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

If you’re a Los Angeles Kings fan, then you know that Hockey Fest ’09 starts tonight in Downtown Los Angeles with a live acoustic performance by Eddie Kowalczyk of the band “Live”. Despite the 100 degree weather, the Kings are looking to put on quite a show this weekend.

Saturday you’ll have the opportunity to meet Dave Taylor, Marcel Dionne and Charlie Simmer of the Triple Crown Line in person. The stories this group must have as they made up one of the best lines in Los Angeles Kings history. This is my must-see event for Saturday. Also featured will be an enforcer panel and an NHL experts discussion. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet some of your current Kings and get some long-awaited autographs.

Sunday is the coup de grace for any Kings Fan as Bob Miller will be starring in his own one-man show at the Nokia Theatre. In this special performance, Bob will re-live many of his favorite (and funny) Kings moments. I absolutely cannot wait for this one. Also on Sunday will be a panel on “Growing Up Kings” with Jim Fox, Luc Robitaille, Bernie Nicholls and Mark Hardy where they will talk about growing up in the farm system and finally making the team. At 10AM, there will be a discussion with Terry Murray, Dean Lombardi and Ron Hextall where you’ll get the “inside scoop” on what’s happening with the team. Think of this as a condensed Breakfast with the GM.

Of course, KingsCast will be there as part of the media giving you up to the minute updates on Twitter as well as the blog. We’ll be trying to get a few interviews as well for you. Also, we’re hoping to meet some of you this weekend and get your take on this year’s squad on video for Overtime. Thanks for all of the support this off-season!

For more information, and to purchase tickets to the LA Kings Hockey Fest ’09, click here. See you this weekend!

Kings fans, this off-season represents big changes within the LA Kings organization. There’s the impressive signings and trades that Dean Lombardi has made. The organization is openly talking about contending for the playoffs next season. Finally, Los Angeles is doing something very similar to what the Chicago Blackhawks did last season. You’d have to be living on a remote island if you haven’t heard about the Los Angeles Kings upcoming Hockey Fest ’09 being held on August 28-30, 2009 at LA Live.

Hosted by ESPN.com’s John Buccigross, this three-day event will feature a “one-man show” with Bob Miller, a Q&A with the Triple Crown Line, a speakers series with former Kings greats, live music with Eddie Kowalczyk, autograph sessions and much more. This event is like Tip a King on Red Bull and speed.

The Los Angeles Kings have packed so much into these three days that it’s like boot camp for the Kings fan. However, Hockey Fest is much more than a three-day celebration of all things Kings: it’s symbolic. Do you think they would have done this if all we had done in the offseason is sign Brian Wilsie 2.0? Exactly, the Kings want you to be excited about Kings hockey this season. The Chicago Blackhawks missed the playoffs in 2007-2008, held their own Hockey Fest that summer and went on to the Western Conference Finals. Now I’m not suggesting that’s going to happen for Los Angeles, but the playoff spirit is in the air and it’s time to jump on the train. Personally, I can’t wait to see Bob Miller’s one-man show. This is a Hall of Fame living legend of broadcasting live on stage. It’s going to be pretty special.

If you think your child will be born that weekend, see if there’s a way to switch that around. If you’re getting married that weekend: put. it. off. If you’re an LA Kings fan, this is an event not to be missed.

Now you know Team KingsCast will be there, what about you? What are you most looking forward to?

Keith Korneluk is a co-host on KingsCast. Follow him on Twitter