was wrong with the Los Angeles Kings. Not surprisingly, general manager Dave Taylor was fired right after the 2005-06 season on April 18, 2006, and was replaced by Dean Lombardi just three days later.

As many general managers do when they join a new team, Lombardi made changes in the front office and in hockey operations, cleaning house almost completely. He brought in his own people, not only so that he would be working with people with whom he was comfortable and familiar, but also to change the attitude and philosophy throughout the franchise.

But the house cleaning began before Lombardi’s arrival. Indeed, it started with Taylor firing head coach Andy Murray on March 21, 2006.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty

That’s it, we’re convinced. Gann Matsuda actually lived with Pete Demers during the 2010-2011 season. How else could he get this much good stuff? I hear Matsuda can make killer scrambled eggs. Here’s what Kings’ Demers had to say about injured seasons. Check it!

LOS ANGELES — Right wing Ziggy Palffy displayed great skill and speed when he played for the Los Angeles Kings from 1999-2000 to 2003-04.

Right wing Adam Deadmarsh was hard-nosed, physical, and was a very talented, determined, intense player for the Kings from 2000-01 to 2003-04.

Underrated defenseman Mathieu Schneider showed great ability to quarterback the power play for the Kings from 2000-01 to 2002-03.

Fans might have vivid memories of these and other Kings players from the early 2000’s. Then again, they might not. After all, so many of those players spent more time in the training room than they did on the ice—memories of them could very well be rather hazy up to ten years later.

Although this will undoubtedly bring up bad memories for many, the Kings lost a staggering, unimaginable 1,742 man-games to injury during those seasons (the National Hockey League did not play during the 2004-05 season due to a labor dispute in which the owners locked out the players).

In 2001-02, the rash of injuries began, with the Kings losing 211 man-games to injury. 177 were caused by contact, such as a body check, to go along with 15 muscle pulls or strains, three illnesses, and 16 other assorted injuries.

But even though concussions seemed to be the injury du jour of the time, only two players suffered concussions that season, right wing Nelson Emerson (22 man-games lost) and defenseman Philippe Boucher (one man-game lost).

Leading the team in man-games lost that season was Schneider, who suffered a hernia in November 2001, requiring surgery that forced him to miss 23 games, and center Eric Belanger, who missed 29 games after surgery to repair a badly sprained wrist, an injury suffered on January 15, 2002, against Nashville.

If you think 211 man-games is a lot, as the saying goes, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty

When Alexei Ponikarovsky is considered to be a GM’s ‘Plan B’ while musing the free-agent market, things aren’t good. When Alexei Ponikarovsky is shipped to Carolina simultaneously as  a ‘Plan B’ of Simon Gagne is inked in Los Angeles, things are downright stupendous.

What a fu*king train-wreck that Ryan Smyth deal turned out to be, eh? Might’ve been better off trading him for a bag of pucks, but chances are, those would’ve come with defaults too. We wouldn’t want Steve Tambellini sending fair product or anything.

But far more important are the stellar acquisitions Dean Lombardi executed this past week to land Mike Richards and Simon Gagne from the Philadelphia Flyers. The additions of Richards and Gagne add some serious credibility to the Kings being tabbed Stanley Cup contenders next season. If there’s reasonable dispute to that, th – - there is no such thing.

Out of Town

Alexei Ponikarovsky and Michal Handzus have found new digs, riding free-agency out of Los Angeles. Ponikarovsky has a new home with the Carolina Hurricanes, agreeing on a one-year deal worth $1.5 million. Good riddance, attributing for a lowly 5 goals and 15 assists in 61 games this season. Ponikarovsky, who was brought to Los Angeles to replace Alexander Frolov, was a non-factor all season long. Carolina may be Ponikarovsky’s final stint in the NHL, with the KHL likely to embrace the final years of his pro career. A more notable departure is that of Michal Handzus, who has commited to the San Jose Sharks for two years at a combined salary of $5 million. Handzus ends his 4-year tenure in a Kings uniform, marking his symbol with the franchise as a solid, dependable, 3rd-4th line centerman. He honored his quiet, under appreciated duty, and always with pure class. Unfortunately, the team is straying away from his need, which is not to say he doesn’t still belong in the league – just as San Jose has noticed.

Is this Wade, James, Bosh status? Just call 7 Cups with some smoke machines behind you.

Along with Ilya Bryzgalov, Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn found their way to Phildadephia, prime assets in the deal that brought Mike Richards to the Kings.

Philly West

Adding these two players to the Kings’ roster is absolutely outstanding, and has the writing on the wall to elevate the team to being a serious Stanley Cup threat. Richards brings a prominent name to the 2nd line centerman position, totaling 158 points in his last two seasons – including the postseason. He’ll add security for Anze Kopitar, who will most likely remain atop the centerman depth chart. When you’re talking Richards, you’re talking prominent – you’re talking elite. The Kings haven’t just added another offensive outlet, but one that instills a resume with serious playmaking ability.

After falling short in the Brad Richards‘ sweepstakes, the Kings agreed to terms with Simon Gagne for 2 years at $7 million. Gagne, who spent last season with the Tampa Bay Lighting, is coming off of consecutive 40 point seasons with 17 goals and 23 assists. Gagne, at this point, can be considered as a fixture on any of the Kings’ top three lines.

The Ryan Smyth deal couldn’t get any uglier, as reports are claiming that Colin Fraser is still recovering from an injury that will keep him out for the first four months of the season. Fraser was the second player offered in the Smyth talks, after Gilbert Brule was nixed from the initial deal for his concussion history. Man, talk about leaving a sour taste.

Gann Matsuda must have gone on vacation with LA Kings great Pete Demers because has been churning out the stories all summer long. Here’s his latest. Great stuff!

LOS ANGELES — In a 41-year career in professional hockey, Los Angeles Kings retired head athletic trainer Pete Demers has certainly seen and heard enough to fill the pages of a good-sized book, sights and sounds that fans and even the media would virtually never have access to.

Whether it was the pre-game rituals some players adhered to game after game, the practical jokes, humorous stories, or just memories of the different characters in and out of the training room, Demers saw it all in 37 years with the franchise, beginning with three years with Springfield of the American Hockey League (the Kings’ minor league affiliate from 1967-75 and 1977-79) before he joined the Los Angeles Kings in 1972.

“Every player will put one skate on before the other one,” Demers said about some of those pre-game rituals. “Some players like to get dressed really early before a game. [Former Boston Bruins all-time great defenseman] Bobby Orr would get dressed at 5:00. Some players come to the rink real early. [Former Kings forward] Ian Laperriere would come to the rink with us on the road at 3:30 PM on a game day.”

“Everybody’s different, that’s what make the job so much fun,” Demers added. “They have all these different things that they like to do. Some guys will take two cups of coffee, put ice in it and down it, just to get a little bit of caffeine. Some guys like a candy bar before the game. [Former Montreal Canadiens superstar forward] Guy Lafleur used to have a cigarette and a hot dog between periods.”

Some pre-game rituals simply do not lend themselves to any sort of comment at all.

“There was a player [who used] Vicks VapoRub,” said Demers. “Usually, you’d put a little under your nose, and it would give you a good feeling. This guy would take two fingers full and put it right on his tongue. That was his way of preparing for the game.”

Moving right along…then there were the characters in the game.

“[Former Kings goaltender] Mario Lessard was a fun guy,” Demers recalled. “I said to him, ‘one of these days, you’re really going to hurt your groin if you’re not doing any stretching.’”

“He said, ‘you can’t pull fat,’” Demers added with a laugh.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.