LA Kings Hockey Fest 2009 – Day 1

When you think of a city that would possibly host  a Hockey Fest, Los Angeles isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind. But with a rabid core of passionate and championship starved fans, and in a season that appears to finally be heading in the right direction, the Los Angeles Kings organization decided to stage the first annual Hockey Fest 2009 in celebration of this loyalty and in hopes of marketing the youthful core and hopeful future success to the city. Taking place in the heart of the Nokia Theater, also home of the Grammys, Hockey Fest converged for opening ceremonies in front of several hundred anxious and spirited fans in what hopes to be the start of a season of full of shiny trophies and merriment of their own.

On a hot and steamy day in the Los Angeles area, Kings fans and Angelenos marched down the streets of downtown with hockey on their minds. People of all ages, many adorning Kings jerseys and t-shirts, filled the grand arena of the Nokia in what kicks off the beginning of the Hockey season.

With interactive trivia games on the jumbo-tron, a video montage of classic Kings hockey moments and the presentation of players past, present and future, this epic all weekend event commenced. ESPN Hockey writer and analyst, John Buccigross, acted as MC, mixing humor and energy into the crowd of vivacious fans. In one of the most powerful moments of the evening, captain Dustin Brown provided his insight into what feels like the most tight knit and team oriented squad he’s ever seen assembled in several years of being a member of the organization.

With high hopes of making the playoffs and bringing a well deserved Stanley Cup to Kings fans, the organization brings to Los Angeles the first annual Hockey Fest which aspires to be only the beginning of long awaited success. KingsCast will be covering the much anticipated event this year with full media access, so keep an eye out for episodes of Overtime, Podcasts, blogs, photos and interviews with players and staff. Stay tuned…