One more look at the parade « LA Kings Insider

One more look at the parade

Posted by Rich Hammond on 15 June 2012, 5:00 pm

There’s going to be some incredible stuff posted on KingsVision this summer of the Kings’ Stanley Cup run. Those guys have hours of footage to sort through and edit, and I can honestly say that I’m excited to see what they release in the coming weeks. On a much less-professional scale, I captured a few moments of the parade yesterday. For those who weren’t able to attend, it might give you some idea of the wall of noise that existed all the way down Figueroa…

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76 Comments

Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) says:

June 15, 2012 at 5:03 pm

Those horns are an abomination. Always have been, always will be. Remember when they were allowed inside The Forum?

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firesone Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:13 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), i just assumed the people with the horns were duck fans trying to ruin our fun.

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
I think they even sold them there.

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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Oh yeah. For sure. I’m very familiar with vendors for those events and almost ALL of those horns were sold right on the spot.

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Ron Reynolds says:

June 15, 2012 at 5:13 pm

I was standing in front of 865 Figueroa (where my wife works). My only regret was that it all happened so quickly. Kudos to all those involved in the planning, logistics and security considerations that made for a beautiful event – a true credit to the Kings, their fans, and the City of Los Angeles.

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Lake Forest Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
@Ron Reynolds, Listen I am not complaining (all that much) but they couldnt plan a birthday party….

Every Red Coat or Cop we spoke to didnt know where anything was or the plans on how to get it.

They weren’t letting people with tickets to enter LA Live (we did through a restaurant).

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M.T. Netter Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 9:25 pm
@Lake Forest, it’s true. nobody there knew what to tell us except “you can’t go here”. “OK, I have a ticket, so where do I go to get into LA Live to spend a bunch of money and stimulate the economy? “you can’t go here”. thanks.

and also, c’mon bus drivers…SLOW DOWN. people waited in the sun for a long time and most didn’t have a ticket to the rally. SLOW DOWN!

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Cruiznblue Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 9:51 pm
@Lake Forest,

Yeah I was disappointed that I couldn’t get to the team LA store to buy some stuff.

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Deke'r Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
@Ron Reynolds, …funny how two different people can have two completely different opinions on the same thing…..kinda like the media…

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Ron Reynolds Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
@Deke’r,

My needs were simply different…and simpler. I didn’t plan on, or need to get into L.A. Live. For me, it was an altogether pleasant experience.

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LA_1968 says:

June 15, 2012 at 5:14 pm

Remember Justin Williams kick shot hold-in in game 6? That was awesome. No stick? No problem.

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@LA_1968, Yeah, I remember the idiot color guy saying he was trying to get a whistle to take the pressure off too (the Kings were applying the pressure at the time.) I’m sure he was hoping for a rebound.

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
…or perhaps for someone to get a stick on it.

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LA_1968 Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:49 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, When I saw it I felt like the effort was to go forward at any cost.

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Diego Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@LA_1968,

I thought it was a great display of the Kings “whatever it takes, we’re gonna end this now” attitude.

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LA_1968 Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:49 pm
@Diego, Yes!

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Deke'r Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 6:12 pm
@LA_1968, ….he kicks….he scores….

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LomitaKingsFan says:

June 15, 2012 at 5:14 pm

Posted this earlier at the bottom of one of the threads, but here are my photos from the parade and rally for anyone that wants to take a look:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/73037499@N02/sets/72157630069361197/

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Blurker Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
@LomitaKingsFan, Great shots… I was just about to post my own.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blurktographer/sets/72157630131975284/

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go Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 7:59 pm
@Blurker, Your pics are sweet too!

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Ron Reynolds Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
@LomitaKingsFan,

Fantastic pix! Thanks!

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Go Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 7:23 pm
@LomitaKingsFan, nice pictures!

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The Gondor Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 9:47 am
@LomitaKingsFan, Great pics. Thanks for posting them.

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

June 15, 2012 at 5:36 pm

Is it too late to write Sport Illustrated en masse and request that they keep the Kings off their stinking cover?

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LA_1968 says:

June 15, 2012 at 5:51 pm

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kcv5scee9qiinot/kings_raise_cup_1st_time.jpg

I wish it came out better, but in the end ‘it is what it is’ and it IS awesome!

Maximize and then click on picture is better…

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Diego Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 6:44 pm
@LA_1968,

I like it. I saved it (hope you don’t mind) as the moment from a Kings’ fan view.

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LA_1968 Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 11:21 pm
@Diego, I’m glad you liked it enough to save it too.

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Duncanz Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 11:59 am
Great photo, @LA_1968!
The moment all Kings fans will always savor no matter how much success we have, or how many trophies we get in the future.
This one was “NUMERO UNO” !!!!!

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Sandy says:

June 15, 2012 at 6:11 pm

Just want to say class move by Staples center for the half price food and drink after the parade.
Didn’t have to but very nice, thank you.

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puck73 Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 11:10 am
@Sandy, Couldnt believe that either. Big, big surprise.

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PRMan Reply:
June 17th, 2012 at 8:56 pm
@Sandy, Hey. They had a lot of old stuff to get rid of…

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Diego says:

June 15, 2012 at 7:10 pm

OT: Seems bringing the hardware to L A has has brought out all the “stars” for the NHL’s award gala.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=634510&navid=DL|NHL|home

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Osaka says:

June 15, 2012 at 7:14 pm

So has Lokti played his last game as a King? Will he get traded on draft day for a pick or picks?

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CB14 Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
@Osaka, Only if Stoll is locked up by then. If not, they should keep him and use him as trade bait for a possible Stoll replacement. A combination of Lokti and Hickey could bring back a solid player. I love Lokti, but he probably isn’t a good replacement for Stoll.

Also, I don’t see the point in trading him for a draft pick who won’t help us for at least 3 years.

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HockeyNerd Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 9:00 pm
@CB14, If you keep Lokti what do you do with him? He needs to play with goal scorers, not people whose job is to shutdown the opponents line. He ain’t gonna be replacing Kopi or Richards. The only thing that might make a little sense is a 4th line of something like Toffoli, Lokti and Parse but that doesn’t sound like Sutter’s style. I like your idea of putting him in a package and getting a 3rd line center. If Stoll signs though, getting some draft picks for him maybe is not so bad.

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Osaka Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 2:01 am
@HockeyNerd, I like the idea of signing Stoll, at least for another year or two.

LA_1968 Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 11:48 pm
@Osaka, Picking up on @CB14 and @HockeyNerd ‘s comments that Stoll signing will basically close a hole for Lokti to fit into… Stoll is just too good in so many ways that I don’t think Lokti can carry his jock. Lewis would be the replacement for Stoll at 3C IMO. I really don’t think Coach Sutter has a single use for Lokti. A lot of GM’s are saying the Kings and Bruins are the flavor of the month with size but I want to see one of them put their money where their mouth is and go for Lokti who has some speed and skill. Stoll is back no matter what anyway.

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Osaka Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 2:00 am
@LA_1968, I sure hope Stoll is back but if he is not, you may be right about Lewis, it may be his graduation to third line center. Little thing like winning a Stanley Cup under his belt looks good on his resume too. Wether it is for a pick or a player, I just think Lokti might be on the move.

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COUS says:

June 15, 2012 at 7:34 pm

RICH, IF I MAY…

LA Times sports writer BILL PLASCHKE, wrote a great article about the Kings Playoff run.

Bill Plaschke
Pomp and circumstances of Kings’ title is unmatched in L.A. history – June 13,

This was my responcse…

To Mr. Plaschke,

Let me start by saying that your article was the best I’ve read post-cup. You truly captured the moment that was the game 6 closeout. You are one of the best sports writers in Los Angeles, and this article proves that. But….

One thing I’m sure you have found out about us die-hard Kings Fans, we don’t forget the road travelled to get to this great moment in LA sports history. You sir, owe the King franchise and the fan faithful, an apology. The Kings have had a history, (some good, some not so good) before this amazing 2012 season. History that you mocked and belittled as if hockey in LA was merely a “nitch” sport. Once calling Kings fans “the worst in the league” and that the San Jose Sharks fans the best. You made these remarks and insults without even attending an LA Kings game! I bring this up because the greatest sports broadcaster of all time, Bob Miller, called you out years ago when you made these un-informed remarks. Again, we Kings Fans rarely forget the road travelled and Bob’s road, is our road! The amount of time and emotion we have all dumped into this team, may be news to the band-wagon media, but it has been a long sometimes painful road, not because the wins weren’t there, not because the Cup wasn’t guaranteed, but because for too long, we have had to endure our own local LA media ignoring our passion, or dismissing our dreams of hockey royalty. We also remember that our own LA Times picked Vancouver in six!

Sure everyone loves a winner, and the Lakers and Dodgers have certainly earned their attention. But as an LA sports writer, it is your job to report the score, report about the team. Let us not forget that we got the Lakers from Minnesota, the Dodgers from Brooklyn, the Clippers from San Diego, and no football team! The Kings are LA’s Native Son…born and raised in the city of angels since 1967. Shame on the media for ignoring this team’s rich history and ignoring the past players that wore their heart, and the city of LA on their sleeve. Maybe only now do you understand the tears, the goosebumps, the emotion that we have carried for four and a half decades, loosing loved ones along this road, that never saw what YOU witnessed.
May you now…never forget.

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rogiesbackup Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:20 pm
@COUS, That’s why I plea to all kings fan get rid of the “long suffering kings fan” label. We were NOT the “bad news bears” team, we had really great players and some great teams here to be proud of so suffering is a harsh word. Considering that the playing field was also not level in which many times the road teams would be waiting for the Kings to return from their road trip only to play them that same night. Considering this and other circumstances our team did pretty well! I got frustrated many times, but what fan doesn’t?

I’m a long NON-suffering Kings fan!!

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HockeyNerd Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
@rogiesbackup, Great players, no question. Great teams…..well I just don’t see it. I’m not even overly impressed with the 93 team. Sure, they always were my team win it lose but unfortunately it was mostly lose.

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HockeyNerd Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@rogiesbackup, Incidentally right or wrong I felt like this was the FIRST playoff run where everyone felt like UNLESS we get the cup the season is a failure. We EXPECTED to win, and we won. Let’s hope that attitude continues.

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Ryanitos Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
@COUS, Awesome reply! Plaschke’s work is at its best when lining birdcages.

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KC Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 8:57 pm
@COUS,
Well said.

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kinglouie Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 9:01 pm
@COUS, +100 What is worse than bandwagon fans is bandwagon journalists. However, I agree that that column was very touching and appropriate.

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DesertKing Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 10:48 pm
@COUS,

Wow, rack him! I have never read a Plashke article. I have never read a sports story (or any other story) in the LA Times. For some reason, my life has gone well and I have been able to function witbout their input or assistance. Why? Because he and the Times SUCK! I know that waz a reach for me, but the only source of information on Kings hockey that I need is Rich.

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cromartee Reply:
June 15th, 2012 at 11:45 pm
@COUS,

I read the Plaschke article on game 6 and it was very good. One of the many problems with Plaschke is that almost everything he writes is dramatic – he follows the writer’s stupid creed to make everything compelling. The problem is that when you write about sports on a daily basis, most articles aren’t going to be full of drama unless you’re writing BS ala Plaschke. So when the story is really is compelling (Kings), Plaschke practices that every day so he should be good at it. I’ve read Plaschke only rarely in the last few years but I used to read the Times a lot. I remember when he suddenly saw fit to write about the Kings, he often wrote out of ignorance – he didn’t know what he was talking about. Worse was TJ Simmers but his writing skills were so bad I skipped his columns altogether for years. As far as I’m concerned, the Times couldn’t be producing a worse sport page, and I mean page – I think that’s the average size of their sports section. I don’t even know why they bother with it. The result of this is we got Rich Hammond. Maybe I owe a thanks to the Times after all.

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LA_1968 Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 12:47 am
@cromartee, Exactly! Rich Hammond, thanks to the Kings and Luc, was hired to get us Kings fans some good information. Why? Because days could go by without more than a recap and it was basically unprofessional. Not much changed until we went up 1-0 against Vancouver a couple months ago. Reading material increased exponentially ever since and now we have Plaschke going all in. Now us long time, die hard, Kings’ are like Parisians looking at Plaschke like a guy walking around France in a golf shirt, Bermuda shorts and white tennis shoes. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I can sort of relate to the stuck up French.

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Kissmyblarneystones Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 12:43 am
@COUS,

I miss Jim Murray. Good LA Sports journalism died with him!!

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LA_1968 Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 12:59 am
@Kissmyblarneystones, You were right when you said “this is a cup run”. Hats off. Murray is a legend. Newspapers are just dying anyway but Murray would be still a top columnist today.

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Finesse Hockey Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 9:26 am
@Kissmyblarneystones,

Agreed…. Murray was a class act!

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Finesse Hockey Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 9:24 am
@COUS,

I really liked the column — actually made my eyes well-up cuz it was the exact feeling I had counting down the clock from my fourth row seats with all the “regulars” around me.

Maybe this column was Bill’s way of apologizing… bandwagon or not. I just like the positive media coverage and hope it keeps coming — that will be the true test of integrity.

We Believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and now WE BELIEVE WE CAN REPEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Sparman Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 10:30 am
@COUS,

Plashke’s article had tears streaming down my face as I read it. Sure, it’s a repeat of countless times over the last 2 months that I’ve been reduced to a blathering baby, but I can honestly say it affected me deeply.

He gets it.

It took him a while, but he finally understands and it more than makes up for his past transgressions. He’s one of us now, and to one of the many new Kings Fans, I’d like to say: “Welcome Bill, it took you a while, but we’re glad to have you among us.”

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Guuny says:

June 15, 2012 at 10:57 pm

I’m pretty sure that column expressed his feelings better than any apology ever could. Seems to me he finally saw the light. I am going to wait and see what he does from now on, then pass judgement

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Mikey J. says:

June 15, 2012 at 10:59 pm

I liked the music played when the buses stopped and the confetti flew. Excellent choice. Reminded me of the futbol music I listen to before every game.

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GoKingsGo says:

June 16, 2012 at 12:00 am

i just saw the stupid KTLA guy say we are getting for the Laker parade wow the media is sad. I thought NBC was bad but come on our own media makes us look bad

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Robert R Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 10:54 am
@GoKingsGo, Which bus was Kobe on?

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YooperSkip 24 Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 11:04 am
@GoKingsGo, Actually the exhibition of their absolute stupidity makes the local media look bad. I just can’t understand how a person can go on the air and make fools of themselves. It indicates a lack of effort in doing a good job. No self motivation to be accurate in what they report. I am thankful for having Rich providing us information on this site. Many reporters in the local media should at least try to replicate Rich’s accuracy in reporting.

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Darrell says:

June 16, 2012 at 2:39 am

Are there any photos of Nick and Daryl with the Cup?

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BringBackTheShieldJersey says:

June 16, 2012 at 4:26 am

I know there’s been a long discussion of Rich being a Journalist covering, and not a Fan cheering for, the Kings. That’s cool. But I have to believe that this whole experience must have changed that, even if just a little. A story is a story to report, but here the story is the human emotions. No way to not feel that. He may never admit it, but Rich is now a fan, even if just a little bit.

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DesertKing Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 8:26 am
@BringBackTheShieldJersey,

C’mon Rich, I know as a professional you would never admit to being in complete rapture while covering this this incredible season and its wonderful conclusion, but didn’t you feel just a little bit of euphoria? I know that I am not the only Insider who noticed a little bit of levity in your posts. I’m not looking for a Jon Quick type expression, bit maybe just a little peak at your personal feelings? GKG-AGAIN!!!!

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Danny says:

June 16, 2012 at 7:22 am

Rich (or others), I have a few questions:

1. Who paid for the police and cleanup crews? This is not a political statement whatsoever, I am simply curious if the Kings org has to share the bill for the massive amount of officers and such that were there.

2. I’m very interested in hearing from the players whose game ice-team was virtually nil. Guys like Bernier, Drewiskie, Westgarth and even Clifford (whose non-involvement was a little different from the other two). Obviously they’re indispensible in practice and such, and they clearly enjoyed the Cup and the parade, but I’d love to see some interviews with them about how it feels to be on the “outside”.

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ChrisAB Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 9:00 am
@Danny,

Be Thankful that the fans were better behaved & more respectful than Vancouver when they lost to Boston last year.

Cleanup way cheaper than Vancouver.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Stanley+riot+charges+approved+against+more+people/6789234/story.html

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=vancouver+riots+stanley+cup&oq=vancouver+riots+stanley+cup&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_l=youtube.3…15340.18692.0.19362.12.12.0.0.0.0.139.1275.0j10.10.0…0.0.5nHQa80XVTg

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tplcrwn says:

June 16, 2012 at 8:33 am

In addition to the air horns I remember the cowbells they sold at the Forum. Anybody else remember those?

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hockey junkie Reply:
June 18th, 2012 at 2:04 am
@tplcrwn, I did love the cow bells!!

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Finesse Hockey says:

June 16, 2012 at 9:28 am

I’m going thru hockey withdrawl this morning — I keep going to my safe to get my tickets for tonight’s game…. damn, don’t think I can make it to October!

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PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
@Finesse Hockey, I second that. I feel the pain. Thanks to hockey I have a hard time being interested in any other sport. Baseball makes me fall asleep, basketball not interested(never wathced one game in my life) Its hockey all the way. I have never rooted for any other team other than the LA KINGS. I think a countdown clock might help GOAL KINGS GOAL!

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FiG17 says:

June 16, 2012 at 10:47 am

Question for Rich or anyone who can answer:

Why does the second round of the draft have 31 picks?

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CB14 Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 11:41 am
@FiG17, The 55th pick is a compensatory pick for the Guppies because they failed to sign their 2007 first round pick Patrick White.

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FiG17 Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 11:46 am
@CB14,

Aah thank you!

It was driving me crazy. lol

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JOHN SHAW says:

June 16, 2012 at 11:05 am

I wait till the parade is over,it’s time to move forward.What’s next? Hockey never end in my mine,6-23 draft,7-1 free agents signing,what’s DL and his scouts in mine? ,what’s 2012 draft line up look like?,what’s our chance? who’s good?—-BUT,A BIG ” BUT “,it’s all BUSINESS–you guys do understand it.RIGHT? 25,28,21,24,47…All got go! Simply because we need space for new comer (BH,MK,BK,JN,TT,LV,JW….)to save $ at the same time.Here’s why? 25 DP.and 28 JS.won’t want 1/2 cut to stay w.team,that’s why they play so hard in the CUP run–to build up they price (for the family) at other franchises. 21 SP.24 CF.are like to stay,but it’s DL’s decision to make…Watch out!!Draft time–We have the right to use some player to pick up early top-pick(player like 45 JB.48AL.6JM…) and 7-1 come next.what DL.is going to do WITH–Z.Parise,A.Semin,R.Suter,M.Carle,J.Hudle,T.Gleason..DL.his good is(was) to acquire more character (depth)to build A winning culture to have one of hockey’s great legacies .KEEP MOVING FORWARD MR. DL…what a great accomplishment for all LA.to cherish,and I do indeed THANK YOU!!

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Big Rob in Dallas Reply:
June 16th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
@JOHN SHAW, I’m sorry but I am having trouble following your train of thought on this.

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PalmSpringsKingsFan says:

June 16, 2012 at 12:07 pm

Good morning iniders headding off to the local ice rink to show off the champions gear. Enjoying every minute of it. Mid season I went to pick up my son from practice and anoher kid on the team saw my kings shirt and hat, he told my son…You are a kings fan, he nodded yes,and the kid said no wonder you are such a loser. I told the kid “what you are a sharks fan? and laughed back at him.
Well well well look who gets the last laugh.
Proud moment here for all of us!

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fooliodoolio says:

June 18, 2012 at 12:35 am

@figueroa and olympic
go Kings go!

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variable says:

June 18, 2012 at 1:26 pm

on the left side of the snapshot of the video above, it looks like former mayor richard riordan, no…?

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Rich Hammond Reply:
June 18th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
It does look a bit like him, but it’s L.A. councilman Tom LaBonge.

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