Let's Go Kings!

Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings during warm ups.
Madison Square Garden, NYC.
Feb. 5, 2008
Supersampler.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a long time fan of the Los Angeles Kings. I know they've sucked for a long time, but I love 'em. Which makes me a very dedicated fan or an idiot. Not sure which. But as I said, I love 'em. I started watching the Kings in days of the purple and gold uniforms on the precursor to cable television, ON TV. There was just something that captured my imagination and held my attention. I wasn't sure what was going on, but I liked it. Soon after, the Kings made the big trade to get that Gretzky guy. Heard of him? Only the greatest the player ever. They also changed the color of the uniforms to the kick ass silver and black. And it was during this season that I attended my first hockey game. I was hooked after that. More and more hockey became a passion in my life. How can it not when you're watching the greatest player to play the game day after day. Plus, hockey is just a very beautiful game. Sure there's the whole fighting, big checks, and all that. But there is also the grace and skill of the players. It's the perfect combination. So, after that first game, I'm hooked. I'm watching every game on the television. Going to games whenever possible. Cheering the wins and the rare playoff wins. Groaning through the losses. Rode the wonderful wave of enthusiasm during the great run to the Cup finals in '93. Made my way to Las Vegas for the outdoor game. Then watched as the team fell apart with poor ownership and even worse personnel decisions. I stood by my team and still do to this day. I no longer live in Southern California, so I don't get to watch as many games as I would like. But I try not to miss the chance to listen to the radio broadcast of their games over the internet. The Kings will be missing the playoffs again this year. But for the first time in a many years, I'm feeling very hopeful of the team. Team management for the first time ever in the team's long history, seem determined to build the team through the draft and actually holding on to these players and letting them develop. This season these young players the teams had been stockpiling through some really awful years are starting to find their stride in the league. It makes me quite proud and very hopeful for the future. I really do hope to see a Cup win in my lifetime.

Michal Handzus of the Los Angeles Kings taking a shot during warm ups.
Madison Square Garden, NYC.
Feb. 5, 2008
Supersampler.