Below is one last video for the day, and a really cool one, as it chronicles the Stanley Cup’s journey to Staples Center last night. It was neat that the handlers took a detour and drove it past the Forum on the way downtown.
What a 24-hour period it has been. Congratulations to all of you for being rewarded for years, and in many cases decades, of loyal support of the Kings. One of my best memories of Game 6 will always be the guy who was standing in the back row of the 300 level, right in front of my press-box seat. For most of the game he stood, both palms on top of his bald head, as though he might lose his head if he didn’t hold onto it. By the final minute, people everywhere were hugging, and I’m pretty sure some of them even knew each other. So, for me, that was the neatest part of the night, along with seeing the families of the players and staff on the ice, and seeing so many people who have worked in/around the organization for years get to experience a special night. If I start listing names, I’m certain to forget some important people.
On a personal level, I thought about two sportswriting friends. Matt McHale was my predecessor at the Daily News, and later my editor. He was never quite sure that covering hockey was my best career path, but when he saw the success we were having with the blog, he provided the most encouragement. Graig Woodburn wrote for the Riverside Press-Enterprise and, later, The Associated Press. His dedication to hockey (and fitness) was such that would often ride his bike from Santa Monica to El Segundo to cover practice. Matt died in 2008 and Graig died in 2010.
Again, enjoy it everyone. Thanks, as always, for all your support. And shave, for goodness sake.
Shaving now, thanks Rich!
[Reply]
very cool, ya know i STILL cant believe this has happened D: this is almost too good to be true
[Reply]
Jstin Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
@Kings Fan In Temecula, Right? I’m worried I’ve been hallucinating@
[Reply]
BigIslandKingsFan Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:08 pm
@Kings Fan In Temecula, You mean that I wasn’t just having THE MOST WONDERFUL DREAM in a long time?
YES ! ! It is REAL and OUR TEAM has won the hardest trophy in all of sports ! ! ! !
CHEERS !!
[Reply]
Rich, thank you so much. You have made everybody feel so much closer to their dreams by covering this team in such a wonderful way.
You will always be remembered when i think of the KINGS FIRST STANLEY CUP!!!!
[Reply]
how awesome is thursday going to be….?!?!?!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
@variable,
invariably awesome, my friend.
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@Duncanz, whoa i see what you did there
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@Shakes,
he’s always the clever one, ain’t he…?!
FemaleFan #1 Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:12 pm
@variable, I was online right at 6 to try and get tickets but they are all gone!!! I will DIE if I miss it!! Does anyone know where a lil lady can get 2 tickets?!?! PLEEEEASE?!?!
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
@FemaleFan #1,
yep…there all gone…
what….?
in like 12 seconds….?!?!?!
geeez…
[Reply]
FemaleFan #1 Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
@variable, I was on EXACTLY at 6pm and zero seconds!!! I’m on my ticket brokers site right now and the prices start at $90 and go all the way up to $340!!!! These people are dirty!!!
Edward Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 9:59 am
@FemaleFan #1, Did you subscribe to the King’s email newsletter????? If you did, you would have gotten a newsletter email with a code and a link to get the tickets. SST had first crack at 10, followed by the VIP Kings email newsletter subscribers at 2 followed by the general public at six. I got on at 2 and I tried about 20 times in 20 minutes to get tickets with no results. Finally I was able to get through and get my tickets so it took patience and determination. I assume that most tried once or twice and gave up but for something like this, you keep trying even if it means doing it all day. The tickets were run by ticketmaster so I assume that their bandwith or whatever may have hit overload at those times…..sorry you didn’t get tickets, I feel bad for everyone. Kings should have set up something in front of Staples and use the outdoor pavillion up near the top of the building to hold the rally for all to see. That is what the blackhawks did when they won it, but it was at City Hall. Again, I don’t know why some didn’t get tickets but I know that some didn’t try hard enough. One thing, we have seat assignments, so that is probably one reason why some got shutout.
[Reply]
DBking Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:16 pm
@variable, It’s disgusting to me how people are reselling these tickets for hundreds of dollars when they are given out free by the team. I really want to go but out of shear principal don’t want to pay more than $20 for a ticket that was given to someone else!
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:33 pm
@DBking,
i couldn’t agree with you more…
[Reply]
FemaleFan #1 Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:31 pm
@DBking, Maybe we could appeal to Rich somehow. I mean, I know he doesn’t run the show but maybe!! Half of those people that are gonna be in there Thursday probably never even watched a Kings game til this postseason! So unfair that veteran fans get left out….and I’m with u. When I checked the ticket sites, I was willing to pay $20. But $100-$350?!?! I was insulted. I am so devastated to miss it. I wanted so badly to be a part of this…to share it with my family. I feel robbed. (I’m not a drama queen, I swear!! Just been waiting SO long for this) =…..(
[Reply]
Rich, I think I speak for thousands of us Insiders when I say that your daily insight, stories, and articles have been a very special part of this very special run.
Thank you for your dedication and hard work…only fitting that you epitomize the team you cover.
We finally have our cup…Go Kings Go!!!
[Reply]
pautna Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
@evan, Agreed!
[Reply]
I am begging anyone out there I have to get these tickets for my whole family I need 6 tickets I will try at 6pm for four but I don’t know what to do.
Please
[Reply]
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
@PalmSpringsKingsFan, Are there any insiders who can bail out a diehard fan…rich? anyone
[Reply]
Diego Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:09 pm
@PalmSpringsKingsFan,
Tried for 1 or 2 to help you out, no luck here.
[Reply]
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:31 pm
@Diego, thanks pal I am sad
[Reply]
diehardkings22 Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
@PalmSpringsKingsFan, the only people that seem to have gotten seats are the scalpers at the ticket agencies that want to rip Kings fans off by selling 300′s for $150 each. I can’t believe the Kings would let this happen to the most loyal fans in the NHL. Shamefull that the ticket agencies got access before the fans!!!!
[Reply]
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:26 pm
@diehardkings22, This totaly blows.. I may not be a season ticket holder but I have spent thousands of dollars on this team. I could not be more sad after the the happieness of victory last night.
If anyone has any ideas please email me desertplumber@dc.rr.com I am still going but will be punished for my loyalty.
[Reply]
Thank you, Rich, since the hockey season started in Oct., you site is the one I have to visit everyday. Thank you, thank you, thank you, have a nice summer vacation, I’ll see you in October, again.
[Reply]
They put them in that hotel?!
[Reply]
Rich,
I said this to you two years ago at the Kings/Ducks Poker Challenge, and I want to say it here again.
Thank you for all that you do on the blog.
My experience as a Kings fan, especially during these playoffs, would not have been the same over the past several years without your coverage.
[Reply]
Really touching tribute to your sportswriting brethren Rich. And thanks to you for all you do!
[Reply]
JGSmall Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
@Rich, When I was 8, my parents took me to a Kings game in Long Beach followed by several at the Sports Center. Eventually they got season seats at the Forum and I watched from the $2 seats in the rafters. They we season seat holder number 4404 and sat in section 12 Row B seats 1&2. In the early years they posted hand drawn pictures during the warmups. One of these mini posters was snapped by the King’s photographer and became the cover of the 1973 Press Guide. Through their contacts, I got a job from 1977 through 1985 at the Forum. For the Kings games I would open the door to let the refs on and off the ice. In 1979 at a Boston game, my mother suffered a major heart attack during the first period – she survived that one but passed in 1986 after her eighth heart attack. My father passed last year. Both would have loved to watch this.
[Reply]
Thanks, Rich, good stuff. Enjoy it too, man!
[Reply]
Thank you. Thank you.
Again…. thank you…!
[Reply]
On the plane back to Alabama after an amazing week in LA. It was a full circle kind of thing for me after watching the Kings for 29 years!
Tears of joy still, as I watch highlights and videos!
[Reply]
Any once else able to get tickets? It’s 6pm an I’m trying but all the options require a password??
[Reply]
friarking Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
@Mudfish4, nope, I was on at 2 and 6. Nothing was available
[Reply]
John Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
@friarking,
Yup, same here – they were gone in seconds even with presale code
[Reply]
Edward Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 10:02 am
@John, Got mine at 2:18 after 20 tries…..Just like the Kings, I kept working the ticketmaster, kept working until I was able to get through…..I think some got on and tried one, maybe two times and stopped, thinking that the event was “sold out”. No. I got mine.
looks like they’re not going on sale or they’re already sold out for the 6pm. ugh =(
[Reply]
gino Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:08 pm
@friarking, I’ve Had noooooo luck So upsetting.
[Reply]
There’s no way to capture the substance and insight you’ve brought to this blog. A simple thanks is all I can offer.
[Reply]
Thank you Rich! I don’t read other teams’ blogs (for obvious reasons), but I think your professionalism and talent as a journalist have raised the bar so high, there probably aren’t too many journalists out there that could match your dedication, skill, sense of humor and desire.
Just an added bonus of following the Kings, is following Lakingsinsider.com. This is no longer a blog site to receive miscellaneous updates about our favourite team, but it’s a community that we can all come together and chat about Kings hockey.
Being in Ontario, I don’t know a single Kings fan. Coming to this site and getting to know some of you (on a personal level) has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. Being able to come here and chat Kings hockey (while we don’t always agree with every thing) has been a fulfilling daily routine for myself.
Congratulations to you Rich and a much deserved break! I don’t want to see an update from you for a bit. Go enjoy a much deserved vacation. The Insiders will be waiting patiently for your return.
As always,
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:59 pm
@California Royalty,
Unlikely it would have been otherwise, we got to meet mainly because of this blog and Rich. I am “richer” for getting to meet you!
Thanks to Rich and to you, Kevin! And as waves told me, congratualations Kings fan, you are a Stanley Cup Champion!
That is so cool!
[Reply]
What an incredible journey it has been for so many. There are thousands upon thousands of personal Kings stories to be told, all of which culminated with last night’s victory.
I, for one, decided last summer to spend a lot of time and money to develop my website because of my love for the sport and the Kings. When I was finally ready to launch it at the end of the season, I figured it would be a short test run, giving me some good ideas of what I would need to do to improve it over the summer.
Little did I know how absolutely magical the ride would be! My idea weaved through a rough season, into a spectacular run in the playoffs, and finally ending with winning the ultimate prize. Simply an amazing year for me personally and I will never forget it.
I thank Rich for allowing me to share my site with all of you and I thank many of you for being kind enough to give me your support and encouragement. Of course, the most important thing isn’t winning a piece of hardware, it’s sharing the experience with your friends and family, both online and off.
So to all of you who I’ve had the pleasure to meet, and to those of you who I haven’t, I say cheers and congratulations on being the 2012 LA Kings Insider Champions! There might be 29 other ‘insider’ blogs but we all know which one is the best.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:21 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsMinutely.com),
And Congratulations and thanks to you for all your thoughtful organizing of informal Insider gatherings, and the incredible amount of (and everybody should remember this) unpaid time and effort you put in in fleshing out the hockey fantasy for the LAKI bloggers and your independent readers.
You come a close second to someone I know for devotion to the Kings’ cyber-cause, but of course you are much, much more ambitious. Ha ha.
Bravo, old chap!
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:38 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Your site has been a welcome addition to the Kings family. Always good reading and I hope you keep it going for many more Cups.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:06 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Great job and thanks for all the cool stuff you do Paul!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Who are you again?
Seriously Paul, getting to meet you has been a great offshoot to the Insider experience! I can’t thank you enough for all that you do, and look forward to much more interaction with you in the future! Your meetup at Casey’s Pub was one I would have never experienced had you not been the one to put it together.
I wanted to thank you in this forum because you deserve a lot of credit for getting us together when I don’t know how you get the time, as your website must take so much of it. And your on Twitter as well! You are unbelieable, dude! I’ll support you because of who you are, not just what you do!
Thank you, Paul!
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
love ya’, bro…:)
[Reply]
KDinUT Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:01 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Thanks for all you do Paul! Outstanding stuff – love the photos, videos, and links about our Kings!
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Thank You Paul for your passion and dedication to our mutual love of LA Kings hockey. From going to the newspaper stand in Sherman Oaks to get the out of town papers in the early 70′s to read about our Kings on the road, to this site and your incredible webpage, it’s been an incredible journey. Already looking forward to 2012-2013. GO KINGS GO!!!
[Reply]
Graig and Matt must have been special guys, as doubtless were any others that inspired you to create such a fantastic funhouse of thrills and spills and a pure, unrivaled, excellent fountain of information as well as camaraderie for us fans, both online and off.
But for you, the “Stanley Cup 2012 Experience” would have been very, very enjoyable.
Thanks to you, it has been utterly superb!
… and continues to be so since there’s still Thursday to dream about), I might add … Right?
[Reply]
Does anyone know if there will be a place to see the cup after Thursday (other than going to the hockey hall of fame)? I’d like to get a good look at it, not from 200 yards away at the parade. I know in 1993 they had it on display, but apparently not this time.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:33 pm
@Donald_S,
If one were hanging out front of Staples at 2am like a small band of worthy warriors, one could have got within 10 feet of it as Brownie, along with Mitch and Westy, carried across Chick Hearn to the waiting limo. The rather incongruous band of burly security men ensured that was as near as you got.
Just as cool; J Dub coming out of the after party very last of anybody and posing swaggeringly for fan photos before striding off into the cool, dark night ….
[Reply]
[Repost]Subby Vision: June 11th, 2012 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings Game & Post Game Celebration http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwe_Nnr_pSo
Idk if you guys know but I make YouTube videos as a side thing, got a partnership with Google and crap so it be cool if you guys have a moment check my video out that I made of the game from my vision. :]
I hope you like it and feel some of the feelings I felt during all this for those of you who might not have been there.
[Reply]
gmo Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@Subby,
great vid man, thanks for posting
stupid onions made cried
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:20 pm
@gmo, I know how you feel :p I had am onion farm haha.
[Reply]
Thanks for your years of great coverage, Rich. I have become addicted to the blog. You really help the fans feel connected. I was a reporter at the PE when Craig worked there – It is so nice of you to mention him in your post!
[Reply]
Will crawl, beg and grovel for rally tix!!!
[Reply]
Thank you Rich and to all of you on here that has made this season one of the more special ones in my life! The up and downs with this club over the past 40 years have been worth every moment. I started going to the games at the age of five with my dad, and brought my own children into the fray as they grew. Die hard is more than a description to the lasting love/hate relationship I have had with the Kings. Finally able to pop the bottle and celebrate.
[Reply]
where do you go to get tickets? if anyone could help me out that would be great.
[Reply]
I’ve been a Kings fan for 41 years and a “Hammond reader” for about eight. Last night made it all worth the wait. One amazing memory that will always stay with me was provided by Doc Emrick, the best hockey announcer this side of Bob Miller. When Marty Brodeur drew Jonathan Quick close to him for a long and special congratulation, Doc said, “I love hockey. And it’s mainly because of moments like this.” Classic. Thanks, Rich, for your awesome blog, your dedication, insights, and wisdom. From a very happy Kings fan in North Carolina.
[Reply]
Michael G Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:52 pm
@Deacon Blue, Great moment! I have to laugh, I moved to Alabama just recently but still love this team
[Reply]
Congrats to you too Rich for your success with this site and the Kings coverage. And thanks from all of the fans.
[Reply]
I shaved before game 6, figured the beard was starting to bring bad mojo… I guess it worked?
[Reply]
I just heard some of the Kings are bringing the Cup to the Dodgers/Angels game tomorrow night (Thursday); for those going, bring your cameras!
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 6:39 pm
@bbb7, Oops thats wednesday, not thursday :p
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:16 pm
@bbb7,
I hope Doughty won’t show up with his Blue Jays cap on …
[Reply]
I’ve never met you, Rich, but i feel like I know you. thanks for all that you do! i love your work!
[Reply]
Seriously rally tickets were gone before the general public even had a chance…tried at 6 and still havent had luck
Looks like I wont be at the rally after all/:
[Reply]
The Gondor Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
@Sportsgirl101, I think they were all gone at about 2:15.
[Reply]
Kevco Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 8:26 am
@The Gondor, no, they were gone before 2PM.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:20 pm
@Sportsgirl101,
I believe the original purpose of how they distributed the tix was to reward the Season Ticket Holders foremost. This is the reason most if not all of the tix were never going to realistically going to reach the general public stage, as I construed it.
Of course, I could be wrong……
[Reply]
MizzPurr Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 10:42 pm
@Sportsgirl101,
The tix were gone @2 or even before. I tried with my enews pswd and wasnt even able to get rally tix either. Totaly bummed as my Dadhas been a fan for almost 40 yrs now and me and my hubby about 25 yrs. We all REALLY REALLY wanted to be part of the rally inside the Staples Center. And from what Ive read all day it hardly seems as if ANY actual fans got the rally tickets! But yet of course you can buy them on ebay and craigslist for hundreds…..totally sucks…
[Reply]
STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!Yup i just said it!
[Reply]
Thanks for your work, Rich. Being far away from my number one team makes it hard to follow them as closely as I would like, but this blog makes it easier to feel like I’m stil there.
I’ll never forget the fun of game 1. So many instant friends in black in the sea of red. Good times and great memories.
If the schedule pattern holds, they will be back here in DC next season, so look for the bald guy in row 2 behind the net in black.
[Reply]
In about 50 minutes, it will be exactly 24 hours since our team won the Cup. In 3 months, the uest for #2 starts all over again. When does practice start? j/k
Once again, my family and I are taking full credit for the winning of the Cup. I have already told our story of our trip to the NHL Hall of Fame last summer and our touching the Lucky Loonie and wishing for the Cup.
I am now announcing that my son and I travelling to Montreal to visit a college there. We are then driving to Toronto (3 hours) wearing our Kings gear to visit the Hall of Fame, represent our Stanley Cup Championship team, and once again, touch the Lucky Loonie and renew our wish for a back-to-back Cup. GKG!!!
[Reply]
Itchy Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:14 pm
@DesertKing,
Don’t you know Sutter by now? The celebration is already over and they’re getting ready for Frozen Fury.
Have fun at the Hall of Fame and for the love of god, touch that Lucky Loonie again!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:43 pm
@DessertKing,
Just remember to inform us how many times up there they yell,
“GET OOT OF YA BANDWAGON, EH?!”
Right?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:50 pm
@Duncanz,
Excuse me sir, but Stanley Cup Champions don’t “bandwagon”. Please pass the Gray Poupon.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:23 pm
@DesertKing,
I remember your story.
Safe travels to you and because of you, I expect good karma for a repeat!
Thank you buddy! And I’m glad I got the opportunity to meet you!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
@Kingsfanone,
I am retiring from 30 years in one “family” (work)> I am looking forward to spending more time with my new Insiders family!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 10:42 pm
@DesertKing,
Good for you on retirement! Be safe til that happens, and happy skating with those now not so new skates!
You are a good man! Til I get to shake your hand again……..
Thanks Rich for all your work you’ve throughout this season…I cant imagine ever having to go back to a search engine and constantly trying different keyword combinations trying to find daily information and the works about the Kings.
You’re blogs are priceless for us fans who drool Kings hockey year round! And don’t ever leave us….ever…or we will find you.
GKG!…can’t wait for the parade this Thursday.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:45 pm
@Cruiznblue,
Maybe this is what Coach Darryl meant when he said,
“Spoiled” ….
[Reply]
Rich,
Wanted to shoot back a HUGE THANK YOU at you!
All your work is so professional and top rate.
[Reply]
Players on Jimmy Kimmell tonight!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
@tellmeY,
Wonder if Rich will be on. He’s there now taping.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
@tellmeY,
Brownie will be on Leno tonite also, with the Cup!
[Reply]
Not sure if you read all of these post Rich, but one thing I hope you realize is that for a lot of us who are away from home (or even at home in SO CAL) we are glad that you were encouraged to keep writing this blog for the, or better yet for our LA KINGS. Thanks for giving us the feeling of being part of something great and making us feel like we somewhat contributed some how to the win. I know I wasn’t the only one shouting that “WE DID IT, WE WON THE CUP!!!!”. A lot of your blogs truly took us behind the scenes, on the bench during practice into the locker room, on the road (thanks for the pictures abroad by the way) and at home on our ice. Giving all of us the feeling that we were with them 100% all the way, going through all the ups and downs (over the years). When TM was let go you kicked us in the gut with that news and the way you put it in your blog, as fans I think we knew we had to hold our Boys accountable to turn things around (I know I was PISSED and was glad to know and hear that Dean went into the locker room and ripped their, well you know. Keep up the Blogs Mr.and thanks for keeping it real with us Fans and for our KINGS. Would like to see all the KINGS Media Team (TV,Radio and Writers for the KINGS) in a snapshot with the CUP Thanks for always keeping us posted Mr.Rich Hammond.
And shaved this morning.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 7:48 pm
@steveo,
+ WON!
[Reply]
this Blog is a “copy” for the future…when things are down in Hockeywood….I will come back and read this like a history book!!! Now for my thanks…to Rich!!!!!! If anything …it shows you that a team can win a championship after so many years(Go Cubs)….Your Blog also proves that L.A. (and Kings fans) are the best!!!!Thanks Rich for everything!!!!! Thanks to Paul for suggesting the TSC for the last game!!!! Also it was great meeting Duncanz,Variable,Puck73,Rogiesbackup, and others the last few games!!!! The Time really was now!!!!!!1111
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
So funny, @neil!
Your (blog) personality is evolving markedly, I don’t know if you’d noticed.
It was great to meet you also.
The only thing I would have done differently is not inadvertently tried to sit in your chair with a plum view of the TV before I’d met you while you were returning from the cafeteria with your nachos and water (which eventually you threw all over the room in unadulterated ecstasy).
Anyhow, the last time I saw fire being spat at me like that was when I was standing on the lip of Kilauea on the Big Island!!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
@Duncanz,
Nachos?!!!!!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
@Duncanz,
You can’t mention nachos with DesertKing nearby!!!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@Kingsfanone,
MORE Nachos?!!!!!!! I like this Stanley Cup thing. Hey DL, would you let me eat nachos out of the Cup?
neil Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
@Duncanz, LOL…It was my “HOT” seat !!!!!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 10:24 pm
@neil,
At first, I thought the writing on your “Cheap Trick” T shirt was directed at ME!
Thanks Rich! You added so much to the season and to the playoff run. I really appreciate your insight and reporting skills.
GO KINGS GO!!!!
[Reply]
Would anyone send a picture of the rally tickets, have to pay for them and dont want to get hosed. thanks!!!!
[Reply]
I would love to be the media relations guy who came up with “The Time Is Now” media campaign before this season started. Somebody’s geting a raise and carte blanche to plan next year’s media campaign. I’m thinking “1 Ain’t Enough!”
[Reply]
Steve W Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:05 pm
@DesertKing, Too bad they took the billboard on the Sunset Strip down before the finals were over!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 10:08 pm
@DessertKing,
Actually, you’re on the right track.
I’m thinking along the same lines incorporating Depeche Mode with the backing track to the commercials.
You know the one … what’s the song name … Hey, @HockeyNerf, help me out here, man!
[Reply]
Thanks Rich!!! I’ll shave after the parade…
[Reply]
RICH….
great seeing you again last night…
i think i have a lil’ photo album of the many pictures you and i have taken together over the years….:)
yr dedication to this blog…yr job…yr ethics…and ability to couple the art of reporting with the skill of bringing fans together is so appreciated…and rare…
as we enjoy the moments that have been created by winning the cup, let’s not forget who (virtually) facilitated all of our opinions, conversations, friendships, camaraderie and, sometimes, disputes during our most glorious days as kings fans – and that person is you, my friend…
thanks again for giving us fans a forum to be fans…
sincerely,
craig
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@variable,
……moving my lemonade drink away from you……
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
@Kingsfanone,
….hehe….as you should…(!)
missed ya’ yesterday….;(
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:49 pm
@variable,
I felt good karma was more important!
I really wanted to be there with you guys, tho!
Just remember, Lewis outscored both Kovalsuk and Parise. Our 3rd line really sucks
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:43 pm
@DesertKing,
Does that mean we can trade him for Parise?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
@goldielocks,
I don’t know. Realy, I don’t. After what we saw, I guess you can’t measure heart and grit.
[Reply]
c4sraser Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:34 pm
@DesertKing, who is kovalsuk
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
@c4sraser,
#17 from NJ, aka, Ilya “I want to play in LA but I am only saying that so NJ will think I want to come here and play but I really just want more money and an insane contract because who wants to play in LA since they will never win the Cup” Kovalchuk.
[Reply]
When does the NHL make the next season’s schedule?? I need to plan!!
[Reply]
Rich -
You do a fabulous job writing these insightful pieces and helping to galvanize this community of the best fans in all of sports.
Any chance of an Insider Day with The Cup this summer?
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
@The Gondor, I second the motion!!!!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:14 pm
@The Gondor,
I would be happy with that and the opportunity to skate around the rink holding one of those inflatable Cups over my head.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 12:02 am
@The Gondor,
Question of the Week!
All in all, I think our best opportunity will be to ambush Rich while he spends his “Day with the Cup” trying to run it around the diamond at Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL 60613.
Let me know, anybody, as soon as you find out the date scheduled for this!
[Reply]
Happy 1 Day Anniversary!!!!!
[Reply]
Can’t wait for the banner to be raised!!!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:17 pm
@Goring 19,
Will that be at the first home game?
[Reply]
SpencerMaze Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
@DesertKing, correct. should be next season’s home opener.
[Reply]
Zeley Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
@SpencerMaze,
Would that be the Staple’s home opener or the European home opener?
Thanks for the Xmas this year rich and thank you again for your great work, Still hope to meet one day
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 11:49 pm
@pr0cess,
No, you don’t want to.
You’ll be terribly jealous with all his stories!
[Reply]
Love the video!
I just can get enough of the cup now!
I ordered two 8″ ones off NHL.com One for home, one for work
[Reply]
insiders….
tmrw, as events develop, let’s see if we can find a way to unite somewhere along/during the parade on thursday, regardless if you have a tix or not….
i’m sure there will be plenty of threads tmrw discussing the parade details…as they come in, we should think about ways in how we can all spend some time together and celebrate the moment as a blog family….:)
[Reply]
The Gondor Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:59 pm
@variable, I agree. You are one of the leaders of this community. If you suggest it, Insiders will want to celebrate as family.
[Reply]
MizzPurr Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 10:48 pm
@variable,
Caseys is always good as they have “the black stuff” on tap…yummy yumyum
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 11:47 pm
@MizzPurr,
Q. Why do the Arabs have the oil and the Irish have the Stout ?
A. The Irish had first choice!
[Reply]
I tell ya, every time I have gone to lakingsinsider the last 2 days I have teared up. And yes, it just happened again
The events of last evening still seem surreal but I know it did in fact happen. Thanks so much for your tireless efforts Rich. And to all the insiders…..love you guys!! Let’s do it again next season!!
[Reply]
@Rich Hammond,
Thank you again for what you do! You do it VERY well!
[Reply]
Imagine, a day before the Mike Richards trade, you went to a fortune teller and they said, “I have one photo to show you…..”
http://mobilwi.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a6dde087970b0163066ee294970d-800wi
You would have laughed in their face and asked for you money back!!
[Reply]
friarking Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 8:47 pm
@DBking, haha, Nice.
[Reply]
It makes me sad that secondary sellers are the ones with the tickets to the rally, and they are selling them for hundreds of dollars.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 11:43 pm
@friartucking
God Bless the Free Market.
And I really do mean that ….
[Reply]
If you watch real close, you can see my 11 year old son (wearing his black KINGS #1 FINGER) in the top right corner when the Cup enters the Stadium….. I flew him over from Germany, just for the Finals, as I promised him I would when had to leave the US to live with Mom……
GO KINGS GO!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Geez, now Rich is making me tear up.
Thanks for all you do Rich!
[Reply]
Thanks for everything Rich. This blog greatly lessened the burden of being a Kings fan during some of the dark years. IT’S OUR TIME!!!
[Reply]
I assume the Kings are on the phone volunteering to open the season in Europe, as are all the other 29 teams who recognize a trend when they see one. :p
[Reply]
(Sung to Foreigner’s “Blue Monday”)
It was a Monday,
A day like any other day,
I drove to Staples,
To see the Kings play,
It was my destiny,
Its what I needed to do,
It was for the Cup,
I was rooting for Drew,
Stan-ley,
Stan-Stan Stanley
Your Cup is ours.
Thaaaaank You!
It was a battle,
The Kings brought the pain,
The teams were rasttled,
They were out of the game,
The Kings went crazy,
The PP scored too,
They made Hazy,
Look like a fool,
Stan-ley,
Stan-Stan Stanley
Your Cup is ours,
Thaaaaank You
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 11:40 pm
@DessertSpring,
(Sung to the tune of Blue Marty by Net Older)
How does it feel
To treat me like you do
When you laid your goals upon me
And showed me who you are
I guess I was mistaken
I thought I had your shot
Tell me, how do I save it
Tell me now how do I save
Goalies went before me
Left on their vacations
From impossible competition
They will turn away no more
And I still find it so hard
To save what I need to save
But I’m quite sure that you’ll sell me
And send me the wrong way
I see a check in the far boards
We’re losing Bernier
But if it wasn’t for our misfortunes
I would hold Stanley today
And I guess I was mistaken
I thought we were on a streak
Tell me how do I save it
Tell me now how do I save
I thought you weren’t going to beat me
While I walked to the Commish
Tell me how does it feel
When your ice surface grows cold
How does it feel, etc, etc …
[Reply]
STANLEY CUP CHAMPION LOS ANGELES KINGS!!!
Rich, thank you for the job you do, I read your work daily, rarely do I comment but you mean a lot to us fans!
For all the Kings past and present, fans and behind the scenes contributors…WE GOT OUR CUP!!!
p.s. it is a shame that people have been ripping off good hardworking fans, as recently evidenced by the parade ticket fiasco!
I gladly put my self in serious debt to see the boys make history!!!
[Reply]
Now that I am fully recuperated from last night, I want to spread congrats around to all other fans. I’m young and I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for this, I can only imagine what some of you who have been waiting four decades are going through, especially those who have lost close friends and family who never got to see this.
I used to say that the moment the Kings win the Stanley Cup will be one of the most special moments of my life, but now I know that’s not true: it wasn’t just a moment, it was the journey that was special, and I doubt I’ll ever forget any minute of it.
I want to ask you all something… I think we can all agree that very, very few of us saw this coming on April 11th. Was there a moment when you started to believe? For me it was after winning Game 1 in Phoenix. I don’t really know why, but it was the first time in all of this that I cried. It just kind of hit me at that point that we had a legitimate shot at this thing.
[Reply]
The Gondor Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
@FiG17, Though I did not have thoughts of cup going into the playoffs, as soon as we knocked off the Canuckleheads and the first round was over, I saw that all the teams that I thought we might have trouble with (Detroit, Chicago, Boston, Penguins, and yes, the Sharts) were out of the playoffs, and it just struck me that most of the teams that were left were all very beatable.
I went from not very much confidence to, “Wow, this is shaping up unbelievably well for a possible serious run at running the table.” Then there was that four goal first period whupping to the Blues and then it became clear that not only was the schedule in our favor, but that the Kings were indeed playing like the BEST team in the playoffs.
The rest of course is beautiful history.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 11:08 pm
@FiG17,
As soon as The Mightless Mallards were mathmatically eliminated I turned to Tex and said,
“So you’re telling me there’s a chance?”
After that, I knew there wasn’t an entity on the planet or in the universe that could stop us.
Next season is another story.
That exciting young/old defense corps and their dangerous one or two forward corps will definitely give us fits and try and take our Cup away from us like they nip bread out of our hands at the park.
Now it’s the end of the season, I have a terrible feeling of foreboding in the pit of my underarm.
Since I’ve never had this exact feeling in that exact place before, my trusted neighbor and compadre is going to Texevac me to the local clinic tomorrow where I will undergo tests.
I won’t bore you with my theories and phobias about what a terrifying team the Columbus Blue Jackets will be next season!
[Reply]
WOW dreams do come true even after all these years STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!!! swear you couldnt slap the smile off my face
[Reply]
For everyone who recorded the game, go to 5:17 of the third period, hit play, and watch our Captain put an exclamation point on this series for dear Mr. Clarkson. Punched his ticket home for him. The Jersey Boys in the booth didn’t even mention it, they thought the crowd was oohing over a shot wide.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 10:56 pm
@Kenny44,
Earlier in the game during a stoppage, when Brownie had “strayed” near the Devils bench, Clarkson had poked him in the side with the end of his stick over the boards.
Somewhere in New Foundland, a certain San Jose Shark forward who shall remain nameless was wearing his #29 jersey and smirking childishly …
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 9:51 am
@Duncanz, Clarkson had been a d-bag all series. I used the Brown hit as a teaching moment to explain to my oldest son how a smart player avoids getting caught up in an instigator’s BS, but always remembers to “take a number”.
[Reply]
Great question. I probably didn’t truly believe it until during Game 3 of the Finals. The only series I really felt confident about in advance was the one against Phoenix.
[Reply]
Thanks Rich for all that you do for us Fans, and it was wonderful seeing you on the ice last night, and look forward to seeing all at the parade on Thursday, night and thanks all.
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Rich,
Graig played on my men’s league team (Aliso Viejo – Knights) and we still honor his memory with a GW patch on our jesey. He would have been very proud and excited to cover this Cup run as a journalist, a fan of Hockey, and the Kings.
A tribute to you for remembering him in your comments today.
I’ve got an extra patch. I’ll bring one to you at practice next seaon.
Awesome year for the Kings Organization, the Alumni, and all the fans who supported this team for the last 4 decades. I was fortunate enough to be at the game last night and I couldn’t hold back the emotions the last few minutes of the game. What a night, what a Cup run, and what a season.
Many more years of success to you as our one and only resource for all the Inside scoop regarding the Kings!
Kevin
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Thanks, Kevin…
[Reply]
Jeff R …where are you!!!!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 10:47 pm
@neil,
@Tweety Birdwatch_R, at least in my confabulous presumption, is following with baited breath and accelerated pulse, every twist and turn and exciting development of the most very important life and death competition you could probably imagine.
Something so huge, so real, so exceptionally dramatic it leaves Kings hockey scrapping around in the dust …
All his stocked up DVRed episodes of ‘American Idol’!
[Reply]
Rich and all the Insiders out there: I just wanted to add a quick thank you to all of you. The level of hockey knowledge, humor, integrity and decency consistently displayed on this blog is a testament to all who participate, and especially to you Rich. This season, and especially the playoff run, would have been immensely enjoyable on its own. Having a place to come to for up to date information, wisdom, laughs – and venting – simply put it over the top. I am a 58 year old boy who has rooted for lots of teams and experienced lots of sports ups and downs in my lifetime. Never, and I do mean NEVER, have I ever so thoroughly enjoyed an allegiance to a team, an organization and a community. Thanks – and CONGRATULATIONS – to all of you!!!
[Reply]
Beautiful tribute to your sportswriting cronies. Touching.
Winning the Cup is fantasmic – the relationships along the way, priceless.
From lowegirl to the Hammer – many thanks
[Reply]
Thanks, Rich. It’s no coincidence the Kings have never missed the playoffs since you became the Insider. Thanks for feeding the addiction.
[Reply]
Rich, first of all I want to thank you for the great job you have done all year long and I want to congratulate you as well on the cup victory. Even though I couldn’t get a ticket for the rally, I’ll still be there at the parade because it’s been a dream of mine since following the Kings in ’73. But I was wondering if you might consider this-looking into an insider suite night for the banner raising. That would be the topping on the cake.
[Reply]
This still feels unreal. Like a dream. I can’t help but remember the very down days, especially right after the Gretzky trade to St. Louis when it seemed like there was no hope. So to all the fans who stuck with this team, even during the hopeless years… congratulations! GO KINGS GO!
[Reply]
Amazing. Thank you Rich!!
[Reply]
Rich,
A long list of thanks you have received and deservedly so. You probably never envisioned how this would turn out (or turn in to), but sometimes things just work themselves out. Being a ‘fan’ is not nearly as important as being part of something. Championships are not nearly as important as the people that they bring together. And time spent building is only great when time can be spent in that which you have built.
Are you or will you be a Kings fan one day ?
Dunno. Not important. We are your fans ! You’ve shown great class in mentioning others and making us feel like you are a fan of us Insiders as well.
Hopefully you are enjoying a chance to reap the rewards of your hard work. Here’s to ya, Rich !
[Reply]
Man Rally tickets are on ebay going for as high as $700 , that’s insane and total bs that people are taking advantage of this special event .
[Reply]
well now I have a dilemma..
what the hell am I going to do now that the season’s over?
Perhaps I should have planned for this moment. I’m used to having our season over in April.
GO KINGS 2012 Stanley Cup Champions! (I like writing that
)
[Reply]
The video was great, but he got it wrong about where the Kings Started. During the 67-68 season the Kings played at the Long Beach Arena and the Los Angeles (sharing with the Lakers) Area back and forth until the Forum was finished. And in actuality the Kings played their first game in Long Beach and won it against the Flyers. Very cool stuff.
[Reply]
It’s the end of an era, and the beginning of an all new one. I like Sutter’s take: “Let’s do it again!”
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 9:40 am
His actual wording was wiser. “Let’s TRY it again!”
[Reply]
Rich, about your comment on writers. What about Helen Elliott of the LA Times? I’ve following the Kings for their entire existence and I remember her as being the major writer on the Kings……
[Reply]