search

50 Facts About La Kings

Asia Schroeder

Written by Asia Schroeder

Published: 19 Dec 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
50-facts-about-la-kings
Source: Kget.com

Did you know the Los Angeles Kings have a history that spans over five decades? Founded on June 5, 1967, the Kings were part of the NHL's first major expansion. From their early days playing at the Long Beach Arena to their current home at the Crypto.com Arena, the Kings have seen it all. With iconic players like Wayne Gretzky and Anze Kopitar, the team has experienced both highs and lows. They’ve won two Stanley Cup titles and have a dedicated fan base. Let's dive into 50 fascinating facts about this storied franchise.

Key Takeaways:

  • The LA Kings were founded in 1967 and have won two Stanley Cup titles. They've had iconic players like Wayne Gretzky and Anze Kopitar, and are actively involved in their community.
  • The Kings have a rich history, with legendary players and a dedicated fan base. They focus on developing young talent and making strategic moves to stay competitive in the NHL.
Table of Contents
01Founding and Early Years
02Team Identity and Colors
03Iconic Players and Milestones
04Achievements and Championships
05Leadership and Coaching
06Notable Trades and Acquisitions
07Player Milestones and Records
08Fan Base and Community Involvement
09Future Prospects and Development
10Strategic Moves and Fan Engagement
11The Kings' Legacy

Founding and Early Years

The Los Angeles Kings have a rich history that dates back to the late 1960s. Let's dive into their origins and early milestones.

  1. Founding: The Los Angeles Kings were founded on June 5, 1967, after Jack Kent Cooke was awarded an NHL expansion franchise for Los Angeles on February 9, 1966.
  2. Expansion Team: The Kings were one of the six teams that joined the NHL during the 1967 expansion, along with the California Seals, Minnesota North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues.
  3. First Game: The Kings played their first game on October 14, 1967, at the Long Beach Arena, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4–2 in front of 7,023 spectators.
  4. First Home Game at The Forum: The Kings hosted their first game at The Forum on December 30, 1967, but lost to the Philadelphia Flyers 2–0.
  5. Home Arenas: The Kings played their home games at The Forum in Inglewood, California, for 32 years before moving to the Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles in 1999.

Team Identity and Colors

The Kings' identity has evolved over the years, but some elements have remained iconic.

  1. Team Colors: The original team colors were purple (later officially called "Forum Blue") and gold, chosen because they were colors traditionally associated with royalty.
  2. Name Origin: The name "Kings" was chosen by Jack Kent Cooke to give the team an "air of royalty."
  3. First General Manager: Larry Regan was named the first general manager in franchise history before the 1967 NHL expansion draft.
  4. First Head Coach: Red Kelly, a left winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs, was set to become the Kings' first head coach but was acquired by the Maple Leafs during the expansion draft, leading to a trade involving Ken Block.
  5. Early Years: The Kings played their first two seasons at both the Long Beach Arena and the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena while awaiting the completion of The Forum.

Iconic Players and Milestones

The Kings have had several legendary players who left an indelible mark on the franchise.

  1. Player Nicknames: Players like Bill "Cowboy" Flett, Eddie "The Jet" Joyal, Eddie "The Entertainer" Shack, and Real "Frenchy" Lemieux were introduced to the Los Angeles area with nicknames coined by Jack Kent Cooke himself.
  2. Successful Phase: In 1988, the Kings traded with the Edmonton Oilers to acquire their captain Wayne Gretzky, leading to a successful phase of the franchise that raised hockey's popularity in Los Angeles.
  3. Stanley Cup Finals Appearance: The Kings made their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 1993 but lost to the Montreal Canadiens.
  4. Division Title: The Kings won their sole division title in 1990–91 under the leadership of Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, and Rob Blake.
  5. Stanley Cup Titles: The Kings have won two Stanley Cup titles, in 2012 and 2014, under the leadership of head coach Darryl Sutter and captain Anze Kopitar.

Achievements and Championships

The Kings have had their share of glory, especially in recent years.

  1. Conference Championships: The Kings have won three conference championships, in 1993, 2012, and 2014.
  2. Presidents' Trophy: Despite their success, the Kings have not won a Presidents' Trophy, which is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.
  3. Minor League Affiliates: The Kings have minor league affiliates in the Ontario Reign (AHL) and Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL).
  4. Current Ownership: The team is owned by Philip Anschutz and Ed Roski, who purchased the Kings in 1995 for $113.5 million.
  5. Current General Manager: Rob Blake serves as the general manager of the Kings, having previously played for the team as a defenseman.

Leadership and Coaching

Strong leadership has always been a cornerstone of the Kings' success.

  1. Current Head Coach: Jim Hiller is the interim head coach of the Kings, following the departure of previous head coach Todd McLellan.
  2. Current Captain: Anze Kopitar has been the captain of the Kings since 2017, leading the team through various seasons and playoffs.
  3. 50-Goal Scorers: The Kings have had six players score 50 goals in a season: Marcel Dionne, Charlie Simmer, Luc Robitaille, Jimmy Carson, Wayne Gretzky, and Bernie Nicholls.
  4. Marcel Dionne: Dionne was traded to the Kings in 1975 and became the first player in franchise history to score 50-plus goals in one season. He recorded five consecutive seasons of 50-plus goals during his tenure with the Kings.
  5. Charlie Simmer: Simmer was drafted by the California Golden Seals in 1974 and joined the Kings in 1977. He had back-to-back seasons with 56 goals, becoming the second King to reach the 50-goal milestone.

Notable Trades and Acquisitions

The Kings have made several key trades that shaped the team's future.

  1. Wayne Gretzky: Gretzky joined the Kings in 1988 and immediately hit the 50-goal milestone in his first season with the team. He led the Kings to their first division title in 1990–91 and was a key player in their successful phase.
  2. Luc Robitaille: Robitaille played for the Kings from 1986 to 1997 and was a key member of the team during their successful phase. He scored 50 goals in the 1988–89 season and was known for his scoring prowess.
  3. Rob Blake: Blake played for the Kings from 1990 to 2001 and was a key defenseman during their successful phase. He was also the general manager of the team from 2007 to 2014.
  4. Stanley Cup Wins: The Kings' Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014 were historic moments for the franchise, marking their first championships in franchise history.
  5. Conference Championships: The Kings' conference championships in 1993, 2012, and 2014 demonstrate their consistent performance in the playoffs over the years.

Player Milestones and Records

Kings players have set numerous records and achieved significant milestones.

  1. Player Milestones: Players like Marcel Dionne, Charlie Simmer, Luc Robitaille, Jimmy Carson, Wayne Gretzky, and Bernie Nicholls have achieved significant milestones in their careers with the Kings, including scoring 50 goals in a season.
  2. Trade History: The Kings have been involved in several significant trades throughout their history, including the acquisition of Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers in 1988.
  3. Coaching History: The Kings have had several notable coaches, including Red Kelly, Bob Pulford, and Andy Murray. Current interim head coach Jim Hiller continues to lead the team.
  4. Ownership Changes: The Kings have had two significant ownership changes: first, when Jack Kent Cooke founded the team, and second, when Philip Anschutz and Ed Roski purchased the team in 1995 for $113.5 million.
  5. Arena History: The Kings have played in two major arenas: The Forum in Inglewood, California, for 32 years, and the Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles since 1999.

Fan Base and Community Involvement

The Kings have a dedicated fan base and are actively involved in their community.

  1. Fan Base: The Kings have a dedicated fan base, with a significant number of expatriates from both the Northeastern United States and Canada contributing to their support.
  2. Media Coverage: The Kings are covered by various media outlets, including Bally Sports West, KCAL-TV, iHeartRadio, and Tu Liga Radio 1330 AM.
  3. Team Performance: Despite their early struggles, the Kings have consistently improved over the years, with notable performances in the 1980s and 1990s under the leadership of Wayne Gretzky and other key players.
  4. Community Involvement: The Kings are actively involved in the Los Angeles community, participating in various charitable events and initiatives throughout the year.
  5. Youth Development: The Kings have a strong focus on youth development, with programs aimed at promoting hockey among young players in the Los Angeles area.

Future Prospects and Development

Looking ahead, the Kings are focused on developing young talent and maintaining their competitive edge.

  1. Player Development: The Kings have a robust player development system, which includes working with minor league affiliates to identify and develop young talent.
  2. Front Office Leadership: The front office of the Kings is led by general manager Rob Blake, who has a deep understanding of the team's history and current operations.
  3. Coaching Philosophy: The coaching philosophy of the Kings emphasizes a strong team defense and balanced offense, which has contributed to their success in recent years.
  4. Player Leadership: Players like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty have been instrumental in leading the team both on and off the ice, demonstrating strong leadership qualities.
  5. Injury Management: The Kings have a comprehensive injury management system, which helps the team manage player injuries effectively and maintain a competitive roster throughout the season.

Strategic Moves and Fan Engagement

The Kings are always looking for ways to improve their roster and engage with their fans.

  1. Offseason Moves: The Kings make strategic offseason moves to improve their roster, often acquiring key players through trades or free agency.
  2. Fan Engagement: The Kings engage with their fans through various initiatives, including fan contests, social media campaigns, and community events.
  3. Historical Milestones: The Kings have achieved several historical milestones, including becoming the 10th franchise to have a player score 50 goals in a season and winning two Stanley Cup titles.
  4. Legacy Players: Players like Marcel Dionne, Charlie Simmer, Luc Robitaille, Jimmy Carson, Wayne Gretzky, and Bernie Nicholls have left a lasting legacy in the history of the Kings, contributing significantly to the team's success over the years.
  5. Future Prospects: The Kings continue to look towards the future, with a strong focus on developing young talent and making strategic moves to maintain their competitive edge in the NHL.

The Kings' Legacy

The Los Angeles Kings have carved out a significant place in NHL history. From their founding in 1967 to their Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014, the Kings have experienced both highs and lows. Key players like Wayne Gretzky, Marcel Dionne, and Anze Kopitar have left lasting marks on the franchise. The team's commitment to developing young talent and engaging with the community has built a loyal fan base. Moving from The Forum to the Crypto.com Arena marked a new era, solidifying their presence in Los Angeles. With a focus on strategic moves and strong leadership, the Kings continue to be a formidable force in the NHL. Their journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the enduring spirit of hockey. The future looks bright as they aim for more milestones and championships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year were the LA Kings founded?
LA Kings hit the ice for the first time in 1967, joining the NHL as part of a big expansion that doubled the league's size.
Who owns the LA Kings?
Billionaire businessman Philip Anschutz, through his company AEG, took ownership of the team in 1995, sharing the reins with Ed Roski Jr. until Roski sold his stake.
Have the LA Kings ever won the Stanley Cup?
Absolutely! The team clinched the prestigious Stanley Cup twice, first in 2012 and again in 2014, marking memorable moments in their history.
What colors do the LA Kings wear?
Over the years, their uniforms have seen various color schemes, but currently, they sport black, silver, and white, a palette they've embraced since the late '80s.
Who is the LA Kings' biggest rival?
Without a doubt, it's the Anaheim Ducks. Matches between them are fiercely competitive, known as the "Freeway Face-Off," highlighting the rivalry between Southern California's NHL teams.
What's the home arena of the LA Kings?
They play their home games at the Staples Center, an iconic venue in downtown Los Angeles, which they've called home since 1999.
Can you name a famous player from the LA Kings?
Wayne Gretzky, often called "The Great One," is probably the most famous. His arrival in 1988 skyrocketed the team's popularity and left a lasting impact on the franchise.
How can I follow the LA Kings' games?
Fans can catch the action on various platforms, including local sports networks and NHL streaming services. Social media and the official LA Kings website are also great for updates and game schedules.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.