When an organization such as the Kings wins the Stanley Cup after 45 years, there are some very happy people who have waited a very long time. One of them is Hall of Fame trainer Pete Demers, who was officially with the organization from 1969-2006 and has stayed close as an active member of the alumni association. The hallway of the Kings’ training facility is lined with team photos, and Demers is in more of them than anyone. In 1993, Demers saved a bottle of Budweiser, and in the locker-room celebration after Game 6, Demers poured it into the Stanley Cup and downed the sweetest-tasting stale beer of his life. Afterward, Demers posted his thoughts on Facebook, and he graciously gave me permission to share them with everyone…
DEMERS: “I am lost for words. What a win. Went to the locker room with my son Tom after the game. Had a bottle of Bud with me that I have saved since the 1993 final in Montreal. When it was my turn, I poured it into the Stanley Cup and the players poured it down the hatch (and on my suit) while they chanted Pete-Pete-Pete. How bout that! And that old rotten beer tasted great. For me, also special was when Tom drank from the Cup. Thats what life is all about it. To see my son drink from the Stanley Cup brought me to my knees. I cried when I hoisted the Cup over my head.
“I am so grateful to have had such a wonderful hockey career with so many highlights and great memories. We all know the game is about the players not about the trainers but tonight, so many of the players and staff said `Pete, enjoy it as you are a big part of this moment,’ which was kind of all of them.
“After being behind the bench for 34 years here in L.A, 3 years down on the farm with the Springfield Kings, (Calder Cup 1971) plus 6 years Kings Alumni Community Service since my retirement, it was well worth the wait since my first Kings Training Camp in 1969.
“I am so proud to remain part of the greatest organization in the greatest game in the world. You can bet my 2,632 consecutive Kings games that I will be at the parade. Daughter Aimee will be watching from Toyko. Thanks to our loyal fans for hanging in there all these years.
“I am so thankful to be a King for life and will never forget this special night when the Kings won the Stanley Cup.’’
[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
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Subby Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
@Subby, people are talking cuuuhrapppppppppppp -_-
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luc20rules Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 7:43 pm
@Subby, Not sure it safe to drink a 19 year old Beer. Hope Pete is alright.
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Repost sorry, wrong area!
To my blogger friends, the quest is over!
On this date, the long battle in the year 1967, day 14 in the month of October the war got started, many battles lost & the King Lord Stanley was taken to many cities, and was prisoned from us faithful fans! Many LA KINGS team players fought hard & long to bring Lord Stanley home, as many men lost it for many years to come! But we never gave up, believed Lord Stanley will arrive in it’s Kingdom!
Then in the year 2012 day 11in the month of June the stars look strong & bright and quest was over. For the LA KINGS are now CROWNED by our true KING the LORD STANLEY CUP & is now sitting proud in it’s only KINGDOM; THE LA KINGS KINGDOM!
Then on the year of our Lord 2012 day 14 in the month of June at eleventh hundred hour, we fans will gather at the square of LA LIVE Kingdom & we all will Bow Down to our Lord! For the LA KINGS OF KNIGHTS, will present our LORD STANLEY & the CUP to all his subjects in all his Glory. To us the fans who waited 45 years, to BOW DOWN to our KING in our presences, to the one and only LORD STANLEY!! LONG LIVE THE KINGS…
WE GOT THE CUP! By Sam Ghareebo
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What a classy organization!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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M.T. Netter Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:05 pm
@John Roy Morgan, YEAH! Demers was seriously old school. So glad he got the chance to drink from the cup.
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Stuart Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
@M.T. Netter, we need the pic of Pete lifting the chalice high over head!!
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Way to go Peter. I am happy for you and all of the long time Kings fans and players. It has been a long haul but the last two months have been awesome. Hope you have a great retirement.
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Duncanz Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Stalker alert!
This is where our ‘Beloved Leader’ goes for his vacations?
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Michael J. Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
@Duncanz,
He better hurry and get back so he can sit atop the Munters float tomorrow.
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Duncanz Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
@Michael J.,
That brings up a very critical question.
Who will be taking the photos of @Rich on the Munters Float??!!!
Awesome! Loved that dude. He was always a constant behind the bench. He was there when no one would wear visors or helmets for that matter. Great King.
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PW Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
@PW, They even drank budweiser and not this bud light stuff…lol
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Stuart Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
@PW, They also smoked filterless PallMalls…
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RobSD Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
@Stuart,
And screwed without condoms! Ahhh, those were the days! I wouldn’t know though, I wasn’t around.
Tokyo.
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wow, water works all over again!!! If I ever see Pete Demers on the streets, I’m just going to hug him!!! To hold that bottle since ’93… wow, just wow again ang again! I was tearing up before I even got to his quote!
Class act all around! I cannot wait until tomorrow!!!!
STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!!!
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Pete, you suffered hard and long, pour away bud!
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Duncanz Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
@Sammuch,
Sam I am
A hockey fan
Not just of the Kings
But the friendship it brings
And the meeting of minds
Tho’ as sick as they be
Can be nursed back to health
In the Land of the Free
@Duncanz, the 12th day of June, in the year if our LORD, 2012 ~
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Sammuch Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
@Duncanz,
That was nice!
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Duncanz Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
@Sammuch,
This one’s for, bud ~
Duncanz Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
@Sammuch,
This one’s for you, bud ~
A TwitterVerse announcement:
@DennisTFP/ Dennis Bernstein
NHL announces that from Saturday, 6/16 through Wednesday, 6/20, NHL Network will air replays of all 16 of Kings’ 2012 Playoffs victories.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
NHL Net really nailed it this year with uber amount of Kings coverage.
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Niko Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 3:29 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Awesome!! Let the world relive the most Epic run in history!!!
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KC23 Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 5:46 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Guess we can’t complain about lack of King’s coverage this year.
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Voice Of Reason Reply:
June 14th, 2012 at 7:39 am
@KC23, ONE REQUEST…use the CBC feed…
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Kings are a class organization. They don’t forget who brought them to this point. From ’67 to the present. Awesome
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Pete Demers watches Kings playoff games at Legends on Second St, in the 90803.
You have it on good authority.
Mine!
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Soooo happy he was able to join in the celebration with the team. Class guy and a class organ-eye-zation.
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Wow – I was just thinking about Pete this morning. I was thinking to myself about whether or not he would get to raise the Cup. I was pretty sure the answer was yes and to see this story today, well, total awesomeness
There are so many people who have been associated with this team for a very long time……the heartache is over folks!!!
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Pete is AWESOME!
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how awesome…
congrats, pete….(!)
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2632 games equals how many stitches sewn?
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Duncanz Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:27 pm
@Robbie,
Lucky McSOREly was on HIS bench and not the other one, mist of the time!
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To watch Pete, Darryl Sutter, Bob Miller and Nick Nickson hoist that Cup up for the first time ever, to see Luc Robitaille lift it as a King…those memories are everlasting in my mind. The work, dedication and love that those individuals brought goes so far beyond what a paycheck can bring. The sacrifices that so many people have made to come to that day, that time, that moment…words can never describe how incredible that is to see, let alone “live” through. Thank you all for the memories, past…present…and future.
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Duncanz Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
@FM3,
+2012!
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Atta boy, Pete. You deserve that and much more.
On an unrelated note, I believe this is proof positive that Bud is not made of natural ingredients. LOL.
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I wonder if he immortally shouted,
“THIS BUD’S FOR YOU, YOU BELATED SON-UFF-A-B¥TCH!!!”
Anyone have the soundtrack?
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Pete, You are a huge part of this organization and I’m thrilled you got to drink from the cup. True fans hang in there through thick and thin. Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup Champions 2012!!!!!!!!!!
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Man Rich…now I’m tearing up AGAIN!
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Cheers Pete! As a long time Kings fan I never have forgoten Pete Demers behind the bench fixing up the players for 2,632 consecutive Kings games… WoW! How sweet it is to drink from the CUP.
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Brought more tears to my eyes. I guess it’s the old 70′s flashbacks.
This has been so much fun reading/watching all the info on the Kings championship. Sure beats the days of 15 road games on channel 9, putting your ear up to the clock radio and waiting for the week old Hockey News/Digest in the mail.
If anyone is interested, Gann had a great interview with Pete (last year some time, I believe). It still might be in his archives at Frozen Royalty. Worth the read. Rich, hope you don’t mind me mentioning this.
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what a bad regular season but they turn to monsters in the playoffs!Finish with a good note.They finally got awarded from their hard work..
Wonder where Poorman ,Kinger saying Bernier will win the Cup before Quick??
Hey i was wrong about last night game just my scared was more because am soo use to see this team fail after fail…This team is King of Kings! I was dead wrong and i am proud to be when they got to hoist The Stanley Cup over their heads
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:40 pm
@KingsFanFTW, i mean game 6 sorry still in the moment LOL
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Off topic. I just heard an interview with Ian Laperriere on the Power Play on XM Radio. He said he so happy for the Kings and that his kids were wearing Kings t-shirts during the playoffs. What a class act he is. To bad he is retiring.
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rick Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
@TripleNickel, I hope they find a place in the organization for Lappy.
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TripleNickel Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
@rick, He said he will be working for the Flyers in some capacity, so he’s happy.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
@TripleNickel, Yes…he has been doing that since he pseudo retired last year.
Stuart Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
@TripleNickel, but he’ll never be @Happy Lappy!
A ninteen year old beer! Pete you are class personified, tipping an ol’ coldie for the Kings that came before them, that I can respect.
Get that man a ring!
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Not coincidentally, I became a Kings fan and a hockey fan in 1988 at the age of 8 years old. I was part of the hockey boom that Wayne created and I couldn’t thank him enough for all the years of memories. Foxy was talking about all the die hard fans that unfortunately are not around anymore to enjoy this with us. Take a moment to think about all those people who didn’t get to feel this feeling.
I have to say, as disappointing and upsetting as the years sometimes got, it makes this all the more sweet.
Congratulations to everyone!
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I was at Legend’s in Longe Beach during game 2 of the SCF and Pete Demers was there with a lot of Kings fans. When the game was over with an overtime goal winner by Jeff Carter, I walked over to Pete and asked him if he still had the beer from 93′…he said he had a new one from 93′ and hoped he would get to drink it this year. A little over a week later and to see a picture of him drinking that beer from the Stanley Cup…”Well, Because It’s The Cup!!”
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For folks who couldn’t get tix to rally, Kingsvision is going to stream it.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
@todd, THANK YOU!!!!!
I was not able to get out there for the parade. Not enough PTO time (I live in Denver now). Flights were crazy. I was planning on driving…
I’m hoping the NHL Network shows it as well.
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Kopi Bryant Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
@mrbrett7, Yesterday they said they will show it.
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Friggen Right Pete. Friggen Right!
Here’s to the nicest, classiest man I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I was a lowly intern in the organization, but he stopped by my desk to introduce himself and ask how I was doing.
I’ll never forget that! So happy for him!!
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Are these amazing stories ever going to stop??? I HOPE NOT!! GKG!
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Stuart Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:08 pm
@Josh M, with a 45-year back long??? Not likely!!!
We have all summer!!
the summer of 2012 will never be forgotten! The Maya were not Kings fans!!!
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Stuart Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
back LOG… too excited LOL
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mrbrett7 Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:27 pm
@Stuart, Oh crap…I just thought of something. Maybe the Mayan’s were right? Kings win MUST mean the world is ending.
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Stuart Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 2:52 pm
@mrbrett7, the end is nigh… gulp!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU KINGS, I have been asking during game 5 and 6 about Pete…This makes the CUP for me. He was and is the best person that any team could have….
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Awesome, totally awesome to hear. Pete is a class act. Great story with the beer! Hope that gets some national attention.
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Great post, Rich. Thanks!
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I met him at Fantasy Camp. He is an amazing guy. I immediately thought of him and his contributions over the years and was excited he could share in the celebration. Well deserved.
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http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/tribute-remembering-2011-12-los-angeles-kings-swear-210412756–nhl.html;_ylt=AiuR7gsZD92W5PpB38YHg2B7vLYF
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Hey, all this HOOPLA reminds me…
Where in the world is ANTHONY?
Jest Sayin’… !
(He still owes me a jersey…)
Oh, and the final 2012 Eulogy/Roast:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/tribute-remembering-2011-12-los-angeles-kings-swear-210412756–nhl.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
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Stuart Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, hmmm, who could this have been about:
a player who “doesn’t do anything to positively affect a play when he’s on defense; he’s generally in the right place but he’s not actively doing the things he needs to do to end that offensive possession. He’s a buck-toothed pylon, basically.”
LOL omg did someone really say that about him??? LOL
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Glad to see Pete get a chance with the cup, well deserved
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Hi All, Pete Demers is my FIL,Great to read all the support my FIL has from ALL you amazing Kings fan! It was truly an emotional WIN for him and our family, especially because he got to share it with my husband, his son Tom! I just wanted to let you know he truly appreciates all the support from you! My FIL Pete Demers, IS truly a Class Act!!!
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Congrats Pete glad you did get a turn too, a class act he is and a nice person, and thanks Rich for letting us see wonderful pictures too!
Go Kings Go!
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ESPN parses The King’s future, UFA’s, contract negotiations and my favorite line of the the post postseason so far: “And here’s the rub on the Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings: They’re not going anywhere.” http://espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8046556/next-los-angeles-kings
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This just seems right. Sorry if i missed it, but what about the triple crown guys? Was Dionne there?
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Pete, this was not JUST about the players. Without the fans and the city behind them, there would be no Kings at all. Now it’s guys like you who make this Kings community (which we all belong to) something special – family.
From all of us who miss seeing you behind the bench each night, and who knew that when one of our boys went down on the ice you would come running out to take care of him, thank you.
Your years of dedication are still appreciated. You ARE a big part of this win. Congratulations!
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Back in the day when I was an EMT for the Kings games I got to work alongside Pete Demers for a short while. Great guy. This is second only to seeing Bob and Jim raise the cup!
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if anyone has any extra tickets to tomorrows rally, please help a kings fan out, i was able to get one and i gave it to one of my really good friends who really went through some stuff and the kings helped him focus on something good so i couldn’t go without letting him first. you can email me at elijahthekingsfan@gmail.com
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The fact the guy saved a beer 20 years is reason enough IMO…. who cares about all the other organizational accolades? right? no….im j/k. seriously though…20 years? WOW! Kidding aside….Im really happy for the guy…lots of years of faithfull service.
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RoyalPain Reply:
June 13th, 2012 at 5:24 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
The fact that he drank it is what impressed me. I salute you, Pete Demers!
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We LOVE you Pete!!! You deserved to be there as much as anyone, enjoy the parade!!!!!!
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For those of you that remember those old “Keystone Light” commercials:
Did Pete Demers look like a dead ringer for Darryl Sutter after drinking that 19 year old beer? #bitterbeerface!
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One of the best stories I’ve read yet. A HUGE congrats to Pete for loving and sticking by his team all the way thru the years. Choked me up a bit. This just keeps getting better and better…
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GREAT STORY. Pete is awesome! Going to Springfield hockey games is a great memory too! This whole thing is so awesome. Hope they open Kings wallet for Lombardi and crew. Let’s keep the party goin! Hey, anybody heard anything about the Sharks lately?
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Very Nice…actually met Pete in the parking lot before game#4. He showed me the beer he’s been saving, had a nice brief conversation with him, great guy, so happy for him.
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Im gonna have a bud when i get home! oh….and a beer of course.
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Here is an article on the same subject.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/47643-The-tale-of-a-19yearold-beer-and-an-organization-that-finally-got-it-right.html
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So happy to see this too! thought of him was wondering if he’d be there
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Loved seeing Pete Demers,I would hope the kings can get his name on the Stanley cup. That being said, they need to honor the memory of Ace Bailey and Mark Bavis. They both deserve to have their name on the cup
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Is there anyone in the Kings Organization that has been or had been with the Kings longer then Pete Demers?? Then I prepose a banner on the wall for the longest serving King of all-time. No I didn’t forget that Miller has been there a long time also, but Pete is a King.
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Congrats Pete. Well deserved.
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probably the best beer he ever had……………..
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Congrats Pete, spent years watching you behind the bench waiting patiently, at least it looked patient. Good for you…GKG
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Congrats Pete!
You were the only constant behind the bench for many years. A true King!
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