.

If there’s an off-day in the sport of hockey that deserves acknowledgement on an annual basis, that day is today.

Well, arguably in any sport.

You may or may not remember August 9th, 1988, but you are surely living in it’s unprecedented effect on the world of sports, and the growth of hockey. “The Trade of the Century” they’ve coined it, and it brought absolute gold to a struggling Kings franchise and opened an unknown world to the NHL.

The trade of Wayne Gretzky didn’t just legitimize Los Angeles as a hockey city, it proved that the sport could survive across the country, and seeded homes for more than ten NHL clubs in locations that were once ignored fueled by doubt in believing those regions could support hockey.

Shall we go South?

The NHL did, and rapidly. In ten seasons (’91-’99), the NHL planted ten franchises in Southern locations. Highly regarded as a Northern sport, the league hit states like Florida, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, added to California, and the Carolinas. Out of those ten clubs, nine of them are still successfully operating.

Yep, I’ll count Phoenix.

Then and Now

The Kings made franchise history this season, winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in the club’s 45-year existence. It is, undoubtedly the greatest achievement and milestone in Kings history, which poses an intriguing comparison, if you will.

Putting the 1967 expansion season aside, 1988 and 2012 are the franchise’s two most compelling years, the effects of both were spectacular, but in complete different ways.

Sure, Gretzky could never bring a Stanley Cup to Los Angeles, although he was very close – and did lead the Kings to their only other Stanley Cup Finals appearance before this season in 1993. But, his arrival in 1988 could be the reason it was possible for the Kings to attain the glory they did this year.

The Kings were shuffling through ownership change and a long string of losing seasons before Gretzky was traded from Edmonton, which brought along extremely low attendance numbers and little publicity.

The franchise was far from dead, but it was heading in the wrong direction, with no imminent turnaround in sight.

You shudder to think it, and it’s almost impossible to say it. But, are the Kings still a franchise in Los Angeles today without Wayne Gretzky? Likely, yes. Then again, there’s a chance he was actually the savior, which is what feeds into the franchise’s current state of success.

Local Legacy

Last season I sat down with Daniel Kim to get a local perspective on how Gretzky’s arrival in Los Angeles affected and shaped hockey in Southern California. Gretzky’s impact wasn’t just seen locally, but across North America.

The one thing that could trump Wayne Gretzky‘s influence on hockey in Southern California has done so, and that’s a Stanley Cup Championship. What Gretzky did, however, is more impressive.

Many youth hockey programs will likely see a boost from the Kings’ success this season, as will the overall sense of hockey in the area. It’s going to be a positive reaction, and if that reaction isn’t due or deserved, I’m lost at what is.

This will be a reaction that stems from a postseason run never seen before in hockey, and extremely rare in sports as a whole.

If you’re comparing that to one player, one name, one person, and a simple change in location for that figure, you’re talking someone and something that’s pretty damn special.

Special is something seen through your actions aside from your skill. Gretzky left the hallowed hockey grounds of Edmonton for a city that barely recognized his name or the sport. Gretzky left beaming success, coming off of his third Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, only to join the second-worst team in the NHL. He didn’t do it for money, and he certainly didn’t do it for guaranteed success.

What he did was different, and the sport embraced it.

With Wayne Gretzky, the whole dynamic changed.

August 9, 1988 – A Great Day – the 23rd Anniversary HERE
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.

Chalk up another challenge, chalk up the New Jersey Devils.

These clubs have seen each other just three times throughout the past two years, and not one time since October.

For the Kings, those dates with the Devils have brought very little success. However, it’s senseless to base the outlook of this series on recent history. Unless we’re talking the past month.

We’re talking a different head coach, and a completely, utterly different Kings team here. If not through growth and production, through their roster. Remember Trent Hunter and Ethan Moreau? Remember when Kevin Westgarth played? Oh god.

Remember when Terry Murray sat Jonathan Quick after three consecutive shutouts, only to see Jonathan Bernier get torn apart in a 3-0 loss to the Devils in October?

Actually, that wasn’t a completely terrible decision. It’s just easy to make it look like one now.

Red October: New Jersey has come as an ‘early-bird’ opponent for the Kings the past two seasons, all three of their match-ups coming during the first month of the regular season, that being October. In these games, the Kings have gone 1-1-1 against the Devils, including 0-1-1 this season alone.

Purple Daze: The New Jersey Devils already have two of the worst commentators in Chico Resch and Steve Cangialosi, and their graphics department hasn’t been stumping their performance. The MSG+ network is rocking the purple crown (above) like it’s last season. This gives me full-on justification for continuing with the throwback trend for a little while more.

Turning back the clock, :27 seconds left on the clock

Don’t just stand there, let’s get to it
Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it

- Season Series -

October 13, 2011 – Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

New Jersey Devils (2) – LA Kings (1) *Final/Shootout

Game Notes: The Kings would notch the first goal less than two minutes into the contest, Simon Gagne scoring his first goal in a Kings uniform. The Devils would tie the game later in the period with a goal from Patrick Elias. There would be no more goals until the shootout, the Devils ending things quickly in just two rounds. Jonathan Quick was stellar, stopping 36 of 37 New Jersey shots, including an absolutely stellar 3rd period and OT performance. Johan Hedberg would replace Martin Brodeur after the 1st period, and stopped all 16 Kings shots he faced. This was also the Kings first regular season game on North American soil, after starting the season in Europe.

October 25, 2011 – Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

New Jersey Devils (3) – LA Kings (0)

Game Notes: The Kings entered this game on a defensive tear, riding three consecutive shutout victories – all recorded by Jonathan Quick. Terry Murray chose to start Jonathan Bernier to give Quick some rest, and the backup was picked apart in a 3-0 loss, allowing all three goals in a six-minute span. Johan Hedberg started again for Martin Brodeur, who was injured four games prior against the Kings. Their fortune of luck against Hedberg wouldn’t change, the Kings failing to score on any of their 31 shots. This wasn’t just the end to the Kings franchise-record shutout streak, but the end to their hot start to the season. The Kings would begin to slip from here on out, going 1-5-1 in their next seven contests.

Missing asset

Devil Killer: He scored the only Kings goal against the Devils this season, and he’s been beating them his entire career. Simon Gagne, who is likely to miss the Stanley Cup Finals in final recovery from his concussion, is now skating with the Kings in practice.

Even if he is feeling physically well, Gagne hasn’t played a game in just over five months. To insert him into the lineup at this point is a major, major risk to take. For a player who’s been out for the length he has, with the injury he sustained, a solid two weeks of ice conditioning is needed at the very least. Why fix something when it’s not broken.

I’m not talking just getting back to full in-game shape, this hockey is at a completely different level right now. It’s not just playoff hockey anymore, it’s the Stanley Cup Finals. That takes mental and physical strength I just don’t see Gagne having right now.

Now, if the Kings get to the point like they have in the previous three rounds, the point where they see themselves with a 3-0 series lead, then I’m all for letting Gagne dress. Since he didn’t meet the NHL‘s minimum games-played requirement to get his name on the Stanley Cup if the Kings win, he needs to play in at least one Stanley Cup Final game to get that privilege.

By the way, out of all current NHL players, Simon Gagne has the most goals against Martin Brodeur with 19. It only makes it harder to say, but Gags has to watch this one from the seats – it’s only for the better.

Knowing New Jersey

Stopping Ilya: The much-maligned forward for the Devils, Ilya Kovalchuk, has had an absolutely astounding postseason run so far. With seven goals and 11 assists, Kovalchuk is riding 18 points heading into the series.

While he can be a liability defensively (tagging along with a -4 rating), he is a menace on the powerplay. Out of Kovalchuk’s 18 points, eight of them are on the man-advantage, in the form of five goals and three assists. The Kings, whose penalty kill has been stalwart, must keep Kovalchuk from finding any powerplay success.

Seeing Marty: Possibly the biggest story other than the Kings these playoffs is the play of Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur, who is heading back to the Stanley Cup Finals at the age of 40. The Kings saw Brodeur for just one period this season due to injury, scoring one goal on 11 shots.

Brodeur, who is carrying a 2.04 GAA and a .923 save % into the finals, has been helped by his offense quite a bit. If the Kings know what they’re getting from Jonathan Quick, Martin Brodeur could easily become New Jersey’s weak link if offensive pressure continues for the Kings.

Top-line grind: The line of Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, and Justin Williams must continue it’s forceful presence. Not only have they combined for four shorthanded goals, but 42 goals all together – in just 14 games. They’ve showed serious presence on both ends, also shutting down the defensive zone, carrying along a +32 mark. You may see Mike Richards‘ line paired up with Ilya Kovalchuk‘s to try and maintain the steady production of Kopitar’s line.

The last time the Kings played the New Jersey Devils, all things were looking up under the helm of Terry Murray…

Not. Look who’s up in this b*tch now

How about a Stanley Cup Finals series prediction?

C’mon Gretz, you’re killing my cool in front of everyone.

Kings in 5 games. I repeat, Kings in 5 (five).

Because, the time is– oh, that’s no good

Now there we go

But because, the Time is Now

LAK-PHX GAME 5 RECAP in Episode 163 HERE
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Check out the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs spot from the “Because It’s The Cup” series, featuring the Los Angeles Kings and their fans…a KingsCast & The Royal Half Production.

Guest blogger Dan Goodkin joins us with a new post about Hockey Fest ’11 coming up this weekend. You can follow him on Twitter at @dangoodkin.

Hockey Fest 2011 is only four days away!

After an incredibly exciting June and July for Los Angeles Kings fans, marked by the trade for Mike Richards and the signing of Simon Gagne, the summer settled into endless speculation about when Doughty would sign (it will be soon, right? Right?). Of course this summer also has to go down as one of the worst off-seasons for hockey.  So I recognize that my indignation and confusion regarding the announcement of the Kings alumni who will attend Hockey Fest is petty and insignificant in light of the real tragedies experienced by the hockey world over the past few months. Nonetheless I feel compelled to complain a bit and since I had to look up who some of these people were I figured I’d save some people some time and share the results of my research.

The announced alumni, subject to change are: Daryl Evans, Jim Fox, Mark Hardy, Bernie Nicholls, goaltender Gary Edwards, Glen Murray, Brandon Convery, Brad Norton and Ian Turnbull.

When I first saw this list I wondered whether it was a list of Kings broadcasters and wondered whether Bernie would be doing the sideline reporting in place of Heidi Androl. As I read further and recognized a few of the names, I had to wonder..well..why these guys?

Here is some information about the attendees and my grades for these selections:

Daryl Evans and Jim Fox, though significant and treasured parts of Kings history, are at Hockey Fest every year because they work for the Kings. Mark Hardy was an assistant for the Kings for years and now works for the Kings ECHL affiliate. So, I’m not impressed with any of the three attending. Grade: C (would be an A, but knocked down two grades for cheating)

Bernie Nichols is legit. He scored more than 30 goals in six straight seasons for the Kings (1983-1988), topped off by his 70 goal performance in 1988-89. He was the star of the team and I look forward to hearing from him and would be happy to get an autograph. Grade: A

Gary Edwards played five seasons for the Kings between 1971-1977 primarily as Rogie Vachon’s backup. As Vachon and Edwards were runners up for the Vezina trophy in 1975, he is a part of Kings history, although the lesser part, but how many times can the Kings make Vachon appear at these things? My answer would be every year until the NHL wises up and gives him his Hall of Fame jacket, but that’s a rant for another day. Grade: B

Glen Murray had a few nice seasons with 29 goals for the Kings in two out of the four that he played with the club. He went on to better seasons with the Boston Bruins, three times eclipsing the 30 goal mark (2001-2004). Still, I find myself wondering if Mr. Murray was involved in any defining or even interesting moment in Kings history. I suppose he was on the 2001 team that defeated the Red Wings, but did not score during that series. Grade: C

Now is where it gets bizarre.

Brandon Convery? Who? I had to look him up. He played 3 games for the Kings in the 1998-199 season. I don’t think there’s much more for me to say about this choice. I guess “once a King, always a King” doesn’t have a games played requirement? Grade: F

Brad Norton played for the Kings for a total of 73 games over two seasons (02-04) before fading into obscurity. I do recall Norton, mostly because he was a fighter (97 PIM in 55 games in 2002-2003 and 77 PIM in 20 games in 2003-2004) and because it was fun to shout “Hey Norton!” when he was on the ice, a reference to the Honeymooners. Other than that, his stint with the Kings was no more significant than say Matt Johnson, Steve McKenna or Ryan Flinn. This is the second time Norton has appeared at Hockey Fest. I guess he impressed the first time? Grade: D (not an F because I hope to be able to shout “Hey Norton!” when he is introduced.

Ian Turnbull played for the Kings for 42 games during his one and only season (1981-1982). He had a stellar career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, cementing his place in hockey history with the record for most goals by a defenseman with five for Toronto in a game against Detroit in 1977. If this was a Maple Leafs Hockey Fest, I would understand his inclusion. As it is a Kings Hockey Fest, I’m left to scratch my head and wonder. Grade: D (not an F because he holds an NHL record and that’s neat)

In summary, the alumni trotted out by the Kings this year is somewhat pedestrian and in other ways confusing. There are plenty of players that hold a dear place in the hearts of Kings fans and hopefully will be part of Hockey Fest in the future. But Brandon Convery? Come on.

Which Kings alum would you love to see at Hockey Fest this year?

 I

“Back-order my ass. Listen up hammerhead, my KingsCast Tee’s were supposed to be here three days ago.”

“You’re acting like there’s a Kings watch party at Hooters tonight or something. No man, because it’s f*cking August. That means McSorley’s on-call, buddy. How about taking one more look in that truck.”

PART THREE.

Déjà vu, for you: Our guest from Part II of today’s THREE-PART SERIES commemorating Wayne Gretzky‘s arrival to Los Angeles on August 9, 1988 joins us again for the final segment. Daniel Kim, who walked us through the happenings at the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center in his role as hockey manager, now talks about his hockey career which began in Los Angeles during Gretzky’s hey-day with the Kings, topping it off in the pro’s skating with clubs in the WCHL and ECHL. Kim’s timeline fits in perfectly with the Gretzky trade, a positive result of a successful hockey product raised in Los Angeles during the specific time period we’re shooting for. Gretzky can make you want to play the sport, but he can’t provide a shot in the pro’s. So really, Kim fits the specific example I’m looking for.

Kim (12) with the ECHL‘s Bakersfield Condors

- – -

Backdrop: There are few professional hockey players that originate from Korea, very few. If we’re talking the number of Korean’s to ever play in the NHL, we’re talking two. Kim’s family moves to Los Angeles from Seoul, South Korea in 1982, Tinseltown not exactly a booming hockey market, either. Well, Koreatown. Nice choice on location though, Koreatown is fucking awesome.

Kim picked up the sport ten years after the move to LA, three years into Gretzky’s stint with the Kings. As a youth hockey player in Los Angeles, Kim skated with two Midget AAA travel clubs, the Anaheim Junior Ducks and the Ventura Mariners. After that, Kim spent some time at the Junior level with Bay City Bombers, and then went Collegiate with Santa Monica College and West Los Angeles College. Kim did indeed ‘Live The Dream’ according to the true hockey player, making his way to appearances in both the WCHL and ECHL over a span of four years. Let’s get to the talk, shall we?

- – -

KingsCast: Daniel, you were born in Korea, where hockey is not considered a major sport by any means. Then, at the age of 3, your family moved to Los Angeles, a city where hockey isn’t a major sport for the locals. So tell us, how did hockey become such a major part of your life, and eventually your early career?

DK: “I started hanging out at the rink with friends during Public Session and I had a friend who played hockey and got me interested.”

KingsCast: Hockey’s a tough sport to get involved in if there’s little interest from your parents. Were they familiar with the sport when you started playing? Did they encourage it?

DK: “My Dad played soccer in Korea but didn’t know anything about hockey. My parents were very supportive when it came to sports and studies. My parents sacrificed a lot of time by driving me to pretty much every rink in southern California to get me on the ice. I remember my mom working all day, then having to drive over an hour in traffic to get me to a rink for practice. I didn’t realize the sacrifices that my parents made until I was much older.”

KingsCast: Wayne Gretzky’s move to Los Angeles definitely added more buzz to the sport on the West Coast, did his presence have any effect on your youth career?

DK: “I was a Dodgers and Lakers fan growing up because of the coverage they had on TV. After Gretzky got here, the Kings were getting more coverage and I started to watch hockey on TV. I didn’t know how to play, but I was watching Gretzky and the Kings on TV. Once I started playing hockey, I became more of a Kings fan.”

KingsCast: Did you notice an overall change in the popularity of youth hockey once the sport’s icon played for the Kings? Was there an increase of youth programs instilled in the city?

DK: “It’s unbelievable, the numbers of rinks and travel hockey teams there are now because of Gretzky. He had an effect on roller hockey as well, there even used to be the Wayne Gretzky Inline center where kids can try to play hockey.“

KingsCast: To be able to play professionally, you need to develop your skills around other talent. Was it difficult to find skilled opponents in LA? Was there a lot of traveling outside of the city for games?

DK: We were the only AAA team out of Southern California at the time, we were traveling at least once a month to Colorado, Western Canada, Seattle, and all the way to Alaska to find competition.

KingsCast: When did you know you had a shot at playing in the ECHL?

DK: “I really never thought about it. I played in the WCHL prior to the league merging with the ECHL. Once they merged, I just focused on getting a job without giving it a try. I was working in Bakersfield as a Hockey Manager and the Coach of the Condors knew that I had pro hockey experience asked me to play a some games for them while I worked there.“

KingsCast: You were lucky enough to play with two California-based teams, the Long Beach Ice Dogs and the Bakersfield Condors. Take us through the overall experience of getting the chance to play pro in your local state.

DK: “The experience was awesome. I was lucky to have my Friends and especially my parents at every home game and some road games. Being born in Korea, a lot of the local fans didn’t know that I was from Southern California. Which was pretty funny because they wanted to know how the Hockey in Korea was.“

KingsCast: Best moment, story, you can share with us from your pro hockey career.

DK: “My first pro game was the home opener in Long Beach, I remember I was so nervous standing in the tunnel waiting to come out. During the first home game they announce the players and we skate out of the tunnel. My number was 2 and they announced the names in numerical order so I had to go first. I remember saying to myself “Just don’t fall or run into the referees and I’ll be fine.” The game itself was a blur, but that moment I will never forget.“

KingsCast: First Kings game?

DK: Against the Pens at the Ingelwood Forum. My dad bought tickets to watch Richard Park another Korean Native from Southern California.

KingsCast: All-Time Favorite Kings player.

DK: Wayne Gretzky and Ian Laparriere.

KingsCast: Favorite current Kings player.

DK: Drew Doughty

- – -

Hoping Drew Doughty agrees to a deal soon, for both your sake and mine. However, I think I may have you beat here. Circa the IHL’s Cleveland Lumberjacks 1996-1997 season.

Richard Park and Jim Paek, the only two Korean’s to ever play at the NHL level, and on the same team. The Cleveland Lumberjacks were my team at a young age, skating in the city where I was raised, and playing at the highest level (IHL) within the city’s limits. Richard Park played in 50 games for Cleveland in ’96/’97, whereas Jim Paek dressed in 74 games during the ’96/’97 season. Considering my frequent viewings, and the fact that it’s mathematically impossible that those two never played together, I can more than probably say I’ve seen a pretty awesome part of hockey history. Ironically, Jim Paek played for the Los Angeles Kings. During the ’94/’95 season, Paek dressed in 18 contests for the Kings, racking up a goal and an assist, ten penalty minutes, and a -1 rating.

And there you have it, words from Daniel Kim, a prime example of success during the ‘hockey boom’ in Los Angeles. Contact today’s guest, information available in Part II, and check out the ice at the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center.

 

Hey you! What’s cooler than watching KingsCast, or reading KingsCast?!?

Easy answer, man. That would be: Watching KingsCast or reading KingsCast in your brand new awesome KingsCast T-Shirt. Gretzky probably would have done the same.

PART TWO.

In due celebration on this 23rd anniversary of Wayne Gretzky‘s trade to Los Angeles, we continue with today’s THREE-PART SERIES to celebrate the day that changed the game of hockey forever – August 9th, 1988. If you’ve missed out on Part 1, where the trade is analyzed along with it’s effect on the NHL, you can get it here. The NHL‘s expansion was the public’s broad view of Gretzky’s impact playing on the West Coast, but what about the city of Los Angeles itself? The sport’s popularity in LA certainly grew in the late 1980′s, early 1990′s as the Kings’ became more popularized around the city. But has it sustained consistency, with even more growth?

Kings’ logo revamp seems to be in effect, here.

- – -

During the past week, I had the opportunity to chat with Daniel Kim, the hockey manager at the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center. A pretty prominent figure at the rink, Daniel operates the many aspects needed to maintain successful youth hockey programs, also helping out behind the bench with the local travel team in Panorama City. The development of youth hockey in Los Angeles feeds straight back to August 9th, 1988, and the sport seems to continue to build on that growth. Without further ado, let’s check out a bit of the local youth hockey scene in Panorama City with Daniel Kim.

- – -

KingsCast: For those who aren’t familiar with the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center, can you provide a quick rundown of the facility, what it has to offer to the public, and how long it has been in existence?

DK: “We are located in the San Fernando Valley about 30 minutes north of Downtown Los Angeles. We offer 2 sheets of ice with a snack bar and pro shop located inside. We have Skate school, Sticktimes (drop in hockey or stick and puck), Pick-up Hockey, Freestyles, Public Sessions, Special needs hockey and Broomball.”

KingsCast: With your position as ‘Hockey Manager’ at the LAKVIC, can you describe to us what that job description entails on a day-to-day basis?

DK: “I manage all youth hockey that the rink offers including in-house hockey, hockey classes and clinics. I also help manage the facility by scheduling employees, booking and selling ice, and make the rink schedule on a weekly basis. I also coach the travel program the West Valley Wolves.“

KingsCast: Hockey is obviously the aspect we’re targeting in this piece, how would you describe the current youth hockey scene at the LAKVIC?

DK: “Family environment, we cater to the youth hockey players either travel or house players by providing them sticktimes and public sessions.“

KingsCast: Have the LAKVIC‘s youth hockey numbers increased or decreased since your inception as hockey manager? Do you know why?

DK: “With the help of our coaches the numbers have increased by providing a strong house progam which feeds the travel program.“

KingsCast: How has the hockey scene at LAKVIC been affected by the success of the Kings?

DK: “Our Mighty Mite(ages 4-6) and Try Hockey Free programs have grown due to the success of the Kings.”

KingsCast: Do you provide both youth house and travel leagues?

DK: “Yes, we have a 9-under and 10-older program for our house leagues. The West Valley Wolves is our A/B travel program and The California Heat is our Tier progam. The California Heat Peewee AA won Nationals last season.“

KingsCast: How and when did the LAKVIC become affiliated with the Kings and can you describe the partnership?

DK: “We got the deal from the Kings in February of this year. Basically it’s a cross promotion with brand marketing of the LA Kings.“

KingsCast: Can you give me a few names of players that are either playing at the junior level, major collegiate, or professionally that have come through your program?

DK: “There have been so many hockey players that has started their hockey careers here that moved on to the ECHL, USHL, WHL, D-1 College and Prep schools. Here’s a few. Matt Ford (ECHL), Billy Ruggiero (CHL), Darren Rowe (USHL), Shane Harper (WHL), Billy Blasé (Yale) and Merrick Madsen (Prep).”

West Hills, CA native Matt Ford (middle) with the AHL‘s Lake Erie Monsters

KingsCast: How do you promote hockey to the youth at the LAKVIC; Special programs, deals, Kings player appearances?

DK: “We offer “try hockey free”, we rent out equipment to the kids, so they can try hockey for free. We also have a Special Needs program which the Kings are heavily involved. Every year the Kings send at least 3 players to the rink at the beginning of the season. The kids can skate with them and play hockey with them.”

KingsCast: If parents are interested in enrolling their kids into programs, how do they contact you?

DK: “E-mail me at d.kim@lakingsvalleyicecenter.com, reach me by telephone at 818-893-1784 x 225.”

KingsCast: Which local LA-based rink did you play at as a youth, on your path to the ECHL?

DK: “Growing up I lived in Los Angeles, and every rink was 20-45 minutes away. So I played at pretty much every rink. Other than this rink, I played at Valley Plaza, Pickwick(Burbank), Iceoplex (Simi Valley and North Hills), Anahiem Ice, Riverside Icetown, Culver Ice Arena, Paramount, and Bay Harbor(Torrance).“

Fresh ice, Always nice.

Well there you have it, folks, head over to Panorama City and test the skates out – brush off that summer rust while you’re at it. Check out the official website of the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center for further information on the facility and the numerous hockey programs they offer. And of course, note Daniel’s information in the interview, get in touch with him to get involved in their hockey community. This isn’t the last we’ve heard from special guest Daniel Kim in today’s celebration of August 9th, 1988. Be on the lookout tonight for yet another interview with Daniel, as he shares the story of his path to playing professional hockey in the East Coast Hockey League.

“Wayne was traded for $15 million and five draft picks. I wouldn’t have traded him for an entire organization.” – Glen Sather

“I don’t think anybody really believed it would happen. And, when it did happen they (Canadians) were – you know, it was like the Prime Minister being sent to another country at that time.” – The same guy as Glen Sather

Where were you?: It happened 23 years ago today, a date that deserves to be celebrated for it’s colossal relation to our modern era of hockey. Whether it’s to honor the greatest transaction in Los Angeles Kings‘ history, or to honor the immense amount of positive change it rippled into the NHL‘s system, it’s a historical aspect of the game that deserves annual recognition.

Hold on now, there’s more: Wayne Gretzky put hockey on the map in Los Angeles and across the Southern half of the United States, which is why you’re getting hit with a THREE-PART SERIES to celebrate the occasion. We’re scoping out the trade itself in this article, followed by two interviews as I dig into the local LA hockey scene. Look out for an interview with the hockey manager at the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center in Part II. Then, to top things off, I’ll profile a former ECHL player, raised in LA, who crafted together a stint in the pro’s in Part III. Keep them eyelids peeled, folks.

Relocation Station

There’s no question, Wayne Gretzky‘s venture to Los Angeles planted NHL expansion to unfamiliar areas, the league hoping to feed off of the success the Kings’ franchise glorified in after the trade. If there’s anything to seriously symbolize the explosion of hockey in LA upon the Gretzky acquisition, it’s the Kings becoming the first professional sports team in Los Angeles to ever sell out it’s seats to every game in one full season. “KO-BE!” *Air Jumpshot* Air ball.

Expand, the NHL did, and in rapid fashion, which is probably why a few clubs on the map find themselves troubled. Am I the only one displeased that Round two in Atlanta couldn’t work out? Starting in 1991, three years after Gretzky arrived in LA, the NHL was planting teams on the Southern end of the country faster than your local nursery was potting tulips in April. Until 1999, a quick eight-year span, ten clubs were placed in the Southern half of the United States. Nine of the ten Southern clubs are still operating in their respective markets in a well-balanced group, some with a reputation of striking success, others scraping to stay afloat.

California, most notably, has had much success with the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks, two teams residing in the region where the NHL was reborn. Raleigh, NC and Nashville, TN have embraced their teams from the start, validating those moves. Florida seems to be getting by just fine, no booming markets in Tampa and Miami by any means, but they’ve seemed to make ends meet since their expansion. Hockey in the desert is running dry, the Phoenix Coyotes having to reach out to the taxpayers in Glendale for financial support – just to survive another season. As for Dallas, attendance numbers have been ugly as of late, and ownership is in the process of trying to sell the Stars. Overall, not too shabby of a result to the Southern experiment.

Get on the Buss, Execute the Deal.

In attendance for the 1985 NHL Awards, former Kings owner Jerry Buss reached out to former Edmonton Oilers‘ owner Peter Pocklington to express interest in Gretzky. On the night Buss approached Pocklington, Gretzky was receiving his sixth consecutive Hart Memorial Trophy, fresh off of the best season of his NHL career. In ’84-’85, Gretzky notched 73 Goals, 135 Assists, totaling 208 Points. Disgusting. Inhumane. If you’re looking for good timing, or the right place, don’t look here. It’s like trying to be in the right place at the right time, to propose a trade for Wayne Gretzky, and you’re going to the ’85 Awards to do it. Not your best bet, by a long shot. But it’s a bold move, and that had to stick with Peter Pocklington.

This may have been a ‘one last shot’ ordeal for Buss as Kings’ owner, as Bruce McNall began to purchase shares of the franchise in the summer of ’85, ultimately taking over full ownership in 1988. McNall followed up with Peter Pocklington about Gretzky numerous times, building off of his predecessor. McNall finally struck serious interest from Pocklington in the summer of ’88, as relations between Gretzky and the Oilers were scuffling through unhealthy contract communications.

Pocklington wanted cash: the Kings had cash. Pocklington wanted draft picks: the Kings handed over a full-line’s worth. Marvelous work by McNall here, who cashed in on a vulnerable Pocklington, who was working in the midst of frustration and panic about Gretzky’s contract. Not even five years later, McNall pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud, swiping $236 million from six banks on defaulted loans. Nice. Great job getting Gretzky to LA, though, man.

“We went from having 5, 6, 7,000 fans a night, to all of a sudden being mobbed, sold out every game, having celebrities running around locker rooms, you have President Reagan calling me for seats on the ice. It was the place to be, and the place to be seen.” – Bruce McNall

“Maybe hockey’s not LA’s #1 sport, but all of a sudden there was so much notoriety about Gretzky’s arrival in Los Angeles, some people called up right after the trade and said: ‘I’ve never been to a hockey game before but I want four season tickets.’ Ticket reps replied with ‘I don’t know where you’ll be sitting’. ‘I don’t care, here’s my credit card number, put me down for four’.” – Bob Miller

He may have won his four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, but Wayne Gretzky‘s broad-based legacy will forever be seen through his history with the Los Angeles Kings. When a player and a certain team can combine to be larger than four Stanley Cup championships, it was something special, and it still is something special. The impact Gretzky had on the NHL and the game of hockey is astonishing, he didn’t just put Los Angeles on the hockey map, he made it a landmark. His involvement in the game is crucial; a position in the NHL is open when he’s ready, and don’t believe for a minute that the Kings haven’t thrown out the offer.

“It’s like selling the Mona Lisa. You think it’s yours, and suddenly he’s gone. Wayne Gretzky put Edmonton on the map.” – Jim Matheson

More than just Edmonton, Jim.

The Los Angeles Kings continue their journey without Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. In this episode we talk a little about “true fans”, “faith” and winning the Cup as well as the Stars and Canucks games. Question of the Day: Will the LA Kings win a Stanley Cup THIS year?

The NHL‘s greatest hit the half-century mark today. Happy Birthday, Wayne. No player has had a greater impact on the game than Wayne Gretzky, no one. When you’re talking Gretzky’s legacy, it’s easy to look at the numbers and championships. But, what attains the most to his imprint on the game? August 9th, 1988; The trade that changed the NHL in extreme fashion. The shocking move from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings immediately had Southern California embracing the Kings. Gretzky left a dynasty built with four Stanley Cup championships, proven surroundings, and a booming hockey market in Edmonton. Although his tenure in Los Angeles never resulted in the success he had with the Oilers, the NHL embraced his presence to seed massive growth for the league. The controversial trade in the summer of 1988 is widely said to be the breaking point for hockey blossoming into all of North America. Since the historical transaction, California has added two clubs in the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks. Doors continued to open, attracting heavy expansion into tropical climates such as Tampa Bay, Florida, Atlanta, and Phoenix. His legacy shouldn’t be hanging in the rafters, it shouldn’t be in the form of a statue, it should be back in the league. New positions are being implemented among numerous front offices, the Kings’ need to make an effort to fit Gretzky into their operations.

Not only is Gretzky’s absence from the league disturbing, but the manner in which it happened lingers with a sour aftertaste. His dispute with the NHL eventually forced him to resign as head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, with internal issues left unresolved. Gretzky doesn’t need to make amends with the league, he probably shouldn’t even have to. The Kings’ should be talking to the displaced historical figure, offering a front office position. His unprecedented skill aside, Gretzky’s knowledge of the game was a major factor in his dominant 22 year career. His intelligence would be a vital asset to this prospect-heavy organization, Dean Lombardi could use the help. If you’re looking to add an advisor, I’m not sure there’s a better candidate. Efforts should be made to welcome hockey’s most historical figure back to this organization. He’d have full respect throughout the organization, a chance to work with former teammate Luc Robitaille, and return to Los Angeles; the city, the team, and the fans that embraced the most monumental figure to ever grace the game. Get the fishing rod out, Dean. Reel him in.

It may be over 91 degrees in Los Angeles but there is an unmistakable smell of hockey in the air. The regular season opens tonight with four exciting games on the schedule. On Saturday, October 3rd, the Los Angeles Kings will open their regular season at Staples Center against the Gretzky-less Phoenix Coyotes. But the Kings and the Coyotes aren’t the only teams playing on Saturday night. Every NHL team will take the ice on Saturday.

To celebrate, the National Hockey League has introduced a contest on Twitter they call the #NHLPick15. The rules are simple. First and foremost, you need to get an account on Twitter. Next, you need to predict the winning team in all 15 games played on Saturday, October 3. The one fan that picks all 15 games correctly will win a trip for two to a regular season game of his choosing. Ten other entrants will be selected at random to receive a free season of NHL GameCenter Live.

To enter, send a message to @NHL, and pick the 15 teams you think will win using the three letter team code below. You must include the hashtag “#NHLPick15″ to be entered, you must answer the tiebreaker question, “What is the total, combined number of penalty minutes that all 30 NHL teams will have in the games played on October 3rd?”

Here’s my entry into the contest:

@NHL CHI, DET, VAN, BOS, BUF, NJD, PIT, NYR, WAS, TBL, CBJ, NSH, CGY, SJS, LAK, 268pims #NHLPick15

Here’s the match-up for Saturday, October 3rd:

CHI @ FLA
STL @ DET
VAN @ COL
CAR @ BOS
MTL @ BUF
PHI @ NJD
PIT @ NYI
OTT @ NYR
TOR @ WAS
TBL @ ATL
MIN @ CBJ
NSH @ DAL
CGY @ EDM
SJS @ ANA
PHX @ LAK

For more information (including all rules in English and French), visit NHL.com.

KingsCast Take: The National Hockey League is taking the fans seriously. With teams taking to Twitter and Facebook to promote themselves, you can now interact directly various members of the organization. Gone are the days when you had to wait for the latest issue of The Hockey News to appear at your doorstep. Not only that but there are cool prizes given out almost daily by individual teams and the NHL. The push the NHL is doing in social media is huge and it’s great for the fan.

I know most of you interact with the Los Angeles Kings on either Twitter or Facebook so what is the coolest thing you’ve heard from the organization lately? Tell us here!

Don’t forget to friend us up on Twitter and Facebook. See you at Staples!