The most gratifying part about the past three years, from my perspective, has been the sense of community that has been built here. While we don’t always see eye to eye, we’re all motivated by a love for hockey and a desire to exchange information and opinions about the Kings. Even during the challenging times, I have immensely enjoyed being part of this online melting pot with you, which makes it tough to announce that this will be my last week with the Kings. I have decided that the timing and situation is right for me to move on, and I’m excited about the job opportunity I have in front of me. The decision is mine, and the Kings in no way pushed or encouraged me to leave. I faced no threat of layoff or of any financial cutback. It’s my choice, for a number of reasons, and I’m grateful that my parting with the Kings is amicable and that I will leave on good terms, both personally and professionally, with everyone involved.
I’ll let the Kings speak to their specific future plans, but I have offered to assist them in the transition in any way they see fit. Three years ago, I entered into a unique partnership with the organization, and I’m extremely proud of what we accomplished. I’m confident that the Kings see the value in what we accomplished and that they will maintain comprehensive coverage here. As I have consistently said, the success of this blog is not about me as an individual, so I have no doubts that it can, and will, be just fine without me. My primary wish is that the future inhabitant will seek to maintain the same standards and strive for the same goals that were put in place three years ago.
It’s impossible to thank everyone, but I’ll do my best. Folks on the business side of the organization, such as Tim Leiweke, Luc Robitaille, Chris McGowan and Mike Altieri, put themselves in a delicate position by hiring me, but at every turn, they gave me the resources and freedom to do my job the way I felt was necessary. I can’t possibly pay them a higher compliment than that. In a similar vein, Dean Lombardi and his hockey-operations staff, the players, coaches, trainers, scouts and staff members all did exactly what I hoped they would: they treated me like anyone else. They didn’t always return calls and weren’t always forthcoming with information, and in a twisted way, I appreciated that. I never wanted to be handed anything based on who signed my paycheck. I’ve always said that hockey people are the best people in pro sports to deal with, and the past three years only reinforced that opinion. My best memories will always be of time spent on the road with Bob Miller, Jim Fox, Nick Nickson, Daryl Evans and the Fox TV crew. I don’t need to tell Kings fans how talented these men are, but you should know that they’re even better people. Dewayne Hankins, Aaron Brenner, the website and KingsVision folks provided endless hours of camaraderie and entertainment. I’ll be laughing at the inside jokes for years. My print and electronic colleagues accepted me as a peer, despite my unique job status, and I’m very grateful for their professionalism and friendship.
None of this would matter, of course, without readers. Many of you were there in 2007, when this whole thing was in an embryonic stage, and then took the leap of faith in 2009, when we moved the shop over here. The support has been overwhelming, humbling and more than I ever dreamed possible. It’s been such a kick to run into some of you in random situations — at a concert, at a Taco Bell on a Saturday night, at Starbucks at 8 a.m. on Christmas morning — and every time one of you says “thank you” for the coverage, I try to make it clear that I’m the one who should be thanking you. Your support allowed me to have a great job, to go to Europe, to see all corners of North America — I’ll forgive you for Detroit — and, of course, the chance to write about Juraj Mikus. On top of all that, if it turns out that the last hockey game I ever covered was one in which the Stanley Cup was awarded…that’s not a bad way to go out, is it?
So in that spirit, thanks. There’s nothing I can really say beyond thank you. It would be great to have one final “suite night” — this season, owners and players, this season — one in which I could actually hang out with everyone and have fun. I’m not sure if I’ll be posting anything more here in the next couple days, but regardless, if you see me around, don’t be a stranger…
Also, the Kings have issued the following statement, and Luc Robitaille and my pals Aaron and Rob from KingsVision had some fun with a couple videos that I really appreciate…
“The Los Angeles Kings would like to express our deepest gratitude and best wishes to Rich Hammond as he embarks on the next chapter in his professional life. Rich’s efforts as a partner in building a new platform for LAKings.com epitomized integrity, work ethic and vision, and at no time did he waver from his goals and commitment to his readership. To all the fans who frequent LAKingsinsider.com, we remain committed to providing you with an engaging editorial platform that lives up to its namesake in providing an inside look at the LA Kings. Please check back with us regularly as we will continue to manage this platform and deliver fresh content via our great team of content providers while we search for a new voice to replace Rich.”
Noooooooooooooo
Thanks for everything.
[Reply]
Patric Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
@Dom, You are right! We will miss Rich.
I have been a Kings fan since 1971.
My family and I moved to Oaxaca, Mexico eight years ago. I cannot tell you how starved I was for any news regarding our LA Kings. Then three years ago, Rich Hammond was on the scene. My prayers were answered. This year, our banner year with Rich’s commentary and
insights, I felt that I was still in LA, enjoying our triumph, 45 years in the making.
Rich, Thank you much! Where ever you go, I am sure the folks around you will be better off. Good Luck to you!
[Reply]
debra turull Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 7:07 pm
@Dom, We agree with Dom!!! We moved out of LA to the central coast which is somewhere between the Stanley Cup and Sharksville. It has only been with Rich’s blog that we have been able to stay currant with King news. You are a remarkable man, who can write with compassion for our sport and stay non bias. The blog has brought people from all of the world together for one love, hockey! This year with the cup has been incredible. It was fun to read replies from so many countries as the Kings rallied to their Stanley Cup. Long live the Kings, long the blog and long live and God bless, you Rich.
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:00 am
@Dom, Everyone Else out there,
Read this ‘Jewels From The Crown article’, including something important about Rich’s decision…
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2012/10/11/3488884/kings-reporter-hammond-told-to-stop-interviewing-players-during-the?
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:01 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, 1,000,001th reason as to why I hate Gary Bettman
[Reply]
Crown Royal Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
The Kings seemed to support the notion of Hammond’s independence as a writer but the NHL’s decision to surpress him has turned me against the league forever. I think the lockout is crap to begin with, and the NHL has now lost forever an ardent fan who has followed the Kings since 1972-’73. They (the NHL) may correctly believe most fans will be back after they trash the union again but I will not be one of them. Bettman is jerk and the league has now become a joke. Thank you Kings for finally winning the Cup-now goodbye!
[Reply]
SEALS 70-76 Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:25 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Now the lockout really hits home! How many more casualties like Rich Hammond will it take before hockey fans overthrow the NHL owners and their petty dictator Bettman. Time for NHL franchises to be owned by the local fans, like the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, so hockey fans are not at the mercy of the whims some billionaire plutocrats for whom an NHL franchise is just another asset on their balance sheet. Wake up hockey fans and do something about it!
[Reply]
ToughD Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 12:44 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, If this is true then shame on the league, you really are just shooting yourselves in the foot. Just one more reason why I’m pulling more for the players this lockout. One of the things I really appreciated about this blog was that it wasn’t just a “PR release megaphone”. Best of luck Rich!
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:01 am
@Dom,
Whoa! Read this people!
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2012/10/11/3488884/kings-reporter-hammond-told-to-stop-interviewing-players-during-the
I doubt Rich will comment on it, but I wouldn’t put this past the NHL.
[Reply]
laikaloco Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 12:45 pm
@FKA PakiFro, shows exactly how much class and professionalism Rich has…a true journalist!
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 11:02 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
Dang. I just watched the edited version of the Undisputed. Hilarious!
[Reply]
blackthrone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Thank you for your professionalism!
[Reply]
jpizzle313 Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 8:27 pm
@blackthrone, After reading that article…I completely agree with Riches decision to step down!.. This blog was the best place to read about the team… Mr. Bettman thank you for taking this away from us! and finding a way to be a dild0 once again! THE KINGS SHOULD FIND A NEW LEAGUE AS LONG AS THEY STAY IN LA!
[Reply]
harty Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
@Dom, thanks Rich best of luck…….its been fun
Harty
[Reply]
Was it something we said?
Seriously though, Bob Hope summed it best: “Thanks For the Memories!”.
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:15 am
@Buster,
No…
It was something the NHL said.
–Shame on the NHL!
[Reply]
The Puck Stops Here Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Did you make it out to the Condors opening night last night?
[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
@Buster, No, the NHL wouldn’t allow him to interview players. Because of a previous court case, as a league employee, I believe that qualifies as illegal contact during a lockout.
Rich and the Kings wanted to find a way to make it work, but there is no way if he’s a league employee.
[Reply]
Thank you Rich, you were and always will be a part of the Kings Family. Good luck to you and you will be missed!
[Reply]
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Sad to see you go but good luck with your future endeavors. You’ve been the “go to guy” for all of us Kings fans looking for all things Kings. Stay classy!
[Reply]
Thanks Rich. I don’t comment here often anymore, but I read the blog every single day. I remember the last switch over, and the difference here is that you won’t be making the switch with us. Good luck in your new gig, you will be missed.
…and can you finally admit that you’re a Kings fan?
[Reply]
deelo Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 9:35 am
@KingsKnight, …and can you finally admit that you’re a Kings fan?
THIS
[Reply]
All the best Rich.
[Reply]
Rich, it was a pleasure meeting you, and I enjoyed your work tremendously. You will be sorely missed!
[Reply]
Rich you made it possible for some of us that moved out of So. Cal. to enjoy the commaraderie amongst our LA friends and family as if we were right there. I personally have met many Northwest Kings fans and have became friends with as well. Thanks so much for all you have done with the Kings and with this family of Die Hards. I wish you the very best in your new career and I hope you will at least pop in from time to time to say hello on the Kings site. All the best Rich!!
[Reply]
Good luck Rich and thanks!
[Reply]
So sorry to see you go, Rich. Your work on the blog was great and really added to my enjoyment of the Kings and hockey in general. Best of luck going forward!
[Reply]
You’ve done such a great job. Checking this site multiple times a day has been part of my daily routine since it was started. Best of luck in the future with whatever it is that you will be doing.
[Reply]
Hats off to a stand up guy and good luck with your new gig.now you can tell everybody that you were secretly Anthony.
[Reply]
Bob Bobson Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 9:44 am
@HockeyfanB4Gretzky, Didn’t we already establish Anthony was so over the top anti-Lombardi and said the most ridiculous things that he probably was Lombardi himself?
[Reply]
BringBackTheShieldJersey Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 9:56 am
@HockeyfanB4Gretzky, That should read: Anthonyy
[Reply]
I think now it will finally come out that Rich is really Juraj Mikus!
Thanks for giving the fans a voice we lacked for so long. Great job, Rich!!!
[Reply]
Let's do it again Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:46 pm
@Crown Royal, which one
[Reply]
O Captain! my Captain!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 9:45 am
@LBlocal, Are you standing on a table?
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 9:51 am
Without a doubt!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 9:51 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
With only one leg!
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Say it ain’t so Mr. Keating!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
@LBlocal, best reply of them all
Tip o the cap good sir!
[Reply]
Thanks for everything Rich! Good luck in your future endeavors. This has been the best King’s hockey coverage I’ve seen and it’s my go to site. I hope the King’s are sincere in keeping it current and alive.
[Reply]
Rich, selfishly I am sad to see my favorite hockey resource move on but I am glad you found a better opportunity elsewhere. I am sure you will bring the same level insight, dedication and professionalism that you brought to this blog everyday. Take care and all the best!
[Reply]
So sad, but one muct do what one wants. Thank you Rich, and all the best.
[Reply]
Rich
Words cannot express my gratitude to you for providing the best coverage possible of my favorite hockey team.
Living on the East Coast allows for the most limited of coverage of the Kings, but with your blog It was as if I was out there with everyone when it came to the Kings.
Your coverage should be textbook for how every professional sports team should be covered. It was done without any bias or fanfare, just outstanding coverage of every aspect of the team.
You allowed the fans to have a say when it cme to all things Kings. You kept the bog civil for the most part, although you were tested constantly (including myself..sorry)
I wish there was something more I could say because there’s so much more that you did for a long time Kings fan living on Long Island.
You are a true professional journalist…that my friend is the highest complimet that could possibly be paid to you.
Good luck going forward..you will truly be missed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
laikaloco Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 10:14 am
@nykingfan, perfectly stated.
Thank you Rich, from this Kings fan from Philadelphia. Best of luck…
[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:56 am
@nykingfan,
…and from Kansas City, thank you good Sir!
[Reply]
Simarosa Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 4:26 pm
@nykingfan,
Good luck Rich, from a KIngs/Monarchs fan in Manchester. I almost feel like I lost a family member.
[Reply]
kings of SB Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 6:58 pm
@Simarosa, A big thanks Rich from New Castle, Colorado via Santa Barbara!!!
GKG for life!!!!
[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:18 pm
@nykingfan, Hey Ny, thought you’d show up for this, it’s been a long time, eh?? One hellevua summer we had, no doubt. Hope all is well, what do we do for an encore?? We’ll miss Rich for sure…..
Take care dude!
[Reply]
Melissa Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 8:15 am
@nykingfan, Thanks from Jacksonville, FL too!
[Reply]
It’s a sad day for Insiders. Wishing you all the best Rich and a huge thank you for your dedication to all of us. You will be missed.
[Reply]
Rich,
Thanks for the years of hard work and the great coverage of the LA Kings! You did a fantastic job and all of us will miss your timely updates and spot-on opinions.
As for your replacement, Heidi Androl would be a great choice!
Cheers,
Brody
[Reply]
LuckyEleven Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:04 am
@ElSegundoBrody, +1 on Heidi, but only if she does a video blog in a bikini!
[Reply]
You have broken new ground and changed the face of hockey blogging. You quickly became a part of my daily routine and as the season wore on dare I say you became an hourly addiction. You will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Best of luck.
[Reply]
Gg Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
@Krusher, for me too .wish you all best
[Reply]
We’ll certainly miss you Rich.
Lets get an LA Kings fan in here now
[Reply]
Donald_S Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:14 pm
@Mikefromearth,
First, like all others have said, thanks to Rich.
Now to Mike, I respectfully disagree. Having a neutral voice has been nothing but great. Would Rich’s coverage been better if he was a fan? Nah. But we won’t get another Rich. A journalist from a major local paper doing this for us? We’ll miss it, and we’ll miss him.
[Reply]
I have been passionate about following sports my entire life, however I could not think of a single person or site that taught and informed me more about any sport regardless the great sport of hockey.
Thank you for all you have done for hockey, the Kings, and their fans.
-Evan
[Reply]
We butted heads often…….but I like to forgive folks & also apologize for anything you thought I said wrong…
with that said….GOOD LUCK TO YOU in your future engagements.
[Reply]
I would like to thank you and wish you the very. best of everything in the future.
Take care and don’t be a stranger!
[Reply]
You are one of a kind Rich! You will be very much missed!! Best of luck to you in whatever the future holds for you! We have been blessed with your writings for the past few years.
Tina Corpus
[Reply]
Wow. I can’t believe it’s already been 3 years working for the Kings. I’ve been following your website since Day 1 and it saddens to see that it’s come to an end. Hopefully you’ll be following/writing for another team or another sport, so that I could follow your talent Rich. Growing up as a Kings fan in Ottawa was very hard because you would never hear news about them or anyone else; that’s why this website and Rich Hammond meant so much to me.
Thanks again for everything and good luck in your future Rich! I’ll for sure be following your talent, if you decide to embark on that path.
AK
[Reply]
Thanks Rich
As a Kings fan in the UK your blogs have been a lifeline and made me feel close to the team I love and the fans that follow that team. The sense of community here is phenomenal and something sports in the UK does not come close to. If we get a season I have actually plans to come out to LA for my 50th next spring so I still hope to say thanks in person!
[Reply]
Damnit Rich! Any team but USC!! Blog for the Nucks before USC!!! Kidding of course. Thank you for the great, consistent, honest coverage of my beloved Kings. I hope that you can still somehow make time to say hello in the Kings media in the future. I wish you luck.
-ChristianB
[Reply]
thank you Rich and good luck in the future!
[Reply]
You will be missed, Rich. I wish you the best in your future endeavors. I enjoyed the tour of hotel rooftop air condition units, but more than that, your coverage was excellent. Happy trails.
[Reply]
Thank you Rich!
[Reply]
Rich,
Thank you! Thank you for bringing a lot of us Insiders together!
You have no doubt increased my love for this team and that’s what this was all about to me.
The new guy has some big shoes to fill!
Thanks,
Chris
[Reply]
In the video were the players blacked out because of the lockout? Wow, that is so small.
[Reply]
Geezus Rich, it’ll be so difficult to not have you as our Fearless Leader anymore. It truly is because of you and your personality that all of us have followed you!
Your success means we must been doing something right. I am very happy for you and your travels, and wherever you land, know that even tho you “aren’t a Kings fan”, we are Hammer fans!
If I ever run into you, you can be assured I’ll shake your hand.
Best wishes, Rich. Forever! Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Rich, I will say thank you along with thousands of other people here. What you have done here is a Kings fans dream come true. This is truly a sad day, but a happy one for you and your future job. good luck Rich and thank you for everything.
[Reply]
Unreal. I love reading this everyday from San Diego or when I’m traveling. It’s made me feel connected so much more to a team that is so close yet so far.
Thanks for everything, Rich. Although I’m sure I’m not in your target demographic, other than being a Kings fan, (I’m only 24) I’ve been following the Kings since I was 4 and have learned so much since the blog started.
Thanks again and good luck.
If there’s one person who deserves to see the Cubs win a World Series, it’s you.
[Reply]
Rich,
Started following your blog back during the 2007 Draft, when you were writing for the Daily News. Been a pleasure watching your growth as a writer along with the ascension of the Kings.
Best wishes,
[Reply]
Rich,
You are truely a gentleman and a scholar and you will be deeply missed. I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog and I wish you all the best in all your future endevors. Take care and thank you.
[Reply]
Thank you, good luck, and all us Insiders know that Munters is getting the best in the business!
[Reply]
Thanks for everything Rich. I feel sorry for whoever they find to replace you because they’ll certainly have some big shoes to fill.
Again THANK YOU RICH!!!!
[Reply]
Good luck to you Rich. You changed the way we enjoy the Kings and for the better.
[Reply]
Bob Bobson Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 10:00 am
@Drew Doughty’s Mustache, This should not be overlooked. He was part of the Kings innovation of hockey coverage and, personally, I thought it worked. Let’s not forget the laughable coverage the Kings received at the time Rich joined the Kings. I do not think his coverage was biased and I do not think he broke his journalistic integrity during any of his time here.
[Reply]
Drew Doughty's Mustache Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
@Bob Bobson,
Totally agree. He will be sorely missed since the other Kings bloggers out there are still going for potty humor versus Rich’s dry wit without actually being insulting.
[Reply]
Haven’t really been on the blog much due to my NHL boycott. But I have loved what this blog has done to my life and the ability it has given me to connect with other Kings fans.
[Reply]
Rich thank you for all of the hard work. Your reporting made enjoy Kings Hockey even more than I had already. Going out on top is wonderful and I wish good fortune and good wishes on your next assignment. I don’t need to wish you good luck since talent and skill top luck any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
So thank you for enhancing a game I already loved and made it more.
Safe journeys.
PS: Where can I send my resume?
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:21 pm
@CO Kings Fan,
Yeah… Will the job listing be on monster?
[Reply]
Rich, thanks for your great coverage which I followed from the beginning. You’re a true professional and I’m excited for you as you move on to your next opportunity. Best wishes.
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
@Undercover Brother,
Solid.
[Reply]
Good luck, Rich. It was fun.
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Rich,
Thanks for everything! Good luck on your next venture and let us know where you’ll be and how it’s going sometimes.
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Crap…
Well, thanks Rich. You’ve made the last 5 years or so of following the Kings extremely enjoyable. I really appreciated your way of always presenting the facts and not necessarily just rooting for the Kings. You leave behind some awfully big shoes to fill. Best of luck in all.
[Reply]
I’m sad.
[Reply]
Rich – THANK YOU for everything! Your vision for what this BLOG should be allowed Kings Fans to stay connected on many different levels. Your road reports and interviews gave us a glimpse of hockey life off the ice, from a BLOGGER’s POV and I, for one, will be forever grateful.
All the Best in your future endeavors! You will be missed and have left big shoes to fill (let the puns begin)!
Take care!
[Reply]
Thanks and good luck
[Reply]
Rich,
Saying thank you is not enough, but it’s all I can think of. To be more clear, you have given all of us fans a place where we can come to express our opinions freely and openly with people who share our passion for this team and this sport. I don’t even know how to express how much you will be missed, and how this place will never be the same without you. They may find someone else to write the posts, but no one will do it with you sense of class and professionalism.
I wish you the best of luck in everything that life sends your way.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
@IN King (formerly AZ King), I can’t write anything better to describe my thoughts than what you wrote. +1
[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
@IN King (formerly AZ King),
I was going to leave my own, personal thought as well but I believe you said everything I would have like to say, but far more eloquently.
Best of luck Rich, you will be profoundly missed.
[Reply]
Wow man. Way to bum me out.
Good luck though. If your next gig is at a publication (newspaper, magazine, website), I’ll definitely be following you over.
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 10:04 am
@FKA PakiFro,
http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2012/10/register_hires_rich_hammo.php
Good luck in OC!
[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 8:07 pm
@FKA PakiFro, Our loss is truly OC & USC’s gain….
Best of luck Rich, hope it all works out for you.
[Reply]
It’s been a pleasure reading your content, since 2007.
I wish you all the best in your next job.
Once again, thank you.
[Reply]
The depth of my personal sadness can’t be measured…
My admiration for what you’ve accomplished as a trailblazer in the BlogFace Sports industry can’t be measured…
But I can measure one thing:
My eternal thanks for being here with the Kings the last three seasons.
–Thank you, Rich Hammond!
God Speed!
[Reply]
Andrew Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 10:44 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, +1000000
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
@Andrew,
Is there an Icon for a tear?
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
:’(
Rich,
I have greatly admired your work over these past few years, and because of the general lack of coverage of the Kings in other media outlets, this page has become the single best source of Kings news. I have always looked forward to your posts, and I am hoping that the opportunity that awaits you out there brings you as much happiness as whenever you would read one of my replies to your posts.
Sincerely, I wish you good luck and all the best.
[Reply]
Thank you Rich. Your presence on this site, and within the Kings organization, will certainly be missed. With that said, I wish you the absolute best on your future endeavors and hope you’ll check in with us from time to time!
[Reply]
You can all blame me. I’m pretty sure it’s all me.
Thank you for everything Rich! You will be missed.
[Reply]
Bummer but good luck on your future endeavors. Thanks for your time and input on this blog. We appreciate it. GO KINGS GO!
[Reply]
Thanks Rich! I also don’t comment much, but I always appreciated the behind the scenes perspective and insight you provided.
[Reply]
just a couple of things:
Rich, you have always managed to walk the knife edge trail between your journalism and our passion for hockey, and especially the Kings. For that, and I strongly suspect for many other NHL franchises and their new in house blogs, you have set a league wide standard. For that, you, and we, both should be particularly proud. Meant in the best possible terms, you have always been one of us and not one of “them”.
It is indeed fitting that the last image we see in the KingsVision clip above is you holding The Stanley Cup over your head. An honor well deserved, and a moment I imagine that you will carry with you always.
This blog brings together passionate Kings fans from from all over North America, and quite literally from around the world. No matter where in the world, the Insider is now a direct link to and for the great community of LA Kings hockey fans. You have made that both possible and successful. You have laid a foundation. We have been fortunate to share that process with you. It’s been a great ride.
“Thank you” doesn’t seem to carry enough weight, but it is journalistically short, accurate and to the point.
Good luck always in your personal and professional life.
[Reply]
To Rich,
Thank you for everything and thats an understatment! I dont write a lot (never) on the site but i check it religiously becasue its the only website thats not blocked by my work, HAHAhahahah. I really just want to say that you are a class act. I really dont think anyone can top what you did for me and all the other LA Kings fans around the world.
Thank you form the bottom of my heart. You leave a champ (Stanley Cup Baby) no matter which way you look at it with a cup or without a cup! You’ll always be a champ in my mind.
[Reply]
………..gissa job?
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Rich,
Thanks for everything. You’ve become a trend setter that I feel all teams should do. Thank you for the unique perspective and the amazing work you did. Good luck in the future!!!
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Thanks for the adding to the Kings Fan Experience. You’ll be missed for sure.
Take care.
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wow – what a drag – first the lockout, now this. I’ve followed you from the beginning, you’ll leave a giant void in the lives of Kings fans, Wish you well, but very sad to hear this news
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This sucks, but best of luck to you and thank you for making me a better Kings fan.
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Thank You so much Rich! Good luck.
Kings: Please don’t screw up what Rich has built. He has set the foundation for something great; run with it!
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Really Big shoes to fill for anyone who will attempt to continue this invaluable Kings Fan resource.
Rich,
All the best to you. You are a Pro and will be greatly missed.
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Saddest day ever. No hockey, no RICH, what else can go wrong.
Wish you all the best on your new job, the KINGDOM will surely miss you
Go kings Go
GO RICH GO
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Sad to see you leave..
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Good luck Rich on the new gig. It sucks that you’re leaving and your replacement has massive shoes to fill.
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Oh man the world is totally “moving my cheese” around this month! Madeline Brand bolts KPCC and now Rich is leaving the Kings!? What’s next, delaying the NHL season? Oh wait that already happened.
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Godspeed, Rich.
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Best of luck Rich!
Thanks for keeping us so well informed over the past few years.
It’s hard to imagine how we managed before the Insider!
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@richhammond Thanks for the insight. As always you were candid, truthful and sincere. Best of luck in your new endeavor. This might be it for me as well.
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;-(
Oh no cannot stop crying this has been the best blog ever, and Rich thanks for all the memories, and keeping us fans up to date with your words and your video too, you will be so very sorley missed.
This is truly a big SAD DAY for us FANS of the KINGS
Good luck in your new job.
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FemaleFan #1 Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:46 am
@Gail Web, Well, I will now admit my tears since u are sharing yours. This blog has been a part of my everyday life for these last 3 years, and I can’t imagine it not being here, or someone else running it. It’s so sudden…..still kind of a lump in my belly… Best of luck, Rich. Thank you for bringing Kings fans into the game and into the life of the team that we love. This organization will not be the same without u, and I feel kinda bad for the guy that comes to replace u. You’re gonna be a tough gig to follow!
Much Love!
WAIT….Please tell me that the blog isn’t going to shut down completely now?!?!
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Gail Web Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
@FemaleFan #1, Yes thanks the lump in my throat is still in it, what a surprise we all had today, all I can say is wow, and it hurts bad.
We win the cup and everybody starts leaving first my rep now Rich
Sad sad day
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I have been reading this blog everyday since day it started. thank you rich for everything. good luck in the OC register.
replacement recommendation: Penner.
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Congrats on the new opportunity Rich! I didn’t post here often either but read everyday. As a Kings fan up in Manitoba Canada, your blog, both old and new was one of my only sources of Kings news. I found the original site by chance and stayed because of the excellent reporting and professionalism you displayed everyday. What better way to go out than as an employee of the Stanley Cup Champions. It’s definitely been our pleasure. Cheers and good luck!
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Good Riddance!!!
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Thanks Rich, Congrats and you will be missed!
Would this have happened without an NHL lockout? I would like to blame this on Bettman.
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I have only been reading this site since the beginning of last season. It became my go to site when I would hear a rumor about the Kings and wanted the truth. Thank you for giving us fans a unique perspective on not just the Kings but the sport of Hockey as well. Good luck in all you do.
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It has really been a pleasure Rich! You are a true professional.
I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Jim Fox and Darryl Evans to contribute on here for now…given that their regular gig isn’t available right now and they have as much Insider info on the Kings as anyone.
thanks again and the best of luck!
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Wow… I wish I could say I’m surprised, but I’m not really. If talent is out there, people want it. The opportunity came for Rich to advance his career and he took it. Kudos!
To say you will be missed, is beyond an understatement. Your professionalism, integrity and passion to cover a professional sports team has been second to none and nothing like I’ve ever seen before.
Whenever news broke regarding anything to do with the Kings – or even major NHL/hockey news as a whole – I didn’t turn to major media outlets, I turned to LAKingsinsider.com. One of the best things about Rich was he would never post an unconfirmed story, for the sake of giving us something to read. He waited until reports were confirmed and accurate, and to me, that makes him one of the best out there. It’s easy for someone in his position to spit out nonsense for the sake of shock value, but he never did. It was always honest and thorough.
On a more personal note, had Rich not gone out of his way to organize Suite Nights (Of course there are many other people who were involved who helped a great deal), I’d probably still have never been to a Kings’ home game. It was an a 18 year long dream of mine to see the Kings play a home game. I’m from Ontario Canada, so it’s not as easy as a lot of people on here.
Not knowing a single person in California, it would seem almost impossible to make a successful trip out there by myself. None of my friends or family would go all the way out there to see a Kings game, especially when their favourite teams play within a few hours driving distance from their homes.
It was the camaraderie of the community we’ve built on here that made it happen. Rich & Co. organized it, and people like @Puck73, @Dominick, @#1KingsFanInVegas, @KopiBryant, @Variable, @Kingsfanone, @TeamJMFJ, @KC23 and many more that made it a trip of a lifetime for me. Memories I’ll never forget and I’ll always believe it was no coincidence that the first year I see the Kings play a home game, was the year they win the cup. Things are meant to happen in life and stumbling upon this website a few years ago was one of them.
I’m excited to see the transition to the new site and Rich’s predecessor. I’m confident it’ll still be as informative as it is/was. I know Rich respects this site too much to throw it in the hands of someone who won’t meet the standards that are required.
Rich: I understand you may not be allowed to publicly discuss at the moment where exactly you’re going, but I’m interested to see where it is. Given the level service you’ve provided us over the years, I’d follow along for sure. As long as it’s not for the Ducks, Stars, Coyotes, and/or Sharks… Haha!
Good luck and hope to see you when the season starts… Ahem…
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 10:37 am
@California Royalty,
We’ll said, Kevin!
http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2012/10/register_hires_rich_hammo.php
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Let's do it again Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:52 pm
@Kingsfanone, USC ugh.
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puck73 Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
@California Royalty, Making sure you had a great time out here was our pleasure.
The Insiders
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@TeamJMFJ Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
@California Royalty, I will never forget celebrating with you and @puck73 at Honda Center…what a day that was. This blog has allowed me to meet so many new people that i never would have before and for that I am sincerely grateful.
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How could it be that only a few months ago life was perfect?
Your writing has raised the bar impossibly high.
Damn you, and best of luck!
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Rich, thank you a lot, really A LOT and I wish all the best to you.
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You’re awesome, and thank you!
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Definitely a shocker…never saw this coming…hardly see anyone replacing you, I just think you’re irreplaceable here. Thanks and good luck with whatever you’ll be doing in the future.
GO KINGS GO!!!
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*SOBBING***NO!!!!!
Rich, you are THE SOURCE for all Kings info for me. And it just makes me sick to think we won’t have you…But you do have to do what’s best for you.
Good luck!
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No hockey and now No Rich, this sucks.
Thank you Rich you did a great job and will be missed.
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You are truely the gold standard!! We appreciate the time, effort and energy Rich. You brought us a world of information we’ve been longing for as Kings fans. We hope the heir apparent can live up to the lofty expectations.
Tape that thumb up! lol
GO KINGS GO!
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All the best, Rich. You will be missed. GO CUBS in 2013!
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Blessings Rich………..
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Hey everybody, Cynic and I are on Google Hangouts right now talking about Rich and the Kings. Here is the LIVE stream on YouTube. Amazing technology!
http://www.youtube.com/user/wavesinair?v=kD-5WVZcfbY
If you would like to join us, add me to your circles and we’ll invite you in.
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Dave's a Killer Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:05 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Here’s hoping that KND, MM, and S & S can boldly go where no blogger dared to dream. Rich has raised the bar and now opportunity is raising it’s elusive head. Good luck to all of you
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Thanks for everything Rich. My daily routine always included reading this blog and I can only hope that Rich the second is half as good as you are. Wish you the best!
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Rich,
Good luck with the new gig. You have forever changed the way we get to connect to our beloved Kings and non of us can thank you enough for that.
You will be greatly missed.
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The Kings are bringing back the whole team but we lost Rich Hammond. Wow, it hurts bad.
Best wishes Rich.
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Wow, Thanks Rich for being my homepage for the last few years. You’re the best. All the best to you and your future endeavors. Make sure that the next job you take employs Munters or no deal.
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Rich, thank you thank you and thank you again for everything you were able to provide us. You were an incredible resource that allowed us fans to gain a perspective on the game and our favorite team that was unlike we had ever been accustomed to.
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Rich, Thanks for the top notch journalism and an insider’s perspective.
You will be missed.
You created a great forum and a go-to website on a daily basis (sometimes more than once a day
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Thanks, Rich.
You’ve enriched my Kings fandom as well as my life, in many ways. My sons (9 year olds) have become Kings fans through my eyes and, secondarily, through yours. We’ve truly enjoyed reading your perspective each day. Your hard work was not lost on those of us who count on the (at times) important diversion that being a Kings fan provides. I wish you the best in your future endeavors. You will be missed here.
Chris
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First the NHL season and now you! A hockey fan or better Kings fan can not take a double loss like this.
Good luck and God Bless!
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I knew the lockout would result in some great people retiring but, I never thought it would be you, Rich.
Thanks for all the great work, for all the inspiration, and for being a beacon of ethical journalism.
You’re why I became such a die hard Kings fan and showed me all the reasons to care about what the organization was working towards and about who the players are beyond the ice. You made being a fan the most fun it could possibly be.
Have fun wherever you end up next!!!
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Thank you Rich.
And now I’m very pissed about this lock out, as I’m sure it has something to do with this decision.
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Wow! Gonna miss you. Best of luck.
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Man I was not expecting this today. LAKingsInsider.com is my home page on all my computers. When I launch my browser, your blog is what I want to see every time. Today is a major bummer, but it will pass. I really hope our Kings organization keeps this going and that your replacement is at least half as good as you. You will be missed and good luck to you Rich! GO KINGS!
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THANKS RICH, U DA MAN!
Sincere best wishes on your new venture!
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We’ll miss you Rich! Thanks for the memories.
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Not enough can be said, Rich. Thank you for a job well done. Good luck to you and your family!
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Fare thee well, Mr. Hammond. You brought the same amount of class and dignity in reporting to the LA Kings as Bob, Jim, Nick and Darryl do to the broadcasts. Sorry to see you go, but best wishes in your future endeavors.
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Rich, you’ve done a fantastic job in getting us fans closer to the team and providing insightful views and information. Thank you very much and good luck in the future!
Greetings from Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Rich I think you sent this Email to me by accident (The hell with the blog I would love to be the new sales rep for MUNTERS)
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Say it ain’t so! Thanks so much for everything you’ve done for us fans. Your tireless efforts have made following our favorite team that much better over the last three years—despite your status as impartial observer, we will always consider you part of the Stanley Cup run. Best of luck in all your future endeavors and hope to see you at Staples Center in the future now that you’re allowed to be a fan
. Thanks again.
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Rich,
Thank you for everything. You will be missed. Yes, life goes on, but it just won’t be the same without you.
Very best wishes for the future.
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Rich, I started commenting on the “Inside the Kings” blog six years ago, and I’ve always been a fan of the way you operated and interacted with everybody. Come back and visit!
(I apologize in advance that you may have to put up with Lane Kiffin.)
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grrr….this is annoying and sad. I hope it’s no the lockout that caused this but whatever it is…your dedication and committment to this hockey team is appreciated. Thanks for your work and best of luck.
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Thanks Rich for making this a great website! Best of luck in your future career.
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First the lock-out and now this. Sad times indeed
Thanks Rich. You took blogging to a new level.
My boss will probably rejoice
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Wow. This was unexpected to say the least. Thank you for all of your hard work, amazing coverage and input Rich. Best wishes to you in your next endeavour.
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Best wishes and good luck Rich!
Will we see you in ANADUCKSINSIDER.com ??? haha… just kidding!
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Ive enjoyed your blog thoroughly since the beginning. Thank you so much
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I’ve visited this blog everyday for the past two or three years. I don’t post often, but I felt this is the right time. Thank you Rich. The Kings won’t be the same without your persistent, admirable journalism. All the best.
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All the best in your new endeavor and a thousand times thank you for your hard work and dedication Rich!!!
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The Kings fans have been lucky to have a true journalist to follow their team. Quality is often hard to find in the Blogosphere. We had it here every thread. It was so nice to have a pro doing the work and not a sycophant masquerading as a impartial observer. Good Luck Rich. We wish you well.
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Thanks to rich…..but it is the readers that comments here that makes it special..i will stay here and still enjoy everyone’s comments
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Rich, a MILLION THANKS for the great Kings coverage over past 5 years, 3 on this site. You are and always will be a true professional, a class act. You set the bar very high for whoever follows you as blogger here.
Just to give you a sense of the digital world…I was on a speaking trip in NE India last April, tucked up in a little village called Pedong. (People are of Nepalese ancestry there). You were my ONLY hockey source as I was missing the entire Kings vs Blues series in playoff round 2. It was wild to be so far away, grab a wireless connection and check with you for Kings stories & scores.
Best of luck in your future endeavors, Rich! You will be missed, for sure.
Crash aka Craig
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This was not the breaking news I wanted to hear from this Blog!
BOO! BOO! BOO!
Thank you Mr. Hammond, for all you have done for us Kings fans.
Your Blog will live on and you have set the standers high for the next
insider. You will be missed and good luck.
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Thanks Rich! Been following since season 1. Good luck on your next en devours.
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Thanks for the memories, Rich!
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Rich, thanks for all your did for the blog and your level of class, professionalism and journalistic integrity, it was very much appreciated. Best of luck with the new chapter in your life.
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Thanks Rich, and good luck!
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Rich thank you so much for everything you’ve done, and thank you to the Kings for enabling Rich to have the tools to be the best that he can.
Rich what you provided was much more than a hockey blog on the LA Kings, you allowed a kid who has lived in NY for the past 12 years to feel a close connection with home.
Also I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, more than specific info on the Kings, this blog and its readers have helped me learn a ton about hockey in general. While the price for this is the sometimes lovely but inane conversations about our 4th line pairings or our 7th D-man, i think i just have a higher appreciation for the game.
Thanks Rich and best of luck with everything. I hope the person taking over your torch strikes the right balacnce of being objective, thoughtful, and a darn good moderator. The behind-the-scenes moderation work is one of the greatest assets of this blog. This is the only websiite on the Interweb where I look forward to reading people’s comments.
- Shakes, proud Insider reader since the Fall of 2008.
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:22 pm
@Shakes, Way to go Shakes….nice job! Thx dude…. Fun summer, eh?? LOL
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:23 pm
@Shakes, If I watch another replay of that Game Six, my wife is going to throw me out of the house! LOL
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Thank you very much Rich. Like many of the others, I don’t post often, but I visit the site regularly and have come to depend on this site for the very best coverage.
Best wishes on your future endeavor.
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Well this sucks. As I’ve said before, thanks Rich for doing what you do(did?). As a diehard Kings fan embedded in OC, we pretty much lost all local coverage when that other team found success, that is until your blog came around. What a treat, culminating with being able to blog “Stanley Cup Champions”, outstanding! Good luck and FIGHT ON!
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Been a busy summer and have not been around much, now this! Completely insane to think not only has it been 3 years since this all started, but that Rich is DONE! Crazy! What an awesome run for sure!
Rich, you’ve been fantastic leading and growing this whole thing. You’ve always been approachable and have helped make the fan experience better by a mile. Your reporting has always been upper eschelon and it will be missed, especially all the Munters centerfold quality pictures and updates. Juraj Mikus is shedding his first tear ever. He (and us) will be with you in spirit.
All the best to you as you continue your career! Don’t be a stranger and THANK YOU for all your hard work and dedication!
Sincerely-
Todd Rubenack
AKA Cynic
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:44 am
@Cynic,
Broadcasting live on Google + with Cynic and Jon Gillette right now! This will be a regular thing in the future so give us some feedback.
Google LIVE Link http://www.youtube.com/user/wavesinair?v=kD-5WVZcfbY
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:24 pm
@Cynic, Nice job Cynic….thx!
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Rich,
Add my voice to the chorus of Thank You. I offer you my best wishes for success in your new venture. You will indeed be missed.
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Rich,
Good luck in your future and I hope you come back from time to time to just say Hi to all the many follower’s who have enjoyed your coverage of not only the Kings but hockey in general. Your unbiased reporting is what truly separates you from the rest of the Bloggers and Thank You for that. Your going out on top and what more can anyone ask for.
Fair Winds and Following Seas!
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I only have one wish…the new blogger is a kings fan…..don’t be a homer but i did feel disconnect with rich not being a kings fan.all the kings announcers are fans but are fair.
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Sancho Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 11:59 pm
@neil, I agree 100% I always felt he had no loyalty to the Kings, and I wasn’t proven wrong.
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Rich,
Best of luck in the future. Been a loyal reader ever since the Daily News days. You might find it hard to believe, but for some of us you have been just as instrumental and as much a part of the Kings experience as Bob & Jim. The dedication and insight provided by your blog is unparalleled, in my opinion. We’re really sad to see you go, following the Kings won’t be the same from here on out.
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It’s hard to see you go, I am so use to read your blog everyday, and check psychotically to see if there is any new messages posted on LA insider during the game time. But, life is a forever changing game, we can’t expect people stay at the same place forever, so good luck, Rick, thank you for the past 3 years. Really, thank you.
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Well….I think I cried more reading this than I did at my own wedding 3 weeks ago. Good luck Rich. You will be missed (almost as much as the game of hockey itself).
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Rich, I didn’t comment on this blog a lot, but I’ve read just about every article posted since I found it over three years ago. You’re coverage of the Kings was impecable, never a detail missed. Thank you for all your hard work and outstanding insights and being able to make this site my primary resource for all Kings news and some of the best unbiased insights on the NHL that can be found on the web. Good luck with whatever you may pursue from here.
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i haven’t been here or commented in a long while, but you’ve always maintained a fantastic resource with this blog, and even as a non-Kings fan, it’s been a great ride. thanks a ton, Rich, and wishing you the best.
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O man what a ride, I think its safe to say i was the first one on the bad list and maybe the only one to talk to rich out of here because of it in emails… I thank you for all the great times rich its been a rocky road traveled for sure. not sure if a year and half is a monitored recorded but lord was it a long time… And then a simple request for Xmas to be set free was granted. I think its safe to say that this place will never be the same and might just die without you…. Im sorry we never met in RL i would have like to shake your hand
Godspeed Rich
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Rich,
Thank you for all that you have done for bridging the gap between the Kings and the fans. Your access kept the readers informed and entertained. All the very best in your future endeavors.
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Shock and Awe….
Brilliant work Mr. Hammond. Your work has been more than a great source of information, it has been a great source of happiness. Good luck and best wishes in the future, and once again congratulations for a job well done.
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Wow, very sad news for us Kings fans for sure Rich, but good for you that you are off to another challenge you’re excited about. It won’t be the same without you!
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No Rich? No hockey? Well this sucks! Thank you for everything and best of luck. Maybe time to find a new past time for me.
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I didnt even post when we won the cup, to say I’m sad would be an understatement, thank you for all of your amazing work, best wishes to you, you will be missed.
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Wow, I am stunned but wish Rich the best in his future profession and look back appreciatively at the great Kings coverage we have had the past few years. I was one of those who wandered onto Rich’s posts in 2007 and road that rocky ride all the way to the Stanley Cup.
All I can say is thanks Rich and best wishes to you.
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all the best, RICH…
you will be missed…(!)
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All I can say to this whole Rich is leaving thing is this… Good-bye and good luck!!! Seeing you lifting the Cup was like watching one of us {Bloggers} lifting the Cup. We all knew going in that you were a reporter first, hopefully now you can be a fan first!!! Without this blog site, my life as a Kings fan here in Salt Lake would of been a lonely one. But through the years I have shook hands with many great Kings Fans!!! For this I thank you. Like all good things this to has come to it’s end. Farewell and may the FORCE be with you.
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Cynic, variable, Jon Gillette and myself are broadcasting live…
http://www.youtube.com/user/wavesinair?v=kD-5WVZcfbY
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<3
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Nooooooooooooooooooooo!
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Haven’t read any of the comments yet, but this seems to have come out of left field. Thanks, Rich, for all you’ve done for us Kings fans. Good luck to you in the future and I hope that there will soon be a new webmaster to carry on your legacy.
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Thanks for the great blogs! Good luck in the future!
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Oh and one last thing… Sure was nice seeing hockey again on ESPN. KHL will have to do for now. Hpoefully these knuckleheads get their acts together so we can have a season!!! Khl, Ahl, Echl are nice leagues, but nothing comes close to NHL hockey. NOTHING!!!!!!!!
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Rich, I want to thank you for all you have done for us Kings Fans, this is the ONE site I check first thing in the morning, throughout the day and before bed. I wish you all the best in the future!
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Wow. I am disappointed, but I am sure you are leaving for a terrific new adventure. Best of luck, and thanks so much for everything you have done. I have always loved hockey, and have been a Kings fan for many years. My love and appreciation for the team, and the game, have been exponentially enhanced by your efforts. Thank you.
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Best of luck to you Rich! I have followed your blog for years (though I don’t comment as much as I used to). I think its fitting that you should go out when the Kings won the cup and (according to reports) Juraj Mikus was on ESPN! That had to be the high point for you to walk away from. All kidding aside, thanks for the memories!
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I would even be willing to take Kompon back as our PP coach if we could keep Rich.
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LA_1968 Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
@DesertKing, You really are in a sad mood. Me too.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 1:18 pm
@DesertKing,
Ok, ok, let’s not go too overboard!
But I want to keep Rich also!
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Michael J. Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
@DesertKing,
Not me
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CB14 Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
@DesertKing, I want Rich back too, but that’s crazy talk.
[Reply]
Definition of a Pioneer –
pi·o·neer
1. a person who is among those who first enter or settle a region, thus opening it for occupation and development by others.
2. one who is first or among the earliest in any field of inquiry, enterprise, or progress.
Thank you Rich for blazing the trail into a new area of sports journalism.
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Shakes Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 12:48 pm
@Belexes,
hopefully Rich doesn’t die of dysentry like so many of the characters from Oregon Trail.
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Thanks and good luck Rich!
http://youtu.be/HD0eb0tDjIk
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Well, for us fans, it’s a sad sad day. But I wanted to say THANKS! to you Rich for a job well done. I really didn’t comment here much, but this site is my homepage and there were days when it was constantly being refreshed, just waiting to get the latest news from the best source.
I hope the blog stays as good as it has been, and I wish you the best of luck in your latest endeavor.
Thanks again Rich
-Josh
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I had to read the title of this post a couple of times, then I kind of didn’t want to read the rest…
Rich, best of luck in your future endeavors, and thank you for an unforgettable Cup run and spring 2012. It really would not have been as awesome without this blog. And if you’re ever in Slovenia, don’t be a stranger.
Also, that second video was very funny.
Good luck!!!
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Does anyone know if Gretzky has any computer skills? The only way to replace “The Best One” is with “The Great One.”
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Congrats Rich!!!
Thank you for everything you did for the LA Kings organization. You were the first person I met at the Stanley Cup after party, and you were nothing but a gentleman. People always ask who you are in the picture I have with you. I always reply he is the Kings blogger, best in the business and one of the nicest guys I met that night.
Best of luck in the future
Dallas
Saskatoon, Canada
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Try this link for the live broadcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kD-5WVZcfbY
For some reason the other one didn’t work.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Ok, we’re done for now. It was a good first run and we’ll be doing a lot more of these live video hangouts.
[Reply]
Class, class, class! Rich you are the best and the Kings recognized what we knew. Thank you!
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GONNA MISS YOU RICH!!!! good luck to wherever you go. And you’re now you can truly admit your love for the kings since you are not covering them anymore. good luck rich!
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sad to see you go Rich we are going to really miss you i loved your blogs kept me up to the minute in kings news i surely hope it continues with you gone. Take care Rich you will do great in your next job. GO KINGS
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Thank you, Rich. The last year was my first year away from LA and the Kings, but this blog made me feel closer than I’ve ever been to the Kings, the community, and the sport. Thank you, and I know (along with everyone else) that you’ll do great. Again, thank you.
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This is a sad day for Kings fans. I am happy for you Rich and the best of luck to you.
For out of area fans like myself, you have been the best connection to the team. I visit this site everyday, at least ten times per day, and you have made it a great place to get information, be entertained and be part of a great community.
One of my fondest Kings memories is meeting you at Suite night for game 4 of the Blues series this last year.
Again, best of luck to you. You will be missed but never replaced.
Doug
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Thanks for everything Rich! Good luck in your new job! Whoever the Kings get to take over for you here will do a good job I’m sure, but it won’t be the same without you. Hey, this means you can be a Kings fan now! Well, it was worth a shot
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WAIT!!! NO hockey? No Rich? AND USC? The Trifecta of PAIN!! Next I suppose you’ll tell us there’s no Santa Claus. You’re killing me, Smalls!
Rich, I loved every minute!! Thank you!!!!
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Thanks Rich.
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Thank you and good luck……….I appreciate the avenue you opened for KINGS fans
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Rich,
I’m very sad to hear this news. I hope the new en devour your embarking on has something to do with the cubs, well, because we know that they are the only pr team that that has a bigger place in your heart than the kings
.
Anyways, thanks for everything. i truly hope your successor doesn’t change much and gives us the comprehensive coverage we have been accustom to.That’s my only hope.
You will be missed. i check your blog every single day and i don’t want that to stop. i really hope that’s this leads to not only something bigger and better for you, but something bigger and better for us die-hard fans.
All the best,
Loyal follower Josh
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“if it turns out that the last hockey game I ever covered was one in which the Stanley Cup was awarded…that’s not a bad way to go out, is it?”
Ain’t that the truth!
GO KINGS GO!
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Rich; man, blogging full time like you did is beyond a chore even if you’re getting paid for it,(as I know from experience). Im sure you had some help, but even so, dealing w/Kings fans & their comments everyday must’ve had you wanting to pull your own teeth out at times. BIG thanx for making this blog so readable and accessible over some topsy-turvy and less than stellar times for the Kings before they brought it home last season.
Happy trails Rich, wherever you land, knock ‘em dead kid! ~ T.Von Swine.
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Sorry to see you go Rich. From the days of bad teams sprung a pioneering blog and relationship with a team that was of top notch journalistic standards. This blog has become the brass ring that everybody else would like to obtain in their own organization, and your presence will be missed.
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Thanks for everything Rich.
I don’t think there’s a better format out there than LAKI for fans. It’s all spurred on by your relentless tenacity for quality reporting.
I knew this was too good to last. I jabbed on the live chat during the semi-finals that you needed a big raise. I don’t know what you’re going to do, but I can tell you that a team like the Dallas Cowboys or NY Yankees could, with you, do the same thing as here and enhance their brands by a large amount. I knew you be gone. You’re worth too much.
I also give credit to Luc for taking the risk of letting in what would be a truly neutral insider into the organiation. What a risk, what a reward.
Besides all the thank yous and the goodbye, this sucks.
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wow… good luck rich. we’ll miss you of course. we’ll think fondly of you whenever we see that name of yours on the cup (it is on there isn’t it???)
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Thank you, Rich. Best of luck!
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Rich I am happy for you but also very saddened by this news
I wish you nothing but success! And hope you pop in from time to time!
Best wishes!
Mars
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Congrats Rich, best of luck, hope whoever takes over does half as good of a job as you did.
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Thank you for all you’ve done, Rich. You will sorely be missed. Best of luck to you.
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Best of luck Rich!! Thanks for the years of service.
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Good Luck Rich….I will miss you.
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Thanks Rich. Sad to see you go. Best of Luck
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Rich, thanks so much for the fantastic coverage over the last few years. I read the blog religiously and it made me a much more informed (and entertained) Kings fan. With your combination of journalistic ability, wit, and a few inside jokes, it will be a nearly impossible task to replace you. Thank you and good luck on your future endeavors!
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My best wishes to you Rich. Damn I’m gonna miss your blogs….
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It’s been said by many others, but THANK YOU. I followed you from the DN to here and it’s been a great ride. The OCR is lucky to have you.
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We had EVERYONE coming back from last seasons Stanley Cup run. And now this news that will send shockwaves through the NHL and the journalism world. Say it aint so Rich. In all seriousness, you are a true professional and a tremendous writer. I hope whatever the future holds for you that it brings you much joy. Good luck and we will all be keeping an eye out for you.
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So, I guess we will NEVER hear you say you are a Kings fan
Best of luck….are you going to be blogging for the Cubs??
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Rich,
Thank you very much for all these years! Good luck to you with new beginning!
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This feels like a funeral, but fortunately no one died.
Congratulations and best wishes on your new opportunity.
I know my professional productivity will rise without the relentless distraction of compelling hockey content.
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All the best from upstate New York. Your personal and emotional text, without somehow being too personal and emotional, will be missed. Some say that ‘you’ll miss me when I am gone’. We miss you already. Although I am sure lakingsinsider will survive without you, it will not thrive as it will be missing its Juraj Mikaj. You are simply the best. I cannot wish you enough luck in the future. I have been through rocky times and happy times personally and Kings-wise, with you. I am sad it must end, but happy for you my friend. Good luck in your endeavors and know that you will be missed.
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Congratulations Rich. Your work has blessed so many of us, taking a break from the stresses of life and coming here to our community of Kings’ fans. You are greatly appreciated and you will be sorely missed.
“Do you remember where you were when you heard Rich Hammond was leaving LAKingsinsider?”
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luc20rules Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
@Michael J., I will. Its bad for us insiders, but we all knew there was no way we would have this talented a journalist forever. Good Luck, Rich, and thanks for the years and hard work you put in. I can’t say I enjoyed the bad news when it came, but I appreciated that I had access to it. We will miss you Rich, but hopefully you will be able to attend some future gatherings as an honored guest.
Will miss Rich’s take on things more than anything. Rich Hammond “I’ll forgive you for Detroit — and, of course, the chance to write about Juraj Mikus. On top of all that, if it turns out that the last hockey game I ever covered was one in which the Stanley Cup was awarded…that’s not a bad way to go out, is it?”
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Thank you very much Rich for the excellent journalism. It has been a pleasure reading your insight and following the Kings fans post for many years. You had a unique way of getting us fans closer than we have ever been to our Kings. All the best in your future and you’ll be missed by us. Thanks again for all especially in this Stanley Cup champion season. Take care!
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He’s got a big head. Physically not figurativley.
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Dear Mr. Hammond,
As a Trojan myself, I will continue to follow and enjoy your work. That is some solace in this moment. It is disappointing news, however, because you achieved something truly unique and amazing with this blog. Under your adept management and guidance, so many Kings fans created a community here.
Long live the Insider! Fight on!
(And, BTW, God help you if you try to set up a Trojans’ blog similar to the Insider. It would immediately degenerate into an epic haters’ ball, overwhelmed by SEC homers and rubes typing gibberish because their “keys must’ve shrunk”; insomniac, pasty, wild-eyed Monster energy guzzling Duck honks; and the Ucla fan harping under several handles, but quick to hide behind a powder blue “Not too proud to kick” kitchen apron when challenged. Enjoy!)
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Thanks Rich, your contributions have enhanced the NHL/Kings experience to levels I previously could not have imagined.
THANK YOU!
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I feel like this is an April fools joke just with really bad timing…
Thanks Rich it’s been great getting your insight and perspective as well as players on certain events that have happened. I’m going to miss all your jokes and I look forward to reading whatever it is you’re moving on to do.
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NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
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So, can you evolve into an actual Kings fan now that you’re not directly involved with the team?
Thanks for everything. Most especially for the civil message board.
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Goodbye Rich. You’ll be missed.
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Thank you Rick for all that you have done for us fans who frequent your blog. When you moved over to the Kings you made promises to us, your readers. Thank you for living up to all of your promises and delivering to us the news on the Kings. You will be missed.
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HawKings Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
@HawKings, RICH. The tears in my eyes are blinding me.
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Rick, It must be an incredible offer you got to leave the Stanley Cup Champs, which makes me all the happier for you. This message board won’t be the same. Good Luck.
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Rich.
Thanks for all the effort you put into the LA Kings and there fans!.. I think no writer will ever do this the way you have.. and you set standards unfair to any who try after you.. thanks for all the memories.. and your welcome!
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Best of luck to you Rich. You will be missed by soooo many Kings fans.
Good luck and best wishes to you and yours.
Time to shed a tear now
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Good luck in whatever you do in the future- you will be missed- it was a great place to “talk” with other Kings fans-see what was going on and laugh………
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Rich, you will be missed . . . all the best to you in your future endeavors . . . please note all the wonderful and positive comments . . . you made it REAL for us
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Good luck and take care Rich and thanks so much for everything you did here on the blog. Glad I got to meet you at one of the suite events and also glad the final game covered by you was the Kings hoisting the cup. I guess that is a great way to go out. Take care, buddy.
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Thank you for the years of keeping me in the know about the happenings around the LA Kings Organization. I actually sounded smart to some of my less knowledgeable LA King fans when using your insights and information. Best of luck in the future! All I will say is you just had to choose SC didn’t you!
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It’s a sad day in the hockey world…(and it’s not because of the lockout.)
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Thank You for hours of hard work and great information.. Wish you all the best and success!!
Fight ON!!
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I’ll be hosting another Google Hangout later today and would like to have some of you on to share your thoughts about Rich leaving the blog. If you would like to participate, add me to your circles (Kings News Daily) and I will invite you in when we go live. If you have any questions, email me at paul at kingsnewsdaily dot com.
Here’s the Google plus page: http://plus.google.com/107191349841756456860/
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I’m speechless. Been a King’s fan since 69 and I’ve learned more about the Kings and hockey in the last few years than the previous 40 years combined and all because of this blog. Was lucky enough to have met you a couple of times at suite events.
Anyway, thank you for everything you’ve done for the King’s. You are indeed a class act.
Good luck and God bless … and of course, thank you.
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Wow,no way! This post would never be the same without you Hammond!
Wish you the best, you’ll always be our insider’s friend for life… Look forward to a game suite with you and all the insiders, hopefully it still going to happen!
Whoever takes over this platform, I hope you will still have your Hammond Name to post comments with us, time to time good luck buddy
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All the best, Rich!
Thanks for all you did (especially the one time you reinstated me after I stretched one of the rules)
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I blame Bettman!
Hey Rich, thank you so much for not just the coverage, but the time and effort you put into your work! I’m sure that the blog will go on, but it will NEVER be the same! Is it me or does it feel like when Grez and Blakey moved on! At least I know you will never be boo’d when you return to Staples, EVER!
Best of luck, and well when you get tired of the new job, well it sounds like you always have a home with the Kings’!
See you on the flip side!
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Tim from the OC Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
@Tim from the OC, does this mean that @puck73 can post comments again?
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
@Tim from the OC,
Um…….NO!!!
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Tim from the OC Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 8:58 am
@Kingsfanone, Sorry @puck73 =)) No soup for you!
Rich,
I stumbled upon your blog 7 years ago and my life as a Kings fan was changed forever. You brought me closer to the team than ever before in my 20-something years as a fan. For that, I’ll always be grateful to you, your blog and the readers that share their opinions here. It’s hard to imagine finding a replacement that has your same quality, that draws many of us to your blog hourly. For our sake, I hope the Kings are able to accomplish this task.
I wish you the best, Rich, and I’m confident that you will succeed in your next endeavor. If there is anyway that you can let us know what you will be doing from here out, I’m sure many of your readers would like to follow you.
Thanks again Rich and best wishes,
Jason G
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 5:56 pm
@jason,
Many of us already know, but here it is….
http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2012/10/register_hires_rich_hammo.php
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Thank you Rich for being a true pro! Good luck in your future endeavors!
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I raise my glass and offer this toast to Mr. Rich “The Hammer” Hammond! Three cheers for the man who created the best Hockey Blog in North America for all of our favorite team. You will be missed but never forgotten!
Being sent to the cornfield will NEVER be the same!
Best of luck to you and yours!
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stagger Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 5:32 pm
@King Alex,
Hear!, Hear!
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Rich this news of you leaving this bolg and the Kings was as bad as hearing NHL season was locked out. Best of luck to you.
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Thank you Rich for all your dedication and professionalism during the past three years to this blog. This site has undoubtedly been the best source of Kings hockey coverage since becoming a LA fan in 1976. There hasn’t been a day when I haven’t accessed this site, even on vacation for that matter.
Good luck in your new gig covering USC sports. Don’t be a stranger and drop by to say “hi”.
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In the middle of the 2010-2011 season, I moved out of the greater LA area, and while I was a Center Ice subscriber, this blog became my lifeline to the Kings between broadcasts. Rich you gave us something we needed when few of us knew that we had to have it. You did it with a smile on your face, and along with the team, helped put a smile on ours. Congratulations on a job well done, Thank you and best wishes in your future endeavors.
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Its all been said far more eloquently above. I spent much more time on the Insider than an employed person has a right to do. And I always learned from the experience. Rich, you should feel proud that you set a remarkably high bar for your successor to attain. Well done and very best of luck. We will miss you McSorely.
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Taking the Cup and running…typical…
Seriously…we still having Suite Nights?
No Seriously…
Okay…even more seriously…you will be missed…
Cheers…
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Thanks Mr Hammond, You’re going to be missed.
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Thank you, Rich.
As a lifelong Kings fan as well as an English and Journalism graduate, I admired they way you have covered the Kings over the past five years. Your unbias writing and constant “blogs” have made me have more respect for you than anyone in the business. I always believe that it is important for journalists to do their best to not let their personal opinions get in the way of their stories and you perfected that since 2007. Of course, I am aware that you’re not a Kings fan, but you have done an incredible job at making lakingsinsider.com the best and most reliable hockey blog website on the internet.
It has always been a dream of mine to do what you do/have done. I appreciate your work and wish you nothing but the best in the future. Thank you.
Brent Gerart
Ottawa, Ontario
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gerhart Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
@gerhart, I misspelled my own last night.
Gerhart.
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Yes, Rich…Hockey people are the best sports people. You among them, as well.
Best wishes to you and hope to see you at the next Jim Fox ‘wino charity event’
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You are the best ! Good Luck
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Wow, more tough news from the hockey world.
Thanks for everything Rich. You created something very cool here.
Good luck to you, in whatever you do next.
You will be missed!
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Thanks Rich for everything! You made this blog awesome. I’ve enjoyed so much from this outlet, great stories, interviews, and inside information. I’ve also gotten to meet a lot of fellow insiders which has been great, and learned more about hockey then i knew before all because of your site. Thanks again and best of luck!
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Rich, thanks for everything. We will retire your suit and hang it from the rafters of “In-N-Out”. Take care, God bless.
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Thank you, Rich, for this, my daily Kings fix! I may not contribute to the blog on a regular basis but know that I read it through without fail, every single day. I even changed my name here to accommodate the frequent contributor, “Stuart” with whom I share a first name (at his request!). I’ll miss your insight and clear honesty in reporting. I could always count on an unbiased and unfiltered opinion and presentation of the facts. Suite Night will always be a great memory and skating on Staples Ctr ice with my fellow LAKI bloggers. The very best of luck and success to you in your future endeavors and hopefully, you’ll take some time to at least drop a comment or two from time to time. Take care, and thank you, Rich, for all the hard work!
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Being this is L.A. Do we have try outs for the position as THE insider…Do we elimninate one at a time….do we have a vote???? Reality on the website..I will be the host…Each writer gets 3 days….then 2 days…then when it comes down to the final two…Each writer writes his/her best blog and the Insiders vote for the winner…
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Rich, is this because there are no “In & Outs” in Manchester, NH?
Thanks, for starting this blog and raising it to greatness. I have always thought you were to talented for this gig long term, but I have loved having your blog to inform and entertain. I have also met many other great fans as a result of this blog. You will be missed, wish you all the success in the world its been well earned. Hope you weren’t kidding about hoping to go to one more insider event. Me and others I think would love to treat you to Yardhouse at LA Live before such an event.
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Gailweb Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 6:02 pm
@luc20rules, I’m in
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Watch variable and I chat live here… http://www.youtube.com/user/wavesinair?v=Hqot0LEoSpg
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
To join us in the hangout, visit my KND google page and add me to a circle. http://plus.google.com/107191349841756456860/
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Neil Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 5:56 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Paul..would love to see you get a shot!!!!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 6:57 pm
@Neil, Ha! Thanks man.
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Thank you so much for creating this site and the energy you’ve put into it. I’d never read blogs before this one, and it certainly won’t be the same without you. You brought us a great and interesting perspective of the Kings organization. One that inspired passionate and entertaining conversation among a group of fans, while forming a place of community and common ground for us all. We wish you good luck and only the best in your future. Thank you again, and long live the Hammer!!! GKG!
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+1…
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Thanks for everything.
Unfortunately for all of us, this recent turn of events will make the lockout even less bearable.
Good luck to you in your future endeavors.
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The Hammer has left the building and we are all poorer as a result.
Fare thee well, mon capitan.
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Thanks Rich for all your hard work and always being a reliable source I can count on for any Kings related news. I never believed it until Rich said it!
Greatest luck to you in the future in whatever you do next, we’ll all miss ya!
Take Care.
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I don’t know how to describe what I thought when I saw the headline! Thanks so much for keeping us up to the second on our favorite team. We shall all miss you and wish all the best in your future endeavors. We can only hope that whoever they get to try to fill your shoes, as big as they are, is as dedicated as you were to us, the fans.
thanks again!
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Rich,
Thanks for all your hard work and keeping us Kings fans up to date on all things Kings. It’s meant a lot to all of us. Good luck to you in your next endeavor.
Mike
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Rich,
Wow, talk about mixed emotions. Good for you on the new gig! Seems like only yesterday the dog was getting acclimated to the new house and we were telling you to look at the damn camera. You were always a fair and solid reporter and I appreciate that. Good luck and thanks for building this place.
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All the best Rich! You will always be a big part of the memories from the greatest Kings season ever. Thank you for your tireless work and best of luck to you.
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Please take a peak at this live feed and give variable and I some feedback. Can you see us and hear us clearly? I’m hoping to get Rich on at some point for a farewell hangout for all of us. http://www.youtube.com/user/wavesinair
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CB14 Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Looks and sounds good.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 10th, 2012 at 6:52 pm
@CB14, Thanks man.
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I have had break ups that have been easier to take than this!! When are we going to retire richs number/computer up in the rafters??
Thanks Rich!!
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Thank you Rich for your awesome coverage of the Kings, even before the Insider! You were a great source of information for us fans who couldn’t get enough of the Kings. The very best of luck to you!
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Thank you. You know how to capture your readers. Thanks for your great blogs. Good luck on your next endeavor.
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Say it ain’t so! Great job Rich. Thank you.
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Rich, you are a class guy who’s been with a class organization.
We are all grateful for your great efforts and the bringing together of us fans at a place we can discuss our views and talk about a team we have supported and loved for years.
Wherever you are going I am certain they will be made better by your work the way we LA Kings fans have.
Bless you and many thanks
Jonathan Albert
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Wow….
Thanks for making my day even worse Rich
A huge thank you and wishing you the very best. You have provided such great insight and hours of enjoyable reading. You have been truly amazing and again thank you.
Best of luck Rich!
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Only posted a handful of times in the last couple years, but I gotta say thanks for everything Rich. When I was having a bad day, I knew I could always take my mind off things by reading your posts about my favorite sports team. Thanks for helping me get through those rough days Rich. I can only hope the new insider is as awesome as you are. Good luck Rich!!!!!
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So… In the end we ended up losing a major part of our team this year. How does a ten million dollar contract sound rich??
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Thanks, Rich. I’ve been participating with LAKI from almost the beginning, but less so now. It’s almost become TOO successful; so many commenters. Before, we practically knew everyone who commented. Now, there are so many comments that everyone replies to the first post in hopes that people will actually read what they write. All Hail Rich and Long Live Your-Eye Me-Koosh!
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Hopefully John the Mayor takes over. He has been a Kings fan for a really long time and knows his stuff. This site would be great if he ran it.
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Thanks Rich, it may continue, but it will never be the same. New ventures are always exciting. I hope it brings you as much success, happiness and fulfillment that the Kings job did.
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Rich,
I hope there are more like you out there.
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Rats! Good luck to you bud!
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Rich, one last request. Is there any new on how Luc’s mother is doing? Luc has done so much for the city, Kings, and the community it would be great if we could support him in this moment. Tried to google, but nothing since early Sept could be found.
If you speak to Luc let him know are best wishes go out to him and his family.
Thanks, for everything Rich you will be missed, and good luck and fortune at your new job.
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This has been a bitter sweet year for me, it’s been a very trying year, my father died and the Kings won the Stanley Cup (my Dad and I actually watched the final game together and it was a very special night)now you won’t be here anymore, what next no Christmas or New Years Eve? or gas prices going up to $5 a gallon, how much can a guy take?. Good luck Rich, I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Insider since 07, God speed.
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Thanks Rich…
I was there in 2007 before the jump and I couldn’t believe how much the posters knew about hockey… I learned so much and though I missed the days of less posters (easier to get to know everyone), I’ve followed the blog ever since. I hope they replace you with someone competent…
Also started going to practices last couple of years and the idea for that was all you… I’d always look out for you and your coffee, perhaps next to DL or Miss LA Times… Good times…
Good luck with the Register.
You moving down to OC or are you staying in LA?
Godspeed and good luck!
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Thank`s Rich for everything.May God Bless And Protect You And Your Family.
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Thanx for all Rich, you made hockey in LA fun, even when we were dying with troubled teams, management and players. Your insights and sense of humor will be missed more on this blog than you can imagine. In the year that it all finally came together for the Kings, it is both fitting and ironic that you’re leaving; for us you made it happen, you made all of us feel like we were part of the team. I think everyone would like to go out as a winner. You have certainly accomplished that Rich. I do hope you are rewarded with a ring, you certainly deserve one.
You will be sorely missed. Best of luck in your new endeavors.
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Rich,
Sorry to see you go but you’re right – leaving when on top is the best way to go. Looking forward to the suite-night where you can just hang with the fans and enjoy a beer. First one is on me.
Sincerely,
Crashin’
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This news upsets me far more than the cancellation of a few NHL games. Rich, your blend of enthusiasm and professionalism will not be matched. I most appreciated the judgement you showed in knowing when to dig in to a story and when to hold back.
Thank you for greatly enhancing my experience of being a Kings fan, and best of luck to you in the future.
PS – Didn’t you know that newspapers are a dying business? Hockey-related revenues are rising at 7% per year! You picked the wrong horse in this race.
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Thanks for everything Rich. Was a true pleasure reading your posts. You are a true professional. Best of luck and hope our paths cross again.
P.S. the video was awesome. Hope your thumb is feeling better.
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Thank you Rich for the hard work on this blog, your insights, professionalism, and spot on reporting of the daily activities of the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings. Your’s will be a hard keyboard to fill…………..
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Rich, thanks for your attention to detail and professionalism. Our loss is the OC Register’s gain.
Best of luck!
Brent
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How about one last meetup for Rich?
In-N-out on Sepulveda by LAX?
Setup a date and time that most of us can make. Should be fun.
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I just wanted to say thanks for all you did Rich. It was a pleasure to read someone who would bring such professionalism and help a group of fans have a common place to get updates, but also talk, whine, cry, and celebrate our team. How important is the Insider to me? I check it at least twice a day and that’s just during a lockout! You made it part of our day. Thanks so much and good luck with what you do in the future.
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Leaving while on top. That is the way to go.
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best wishes!
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How can you betray…. Rich thank you for all you’ve given he Kings fans! It wasn’t long ago that all we could hope for was kings talk and a write up in paper. You gave us a reasonable place to vent and get information not only on he kings but he prospects in the pipeline. Of course the internet did help a little. But never the less you will be missed. May the road rise to meet you and the sun be at your back…..
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Rich-
From Boston, thank you for blazing a hockey-blogging trail- this blog should be named after you! You got the job because you were great at the Daily News, you got acclaim for your hard work and the uniqueness of your blog and info.
But we all know here that you were cool, kind, honest, and fair with all of us. You took time to connect with the passionate(then)Cup-less Kings fans and treat us all to the info on the team we craved, especially those not in the LA area.
I grew up a King fan since 1984. Used to read the Boston Globe for boxscores, or sometimes even just a score…2 days after the game if on west coast.
Today I’m a Kings fan that witnessed them finally win the Stanley Cup, and thanks to you was treated with increasingly great “insider” coverage daily I could have never imagined even 5 years ago.
You spoiled us fans, helped me get into Boston University to see a King practice a couple years ago, and blazed a trail here on the internet forever. Thank you.
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You will be missed. Good luck!!!
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A big thank you for everything Rich.
I was one of the people who stumbled across your Kings coverage in 2007 and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your postings ever since. Kings fans converged on your site for a reason, and that reason was your excellent coverage and writing. I can only hope that whoever succeeds you has the dedication and ability to fill even one of your shoes. Good luck in all your future endeavors, don’t be a stranger and please do write a book sometime that we can buy and enjoy.
Who is going to keep us updated about those Munters units now?
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Thank you so much for all that youve done for the Kings and all of the fans. You have always been my favorite source of anything Kings. You are a talent that is not easily replaced. You will be missed and will never be forgotten. Thank you for the memories. Kings Insider wont be the same without you. Farewell and godspeed!
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Rich thank you so much for all the informations around the Kings, for everything you have achieved with this blog! You were the top source to get news and updates here in Germany. Thank you again and best of luck for your future!
By the way now I can provide an information: Jonathan Bernier just signed with Heilbronner Falken (the team of my hometown)
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Rich, you are superb! My wife, Addie, and I have been following the Kings since they first appeared at the Inglewood Forum, and you are their best reporter, adding immeasurably to the anticipation of each game and the understanding of what goes on both on and off the ice. Every hockey fan I know reads your blog and appreciates it. Please let us fans know what you are going to do next, so we can get that *fix* that your writing has become for us — even if your next venture is not involved with sports.
Your fan Bob
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WOW NO! This came out of no where
Good luck Rich! Looking forward to seeing your next project
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Hey Rich, words cannot describe what you helped accomplish.
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Wow, I really can’t believe this is happening. You have really created a light in my life with your blog. As a fan and season ticket holder I can’t thank you enough for the culture you’ve created here in LA. You deserve just as much respect as any player on the ice for yours and the teams accomplishments. I find it ironic that lately I’ve been debating emailing you to ask if there’s any way I could get involved in the blog and the magic you have created here. Always know any reader here including myself are forever indebted to you for what you have established and if there’s anything I can do now or in the future to somehow repay you, it would not only be my duty but a pleasure. Best of luck to you on all your future endeavors.
Thank you from one of your biggest fans,
TheRussianKing
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Congratulations and Thank You Rich. There are tears in my eyes as well, but I did just eat some spicy noodles while watching a sad movie but that is beside the point.
I have immensely enjoyed your writing the last five years and want to restate something that I said to you many years ago. As much as anything that was going on, on the ice 5 years ago; you paved the way and laid the foundation for L.A. to become a legit recognized hockey town.
I would also like to retell my korny Jiraj joke….
“Mikus and Rich were walking down a narrow hall opposing each other and both came to a stop near the middle of the hall. With steel gazes they faced each other until Jiraj could hold no longer and while stepping aside spoke out in reverent tones; “excuse me”. As Rich walked past he nonchalantly replied over his shoulder; “your excused”. Jiraj was so grateful he has let Chuck Norris live to this day!
We were all so fortunate to have you come into our lives and thanks to the Kings for recognizing your talent. Be proud of what you have done here!
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Thank you Rich for great job you’ve done here. Your “insider” is my everyday reading and I think that with you, Kings have (had) the best insider blog in the NHL. Many thanks and greetings from Europe fan(s). Hope you will be fine in your new job. Go Rich Go!
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No Rich, it’s we who need to be thanking you! Your blog is the only Kings related blog I read and it’s because of your integrity and professionalism. Thanks for doing what you’ve done for us fans and for the Kings. Good luck in your future endeavor!
Paul from Ventura
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Not much else I can say….all the other posts said it. Thank you for everything and best of luck to you Rich.
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Rich, I thought you were told you would do this for 50 years! You still have 47 to go.
Thank you for doing such a great job Rich. You are a true professional. In an age where journalism of every kind is filled with opinions and bias story telling, you always approached the blog without an agenda. You always told the stories in a true objective manner. The integrity of your writing was beyond reproach. You sir are a journalist.
I’ve read many post from people of far away lands saying how valuable this site is for them being caught up on Kings news. This is so very true, but even more you created a place that makes us feel we are back in LA and members of Kings fandom.
Thank you and good luck.
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Thank You Rich for everything you’ve done for the Kings and all of us fans. I think we all knew at some point you’d be heading for bigger and better things. I just hope when you have your own radio/tv show ala Dan Patrick, you will include hockey on a regular basis! Seriously, good luck in your future endeavors! Hard work and unwavering professionalism has been a staple of this blog from the beginning and I know that will continue, not just here, but in your future as well. Thank you for setting the standard that all team affiliated blogs should live by. Best of luck to ya Rich, I’ll miss ya around here!
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Rich, thank you so much for this LA Kings blog. Your insightful comments and blog posts will certainly be missed by me. I wish you the very best on your new job opportunity at the OC Register.
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Rich!
I’m speechless. I feel like I was just sucker punched. Wow.
You will absolutely be missed. Your professionalism and candor are second to none. I will be a fan of yours wherever you land…. unless it’s Detroit … in which case we’d have to burn a photo of you in effigy at the next insider suite (sure the staples crew would be a little upset that we put 18,118 fans at risk by lighting a torch in a confined room with nothing but carpet and paper cups to serve as kindle …but so be it ..)
Thank You for all these years (Including the Inside the Kings days)
Thank You for educating me from a hapless unknowledgeable hockey twit … to a hapless semi-unknowledgeable hockey twit.
Seriously I can’t thank you enough. Your simultaneous contributions to both the game of hockey, and the progression of journalism will be remembered as a turning point.
Good Luck and … seriously .. don’t go to the Wings.
matt
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Matt George Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 7:03 am
@Matt George,
WUPS
I just read the OC register … okay it’s not the Wings … but UCLA would’ve been better.
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So sad to see you go Rich, Best of luck!
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Opening night..whenever that may be…we will raise a Banner and Rich’s laptop to the rafters.
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I am sad to see you go! I wish you all the best. Thank you.
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Wow, still a bit surprised and bummed. Thank you for ALL of your hard work for us fans. Best of luck to you in the next adventure.
Hope you get a bit more sleep with the next job…
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You would have to think with the lockout the Kings were looking at cutting Rich’s salary.
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Michael_DD8 Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 9:02 am
@Pasadena Hockey,
He did say nothing about his salary was in question! Lets not make him NOT miss us
haha
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Rich,
Thanks so much for everything! I started reading this blog when it first came up, and man did it really change a whole perspective for me and being a actual kings fan. The stuff i have learned from fellow bloggers, starting with you is incredible to even think about!I have been apart of numerous blogs (Hockey, Car , other sports etc) and none of which operated/produced like here. Goodluck with the new gig at OC, and at least you’re still local…
Maybe you can tell us now…who is your all time favorite hockey team? hehe
Take care Rich. Thanks again!
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Hello, you have reached the voicemail for Dean Lombardi, general manager of the Stanley Cup champions Los Angeles Kings hockey club. Due to a large number of calls seeking the Insider job, I have been forced to send all of my calls to voicemail. Please follow the prompts. If this is Rich, hell yes you can have your job back! If this is @anthony, please press “1″ to be sent to the toilet bowl flushing sound. If this is @Quisp or @Paul Armbruster, press “2″ and leave a voice application. If this is @puck73, press “3″ to hear the USC fight song. If this is Gretz, call me on the “Gretz Line” so I can explain that the pay scale for the job won’t cover your Skechers bill, if this is @Dominick, forget the Insider job, just press “4″ to apply for Kompon’s old job. If this is @Duncanz, please press “5″ so we can cancel the missing persons report with the police and/or send you a map out of the cornfield. If this is @DesertKing, please hang up, dial 9-1-1, then turn yourself in to the police since any thought of bringing Kompon back is criminal in nature. If this is any other Insider, forget about getting the Insider job. We are looking for someone who is not a Kings fan, definitely a Cubs fan and has a weird fixation on Munters HVAC equipment. If you know someone like that, please press “6″ and leave their (Rich’s) name so I can contact them. If this is Bettman, please press “7″ and stay on that line for the next 10 years. Thank you and have a nice day.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:08 am
@DesertKing,
My voice application consisted of me singing, “We are the champions” and ended with a proposal for MMA-type fights with opposing bloggers. I expect a callback at any moment.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:36 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
If you hit the Freddie Mercury falsetto note, you will ge the job!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
@DesertKing, Nailed it! Wore my spandex and everything.
DesertKing Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
@Paul Armbruster
Along with the muscle-shirt tank top and Adidas sneakers? Saw him and Queen live at the Forum with Golden Earring as the opening band. Thats a show you never forget.
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:20 am
@DesertKing,
Outstanding!
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Michael J. Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:30 am
@DesertKing,
Best voicemail message yet.
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sucks to lose you Rich. You were an LA Kings godsend. Now we’re going to go back to having to scramble to get just a small tidbit of news. Ever since you came onboard, I felt you forced Helene to up her game. Hopefully you can inspire more writers to cover the Kings.
http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2012/10/league_interference_helpe.php Also, can’t see how anyone can be pro-owners after this debacle.
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Rich,
There’s not much left to say after so many wonderful expressions of appreciation and tribute have already been shared, but I’d be remiss were I not to add my own words of thanks.
Your work has brought benefit to your employers by adding value to the franchise. You’ve provided L.A. Kings fans with an additional dimension of information and entertainment…a highly interactive dimension that has both broadened and deepened the sense of family enjoyed by avid Kings’ fans. No less importantly, you’ve demonstrated what can be achieved with a combination of talent and hard work. In the popular culture of the day, where appeal to the lowest common denominator is often the mode, the forum you’ve created proves that we can be passionate, have fun, and disagree with one another in a civil and dignified manner. That’s no small achievement!
I join the rest of the crowd in extending my every best wish for continued success and great personal fulfillment as you begin writing the next chapter in your life’s story.
Ron
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The Kings have a heck of a job trying to fill your position, Rich. Go Trojans!
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Best wishes in your new endeavors Rich. You always gave 110% to this blog and will be greatly missed. Thanks for your outstanding journalism and providing such excellent coverage of the Kings!
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Good Luck Rich, you and your blogging helped me through some tough years, way to go out, on top. you will be missed
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If what niesy wrote is true over on Quisp’s site then I am completely disgusted with the NHL front offices and am so sad that Hammond was even put in that position.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:15 am
@Orphios, It’s Niesy’s site, not Quisp’s anymore and it is true.
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Rainman Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:35 am
@Orphios, Here’s Niesy’s article…
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2012/10/11/3488884/kings-reporter-hammond-told-to-stop-interviewing-players-during-the
Bettman, Daly & the NHL are a complete joke. They should resign immediately!
They call this collateral damage in wars. Sorry Rich, but you got screwed!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:56 am
@Rainman,
This doesn’t quite rise to the level of killing of innocent human beings (not even close) but I see you’re point.
I don’t blame the owners necessarily. They are protecting their own interests and have every right to do so. This is about the perils of having a reporter receive his paycheck from the team he is covering. It is an extremely hard balance to maintain, even for a guy like Rich.
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Orphios Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
@Orphios,
when did Quisp give it up? Didnt know that. I understand the owners are protecting their own interest. Actually I frequently take the owner’s side in cba battles. However, I am still really offended in this case. Ofcourse I am bias, I love Rich but I dont see the deep conflict of interest in this case, sorry. The kind of conflict that has real life (it’ll somehow screw the owners position in the cba) impact.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
@Orphios, Last year. He went back to his own blog as opposed to being part of a network.
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Orphios Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Orphios Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Quisp Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
@Orphios, @paul armbruster
I “went live” on McSorley’s Stick on April 1st of this year. I handed the managerial reins of Jewels from the Crown to Niesy, though I am still on the masthead as an editor.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 8:26 am
@Quisp, TMI
Here’s my piece on the reason behind Rich’s exit…and it does not bode well for the future of this blog.
http://kingsnewsdaily.com/hammond-hushed/
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Weasel Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:31 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Thanks for posting that. And, no, it doesn’t bode well. Maybe Bettman can appoint Rich’s replacement he seems to have a lot of time on his hands since…..there’s no damn hockey.
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Pasadena Hockey Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:40 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Perhaps Rich’s stance on the lock out was similar to yours. He only was seeking information from both sides to provide to the fans. If that is why he is walking away, then he is leaving with integrity and even more respect from all of us.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 10:51 am
@Pasadena Hockey,
No question about it. He took the job predicated on full autonomy. When that was breached, it was over. No going back so he had to leave. Major props to him for keeping his integrity.
There are many more questions to be answered. If anyone has any info, please contact me.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:29 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I’m too PISSED to talk about it.
Really…..
DesertKing Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:34 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Now that we know Bettman reads the blog SCREW YOU BETTMAN YOU STUPID JERK!
If it wasn’t for the fact that the Kings just won the Cup and have an incredible future ahead of them with a great group of players, I would abandon the NHL in a second.
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rick Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:37 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I am disgusted by this whole thing. I didn’t think it was possible for NHL management to go down even lower in my eyes, but it just happened.
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Neil Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 1:40 pm
@rick, Rules are still rules…no matter what Rich thinks..he still has a boss and the Kings have a boss.This is a rare time where working for the Kings and being involved in the strike is troubling.I wish Rich would understand that and just not get in the middle.He is a EMPLOYEE of the Kings..No where around that.If this is the only problem that cause Rich to take off…he will have trouble in the real world.Politics and bosses exsists everywhere.If you can get 99% of what you want in a job..you are blessed.Wait till he works for a newspaper….He will be under more pressure then ever with the Kings.Its a war right now between the players and owners and I understand the logic behind not interviewing players on the Kings site…
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@Neil, Agreed for the most part Neil. “Wait till he works for a newspaper” Are you aware he worked for a newspaper for a long time before this?
Neil Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
@Neil, yes i was blogging back on the Daily News(aka The Green Sheet…the name before The Daily News!!!)
What??
Well I guess there’s no reason to have a season now.
Thanks for everything.
Good Luck Rich!!
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Thank you for everything, Rich, and best of luck on your new endeavor.
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Thanks for everything you have done for the organization Rich. You will be missed. I loved having your insight on the team and you always kept us up to date on everything, and brought the fans and the team closer than anyone ever could have done. Good luck!
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So the truth came out, that the NHL got in the way!!! Sorry to hear that Hammond! I know the Kings tried to talk with NHL, to no avail!!!
You should just take over this blog, since you Are no longer employed by the Kings, Or should I say the NHL!!!
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Michael J. Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@Sammuch,
Rich sent to the cornfield??? Talk about the irony…
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:31 am
@Michael J.,
I thought the same thing….
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
@Michael J.,
He sent himself! Permanently!
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Just wanted to add me THANKS and godspeed on your new endeavor.
This blog made the past few seasons all the more intense and amazing (and, at the low points, all the more upsetting) and kept me from hounding my family and friends with Kings talk, since I could dish and receive it all here.
I don’t care if the next guy is a ‘real’ Kings fan cause you proved that isnt necessary; I just pray he has the same wicked sense of humor and irony!
Good luck with MuntersInsider.com or wherever you land next!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:12 am
@bbb7, But would you care if he/she was a Ducks fan?
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bbb7 Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:34 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Okay, okay there ARE limits :p
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
@bbb7, I knew it!
Does this mean that I can use profanity now without fear of going unpublished?? Enjoyed your take on EVERYTHING. Thanks and Good Luck!!
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OK im really pissed now…. And the NHL can DIAF… man im really mad now…
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Just sick to my stomach now, what ever happen to free speech is gone now this is why I do not vote, anymore and what America? (USA) All lies rich get richer and poor get poorer, and fans cannot even enjoy a sport anymore with out first having at least 500 bucks in there pockets to go to a game, I do not know how Canada fans can even go in to a game now?
We hockey fans cannot watch any new hockey while the NHL fight about there millions, billions and as we fans get poorer, as for sure tickets prices will go up after this same like last time, and then its over for me, free tv I see in my future as will not be able to stand the NHL anymore I know its coming, just when Hockey was starting to take off and more people starting going watching and caring, all messed up now.
So sorry Rich and what NHL (American hockey) has now done to the site.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
@Gail Web, With respect, this isn’t a free speech issue in any way, shape or form. Free speech is about government interference.
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Gail Web Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Hi Paul, thanks, and I say who cares, we all know what its about (money) one word, and we the fans have still have no hockey and now no Rich, as well and all we do is pay money something wrong with free anything
;-(
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HockeyNerd Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Agreed, it isnt about freedom of speech. No question that the NHL has the perfect RIGHT to demand that story be taken down.
The problem is that just because someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do something. And in fact it goes much deeper with the NHL…. so many times they SHOULD have done something and ACTUALLY DID NOTHING. How many players have swung sticks and sucker punched people with little consequence? What happened to Ryan Clowe for playing the puck FROM THE BENCH? To Phoenix for their behavior in the WCF? To Mike Smith?
Yet say the wrong thing to the press and the NHL throws the book at you.
Words truly speak louder than action in the NHL.
And THAT is what has me so angry, and I suspect most other bloggers here.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Agreed. And I may choose to not continue here because of this event with Rich. I don’t want another blog like all the others. I liked this blog because of how Rich ran it.
I’m very angry and I won’t forgive Bettman and the NHL Paul knows what I say I mean. This is unacceptable.
For those without Twitter….
Rich Hammond (@lakingsinsider) tweeted at 8:56 AM on Thu, Oct 11,
2012:
The support has been overwhelming and humbling. It’s tough to read without getting emotional. THANKS to each and every one of you!
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Gail Web Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
@Kingsfanone, Thanks so much as I do not have twitter
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Damn this league, buncha money grabbing,power hungry morons, when is the greed enough?
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Gail Web Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
@Kings Fan In Temecula, It seems never
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And of course you will be missed, i’m one of those that blogged occasionally here, sometimes for the worst, but i always came here for kings news and new this site was trustworthy
so thanks for everything rich
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Thanks for everything. Hate to see you go
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The Kings will find a replacement for your position, Rich. But they’ll never be another man with your passion, honesty, candor and wit. Thank you!
You’ve pioneered the pro hockey sports blog in Los Angeles as your following indicates. No one, and I mean no one, visited the LA Kings official site until they brought you on board from the LA Daily Newsblog. You got more hits on your blog than Babe Ruth and Stan Musial combined!
You bridged the gap between merely reporting the news and granting the average fan insider access and a level of information, analysis and insight never ever attainable to Kings fans and hockey fans alike. Like Bob Miller, Jim Fox, Nick Nickson and Daryl Evans, you have cemented your place in the hearts and minds of true Kings fans everywhere.
The LA Kings hockey blog will live on in some new, synthesized form, but there will never be a replacement for The REAL Kings Insider: The one… the ONLY… Rich Hammond.
Thank you again and good luck!
Mark S.
Los Angeles
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Thank you Rich!!
I wish you the best in all of your future endeavors.
Michael
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We should have “booed” Buttman when he walked onto the ice on 06/11/12. We got screwed for showing some class.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
@DesertKing,
Seriously. I was just thinking that.
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Gustavo Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 11:40 am
@DesertKing,
He will be booed ad nausea at Staples from now on.
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I appreciate Rich now more than ever, in setting a paramount example for what’s right, again…
Take care Rich, and keep up the good fight.
You will be missed.
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……it was fun while it lasted!!….
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The season is officially over! Best of luck in all future endeavors, Rich! Irreplaceable journalist and a huge loss to the Kings organization, but you do what you got to do!
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Could a journalist take this job in good faith?
Could a non-journalist do this job and be respected?
And what exactly is this job anyway?
These are the questions running around my head this afternoon and I’d like to get your take on them (or others you may have).
Since I’m of the non-journalist variety, and someone who would love this job, I would answer the second question this way:
We all have allegiances. Fans, writers, players, coaches, GMs and even owners (whose allegiances are not always with the very team they own).
Rich’s allegiance was and is to himself and to his integrity as a journalist. For that, he was beloved by many Kings fans even though he wasn’t a fan of the Kings. I respect Rich for this in more ways than I care to share here.
There are those who will forever be linked to the Crown and there are those who only wear it temporarily. Coaches come and go, as do GMs, players and even owners…and now, writers.
But one thing that remains constant no matter what, are the fans and the Crown itself. As for the players, coaches and staff who become permanent Kings fans themselves, they are the ones who carry the burden of maintaining the legacy of the Crown. They are also the ones who are most beloved by the fans over the course of time. Whether or not Rich joins this list remains to be seen, but that doesn’t matter now.
What matters is that fans continue to receive quality coverage of the team. As a fan, my allegiance is to the enduring LA Kings organization and the fans that support it. As far as I’m concerned, those are the most important things to consider when reporting on the team, whether it’s good news or critical analysis.
Even if a team reporter were given the green light to cover the lockout, I’m not so sure it’s relevant to Kings fans when you consider it’s a dispute between all players and all owners, not specifically the Kings. Publishing an interview with Kevin Westgarth, which was very critical of the owners, gives nothing to Kings fans as far as team news goes. Is it interesting? Yes. Would it be fascinating to get opinions about the lockout from all sides from within the Kings organization? You bet. But would any of it pertain directly to the Kings? No, it would not. The question for me is: what purpose does it serve?
This isn’t a knock on Rich, it’s just my perspective and how I would handle this situation if I found myself reporting on hockey without any hockey to report on. I’d leave it alone and I would say as much to you, the fans.
There’s plenty to debate and discuss on this topic but thanks for reading my initial thoughts on the subject…
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DesertKing Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I think a non-reporter who is a Kings fan could run this blog as an employee of the Kings. In fact, as it was just proven, that is the only way this position could now be operated. Rich was walking a tightrope that no one knew was there. He had the support of the fans, the trust and respect of the players, and the autonomy promised to him by the Kings organization. It was the NHL who cut the rope out from under him and too Rich’s credit, he didn’t back down, compromise his ethics, or place the Kings organization in a bad spot.
The new moderator for this blog will need to be a Kings “homer” and that is okay. The bloggers themselves will provide the grist of conflict. The Kings organization will prvide the new person with the access they need to continue to provide meaningful threads that inspire blogger participation. The trust of the players is paramount, but the new person has already been provided with an outstanding blueprint of how to run this site. Just follow the Hammond Brick road.
I am not saying that th new person has to be a shill for the organization, The Kings have already shown that they do not want that type of blog. Rather, by hiring a non-journalist, someone who is not bound by the journalists code, the Kings would then be able to retain the right to screen information threads before they are posted. I would trust the Kings administration to fill the role properly, since for the past 3 years, Rich had no problem until the NHL intervened and screwed him.
The purpose of the blog moderator is to ensure that Kings fans have a polite, impersonal, non-political, non-religios based forum to discuss the LA Kings, hockey and whatever other topic presents itself. It needs to be moderated to prevent trolling snd possible degenertion into a discussion of politics or other confrontational topics not related to the Kings. No offense to Rich, but the job is actually pretty easy if you can handle the hours and the travel. Whoever the new person is, they will be on a great team and receive tons of help from Bob, Jim, Nick, Darryl, Luc and Dean. Rich has left us with a truly incredible forum and a easy-to-read manual on how to run it successfully.
Sorry for the long answer, but you asked
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Neil Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:55 pm
@DesertKing, As much as I like Rich ..his writing has changed(Go back and read the old blogs on the Daily News)…To me its ALL the other comments that makes this site awesome.I love reading the other reader’s thoughts on the players and the games..what makes this site easy to read is that everyone must follow the rules….(or get sent to the cornfield)I love to debate knowing other readers arent going to start talking trash(unless its good nature)Looking forward to the next keeper….
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DesertKing Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
@Neil,
+1
Shakes Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
@Neil, good comment, i think Rich did a good job of having objective postings that didn’t get emotional, which actually set the stage for the readers to add that element. The combo of following rules plus the behind-the-scenes moderation really helped things
EJ Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 8:57 am
@Neil, for myself, the site was useful only for Rich’s reports. If they hire a new reporter who reports without bias, then I’ll be back. Otherwise, not. And this is just another very black eye for the league.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
@DesertKing, Loved it. Thanks. You make a lot of good points DK. If I was ever given the opportunity, I would definitely make it my own while keeping much of what you said intact.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 7:51 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Always willing to help and remember, I work for nachos. You would be a natural and keep it on the course we all like.
Sometimes its better not to get involved in a battle…..oc registe also has limits……
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You be greatly missed. Thanks for all…
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I dont know who they might have in mind for Rich’s job, but for sure the new person needs the following:
Thick skin
Endless patience (for answering the same questions over and over and over, especially why he/she won’t comment on trade RUMORS…)
A long fuse (for those griefers who were ignored as children, or the just plain bloggers who wont follow the simple rules)
An understanding of 40+ years of agony.
An understanding of waiver rules, contract negotiations, cap manipulations, and who we should complain to to have Clowe suspended for his stick play from the bench.
A knowledge of Mikus. And Fukufuji.
Be willing to entertain endless conversations about ‘drastically needed’ line/position changes.
A love for air conditioning units.
Experience with manic/depressive fans (cause there are LOTS here :p)
And especially, big feet! (to fill those big shoes!)
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Gustavo Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 11:43 am
@bbb7,
And be able to put up with those who still want Shane Doan playing for LA, lol…
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Now the logo change? Bodies not even cold… Guess when the NHL is the strong dog who cares eh?
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…the scoop….or is it poop?…….
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2012/10/11/3488884/kings-reporter-hammond-told-to-stop-interviewing-players-during-the
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 4:18 pm
@Deke’r, dirty SOB’s
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I am angry beyond words right now. Bettman is it not enough that 3 labor stoppages have occurred under you? That players sucker punch and swing their stick at other players heads and you do nothing? That a player flagrantly breaks the rules right in front of 4 officials and you do nothing? That a team you own makes a mockery of the post game handshake and you do nothing? That you award a point to the loser of a game that the winner doesn’t have to give up? That you interrupt a Stanley cup final to award the cup to a team when the game is still tied then mysteriously take the rule you didn’t apply off the books? That you fine GM’s 10 or more times what you fine players that do something that may cost someone’s life when the GM is merely speaking their mind?
Now that we have one bright spot in this non season YOU created where we can express our opinions you have to put the person who made this possible for all of us into a position where he can no longer do his job? WHY? WHY? WHY MR. BETTMAN????? To show how big and bad you are? Because you haven’t made the fans who support YOUR LEAGUE upset enough yet? WHY???? WHY?????
A big middle finger to you Mr. Bettman. And pass it on to your legal team, your assistants, and all your owners.
And Thank You Rich for being the ONE person in all of this with integrity. You will be sorely missed.
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pr0cess Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
@HockeyNerd, Gutless bastards all of them, i hope they all walk this world alone
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Sebastian Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:51 pm
@HockeyNerd, Bettman has recorded the first ever “Natural Lock-out Hat Trick”
Congratulations you greedy bastard!
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puck73 Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
@Sebastian, Greedy Bastard? Obviously you werent around to catch my act.
Respectfully Yours, Dick Cheaney, Billionaire.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
@puck73,
@Poorman…….is that you????
Bob Bobson Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
@HockeyNerd, Agreed on every point. The only positive I can take away from this is the Kings did try to stand up for Rich and this is more proof that, prior to this, being paid by the Kings had no real effect on his journalism.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
@Bob Bobson, FYI, the interview in question was removed today… by the Kings.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Who would have been fined how much by the league had they not?
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
@HockeyNerd Who may still be fined regardless…
……ahhh…did’t see the previous post….
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HockeyNerd Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:46 pm
@Deke’r, Believe me, that link cannot be posted enough times.
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Best wishes on a great life!
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So like a player, now playing for the KHL or in Europe…Rich is free to write what he wants.
Now we dont know if there is a clause in this contract with USC that what the lock-out is over
he could return. Right? Time will tell. All we know is the NHL did not have a problem with what he was reporting before the lock-out. So all could return, but in the interm…Rich..like a player must move on.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
@OnTheFly,
Rich ain’t coming back……
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I’m really sad to see you go Rich. This blog has been my number one source of Kings info and also some hilarious times. I really appreciate all the late nights and fast food you had to endure to get us stories of our beloved team. All the best to you, and I’ll make sure to say hello and thanks if I ever see you around. Take care
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Say it isn’t so. Best of luck! Munters no doubt made you an offer you couldn’t refuse…
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That video of Rich up above where all the players faces are blanked out…REALLY!
This is some of the most childish, petty stuff I have seen. I honestly didnt think the NHL would drop to that level, but it has.
I have been on the players side since the beginning, especially since they gave the owners what they wanted in 05. After seeing what has happened to Rich, and now this stupid video, I honestly will be ok if I never spen another dime at Staples. The Reason? At 49 years of age, I have seen plenty of hockey live so it wont bother me if I dont go again. And second, I am paying $200 dolars a month for Hi Def cable so I might as well maximize it.
The people I feel sorry for are the younger fans, who havent gotten enough of it live. Its the same situation at Disneyland. They charge people 90 bucks to get in now, underpay their employees, and yet they have enough money for a 15 minute firework display every night that costs $50.000 a pop !
Corporate America….their act is wearing real thin.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
@puck73,
Whoa??? You’re 49???
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pr0cess Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
@Kingsfanone, wait what video!! i demand a link!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
@pr0cess,
Top of this thread are 2 videos @puck73 is speaking of…..
pr0cess Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@KingsFanone, Damn work network striping videos… ill check them at home
Is there supposed to be a comma after “Farewell”? (sorry Rich, just had to do that for old times sake)
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C’est la vie…..Good luck Rich, Ill miss you buddy!
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In case you missed it above…..
Rich Hammond (@lakingsinsider) tweeted at 8:56 AM on Thu, Oct 11, 2012:
The support has been overwhelming and humbling. It’s tough to read without getting emotional. THANKS to each and every one of you!
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puck73 Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
@Kingsfanone, Kingfanone…A beacon of light in this dark and dreary cyber space currently.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
@puck73,
It’s a flashlight……..get over it!
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Off topic, but my Stanley Cup Champion Kings Book/DVD arrived via UPS today
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Cesar A Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 9:59 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, My LA Kings 2012 Stanley Cup Champions Book/ Game 6 DVD left Los Angeles yesterday inbound to Virginia. According to the UPS website I should get it by next Wednesday. Hopefully it is early like Tuesday. I look forward to getting it and watching the Game 6 call by Bob Miller and Jim Fox. As far as the NHL lockout is concerned I blame the owners for sticking with Bettman as their representative and the NHL:players for hiring someone like stubborn Donald Fehr to be their negotiator.
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Thanks, Rich! Good luck with everything!
BTW, to everyone upset at the blacking out of the players faces… If I know anything about the snarkiness of our social media/media guys, this is probably less of them taking the lockout seriously and more of a jab at the ridiculousness of it all. I don’t think anyone in the Kings organization is any more thrilled about the lockout than we all are.
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Thanks Rich.
I wish you well in whatever endeavors you pursue. If this was a decision based on principle, pay, passing whim, or what not, the last few years with you running this blog have been great. I’ll look up your witty banter in your next gig.
Just don’t cover the Ducks… please.
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Banned in D.C. with a thousand more places to go.
Gonna swim across the Atlantic, cause that’s the only place I can go.
You, you can’t hurt me, me I’m banned in D.C. D.C.
We, we got ourselves, gonna sing it, gonna love it, gonna work it out to any length.
Don’t worry, no worry, about what people say.
We got ourselves, we gonna make it anyway.
You, you can’t hurt me, why I’m banned in D.C. D.C. D.C.
And if you ban us from your clubs, it’s the right time, with the right mind.
And if you think we really care, then you won’t find in my mind.
Noooo! You can’t afford, to close your doors, so soon no more.
My oh my i lay you down upon the ground so soon no more.
Nooo you can’t afford to close your doors so soon no more.
My oh my i let you down upon the grounddddddd
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As if things couldn’t get worse, Rich’s Westgarth interview was removed from the blog today:
http://lakingsinsider.com/2012/09/17/westgarth-discusses-lockout-negotiations/
I was going to copy it but didn’t. If anyone did, please send me a copy.
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CB14 Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), It keeps getting worse and worse.
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pr0cess Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), petty cheap SOBs, i wish nothing but ill will to them all
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
After changing the top header, the interview had to be next. Wish I had wanted to copy it, but I really didn’t.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 5:53 pm
@Kingsfanone, I now have a copy and will publish it in due time.
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Must be nice to go out on top!!!
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Good luck Rich, thanks for the inside info.
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Dear Rich,
It’s so sad to see you go! YOu have been a termendous source of Kings info ever since I came to know the blog a few years ago, especially for a Kings fan overseas! It just proves that NHL can’t do anything right these days! They can’t get the competent commissioner, they can’t get the labor deal done, and they can’t see asset and talent in hockey journalism if it bite them in the @$$. Sorry, I’m getting off subject here. Again, your work has been a huge huge pick-me-up for this fan in Taiwan. I find myself checking your site the…..second or third thing in the morning, and that is during the offseason. Thank you so so much for what you’ve done and your professionalism! I am glad that you can get to experience a Cup Championship while you are here. And in my humble opinion, you will always be considered part of the Kings (even though you are not a Kings fan). Good luck, and cheers!
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Thank you Rich. You did an amazing thing here. You will be missed. Good luck with your future.
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I heard the big news about the reason WHY Rich left from puck73 at lunch today. I was surprised, but not shocked. Just after the league fined the Detroit Red Wings for comments their VP said about the lockout, I immediately wondered about Rich and this site. For some reason the Westy interview didn’t come to my mind, and I never asked about it on this site, but I knew technically Rich is a Kings employee, and all Kings employees are forbidden of talking about the lockout. This whole situation makes the NHL, and Gary Bettmen in particular, look even worse than they already do.(As if that’s even possible)
When I first heard the news that Rich was leaving I was surprised. I wrote in a response to jess that the timing just didn’t seem right. Turns out, sadly, that the hunch that i had turned out to be correct. And the fact that Rich would’ve continued to run this site if not for this stupid Commisioner infuriates me so much more then I can write.(without breaking Rich’s rules)
Good luck with your new venture Rich, and I hope that the Commisioner of the Newspapers of America doesn’t infringe on your writing like Gary Bonehead Bettmen did.
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Mars Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
@CB14, this really sickens me. Not the censorship but the fact the that the NHL is driving away good honest hard working people away.
This is what is wrong with everything in this country and big business today.
Bettman, you sicken me to the core.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
@Mars,
The NHL may have done more damage then they think by Rich leaving. We’ll see.
Good bye all. It’s been a great ride, but I’m just sick of it.
Thank you!
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Props. I didn’t see eye-to-eye with you on everything, but I respect your integrity, which you’re demonstrating now. Best wishes in your endeavors, and thanks for bringing us great team coverage
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
…and of course, I hadn’t read what you wrote yet…amazing, with the eye-to-eye stuff.
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Thanks, Rich for your true dedication to the sport of hockey. Your unbiased approach to the NHL and the Kings is what made you stand above all the others and is borne out in your goodbye letter. Blessings on you and your future endeavors.
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bye rich, i dont post very much, but i do read everyday. thanks for making a place for all kings fans to chat and enjoy outside of our normal lives.
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I guess Iam in the minority..Iam disappointed by Rich…Yes its great that he believes in his integrity but….He is going to work for a business that is going out of style.He is also going to be writing about his school(USC)…Thought he said he would never do that.This is a unique situation(The lockout)..if not interviewing the players is all that is asked…then come on….Sometimes you have to give a little..Rich ..you have let lots of us down….We (the readers did make you)would be ok if you didnt interview any players till this stupid situation is solved.You cant run everytime something doenst go your way……
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
@Neil,
There’s certainly something to be said about him covering a ‘team’ he’s a fan of…that being USC athletics. His alumni status alone raises an eyebrow for sure. However, I thought that was more about a personal choice of his than a question of journalistic integrity. Or maybe I’m wrong. Still, you make a very valid point.
As for the other, I don’t agree. Rich painted himself into a corner when he took this job this job. He promised complete autonomy from the Kings. If he compromised, his reputation would be forever damaged. It’s HIS career after all. With the story getting removed today, it is now clear he was going to be censored one way or the other and that wasn’t going to stand with Rich. At least that’s what I take from his actions.
Was it an innocent mistake on his part to publish it in the first place? Or did he know ahead of time it might create a conflict with the league (and by proxy, the Kings)? I very much wonder about that. If he had it to do over again, would he not have clicked ‘publish’ on that story? Maybe. Maybe not.
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CB14 Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 5:55 pm
@Neil, Wow. “Yes its great that he believes in his integrity but…” But what? One of the biggest problems Rich faced when deciding to take this job was the fact that he had alot of people, including me in the beginning, that questioned his integrity. No one thought a journalist being paid by a team could be objective in their writing and be free to critique his employer. Rich has proven that this site is truly an independant blog. Or WAS an independant blog before Bettman butted in.
As Luc said when Rich was hired, he would have “full editorial control in his new position . . . (this is the) new home for Rich’s insightful, objective and thorough reporting and analysis.” When he couldn’t continue to do his job in the way he saw fit, he felt it best to move on. I’ve got no problem with Rich’s decision WHAT SO EVER.
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Neil Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 6:12 pm
@CB14, This wasnt a story about the Kings….It was an interview with a player who is in a war with Rich’s boss.The league does have rules(BTW every league has the same rules about not speaking up during negotiations)AEG are NOT allowed to talk right now.Its a over reaction on Rich’s part….You dont think that the OC newspaper will allow Rich to write what ever he wants???? If Rich wants to be completely free…he should start his own blog..owned and operated by Rich…Till then .He will ALWAYS have someone looking over his shoulder.So do you change jobs everytime someone stops you from writing something????
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Neil Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
@CB14, Do you think that if DD lashed out at AEG and Luc and Dean..that Rich wouldve printed it??/(if it was on the record)Iam sure that at least once Rich kept something from print if he knew it would ve hurt any of his employees or fellow workers.This was a one time thing…it was by the NHL..not the Kings. You cant run every time your boss(NHL) stops you from writing something.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
@Neil, You’re talking about what if’s and mabye’s. Show me one instance where Rich failed to print something that was damaging to the kings organization and i’ll believe you. Until then you’re just guessing.
I do know that Rich has allowed all of us blog readers the chance to comment freely and complain about the Kings all we wanted. There aren’t enough fingers in the world for me to be able to count the number of times that I wrote “fire TM” or “fire kompon” on this site. In all the time i spent on Moderation, and believe me it was ALOT, it was never because Rich was censoring me or because he didn’t approve of what I was writing. It was all because I broke one, or more in some cases, of the rules posted very clearly on the top right hand side of this page.
Choralone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
@Neil, What do you mean “run”? If Rich truly “ran” from the situation, he would never have posted the interview, or quietly knuckled under to the pressure to keep his job. Yes, he quit his position, but that doesn’t make him a “quitter” unless you’re a pedant.
luc20rules Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 11:16 pm
@Neil, I believe Rich did blog about the Gann Mastuda DL’s comment about JMFJ and the absence of coaching by Michigan’s Hockey Coach. That was critical of JMFJ and in a sense DL why would he say that even off the record to a reporter? He did report that. Was it a overreaction? Obviously Rich is the only one that can say yes or no. After all it is his career and integrity in question.
Also if he isnt a fan..then why did he hold the Cup??? I would NEVER hold the Cup or Celebrate anything that I wasnt a fan of…..
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Choralone Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 7:18 pm
@Neil, You can recognize you’re in a unique situation and have fun with it. Apparently he isn’t you.
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I feel like my favorite player got traded! Best of Luck and thank you for all your great work!
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It does feel a bit like a player on my favorite team was just traded, but only to play a completely different sport. “/
Thanks for everything Rich. Your writings were always first in my hockey related readings.
Best of luck!
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Rich, reading your Kings coverage over the years both at the Daily News and here has been a tremendous experience – your professionalism, dedication, wit, and attention to detail, along with the sincere looks at the human side of the sport, have been greatly appreciated. All the best to you in the future.
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The loss of Rich is on par with the loss of the season. Tremendous ! I know I have been spoiled with the quality of the reporting we get from all the guys. Thanks and well wishes.
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Sorry to see you go…could you please put me on moderation one last time for old times sake? This whole lock out is garbage. I am so close to asking for a full refund on my tickets this year. Best of luck at the register.
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Farewell, Rich. This has been the greatest insider site of any sport, and I salute you, Sir. I hope this site can at least shadow what you’ve been able to do, and I’ll be returning for sure. GKG!
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To whomever is now running this site, since you’ve already removed Rich’s name from the header, why don’t you go ahead and get rid of his BIO as well. That way Gary Bettman can be happy.
Also, since you need to be completely honest about what this site is all about, you should change the “ABOUT THIS BLOG” section to the following, “LAKingsInsider.com provides in-depth, independant coverage of the Los Angeles Kings. Its content and reader comments are not subject to approval or review by team personnel. IT IS HOWEVER SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY LEAGUE PERSONNEL. IT’S CONTENT THAT PAINT THE NHL’S OWNERS AND COMMISIONER IN A BAD LIGHT WILL BE REMOVED. ALL READER COMMENTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP.” That should cover it, thanks!
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CB14 Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
Speaking of censorship, I wonder how long this comment will last on here. I’m guessing it’ll be 30 minutes until it gets sent to the cornfield. Moderation, here I come.
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Neil Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
@CB14, 6.28…still here!!!!!
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BringBackTheShieldJersey Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
@CB14, bio’s gone now
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For those who wants this job…Would you take it knowing that you cant interview a player during the lockout???? Also I have been censored here for repeating my same point..Not for language or attacking someone verbally…I was censored for repeating how bad the Kings were and their coaching staff.Puck was in trouble for booing TM…..Seems like a one way street at times….
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so the real reason is out
LA Kings writer Rich Hammond leaves job after NHL uses editorial control on reporting
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/la-kings-writer-rich-hammond-leaves-job-nhl-214456802–nhl.html
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Gmo Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
@gcheng,
Very interesting
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paige Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
@gcheng, This makes me soooo mad. Yes I will still watch games on tv and buy tickets when the NHL comes back. But I will buy from scalpers, and my t-shirts will be those knock-offs sold outside the area, and my jerseys will come from E-Bay. From now on, my money goes to anyone but the NHL.
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I really wasn’t thinking Hammond was going to be happy covering the Monarchs for the next year.
Mr. Hammond,
Your writing grew with the team and the blog as a whole. I’ll miss your work here. I was really looking forward to the next year of Kings hockey and next year of your LAKI. I think this is a story of diverging story lines – this does not bode well for the Kings and I think you have outgrown this assignment. Best to you and your new ventures.
[Reply]
Well, that settles it. As per a previous post, I was giving the NHL until 01 Nov. to work out their childish disagreement. But Bettmann & co. ganging up on the best blogger in the business just means I can abandon pro hockey earlier. Like as soon as I get finished typing this.
Rich,
Thanks for your integrity, expertise, and constant fountain of information on my favorite sports team. I read a lot of hockey teams’ stuff and yours is, by far, the highest in its consistent excellence. I’ll always have the best memories, and I send the best wishes to you on the next phase of your career. And to the rest of hockey, I’m out.
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Thanks, Rich. I loved your coverage of the Kings. Your writing style made me feel like you were not only a journalist but also a friend who was sharing some good *insider* information with me. Have fun covering USC.
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Good luck Rich. Thanks for all of the current information on our favorite team. You will be missed. I guess you went out on top but too bad you couldn’t have a final celebration as the Kings hoisted the championship banner. Take care and best wishes for the future.
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good luck Rich and thanx for all the awesome articles and coverage on the Kings! Best Wishes to you!
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Wow! What a shock!
Rich, you did a terrific job and you will be missed. You are leaving some big shoes to fill. Thank you for the blog. It’s been such a great thing for Kings fans – especially those of us outside the L.A. area. I wish you the best of luck in your new endeavor.
MKF
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Napoleon, Hitler … and Bettman. Dictators are always shorty. To me, he is officially an enemy of the free world. I hope the same sad ending awaits him.
Thanks for your great service, Rich. And good luck to your new job.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 9:13 pm
@goldielocks, Actually, his name was Hisler.
Best Wishes, Your Friend always, Nostradamus.
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Now I understand why the rest of the league boo the living crap out his napoleonic majesty, whenever he shows his mousy face at any arena. It will be no different in LA from now on.
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Hey everybody, I just got back from a blog burning with Bettman. Did I miss anything?
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not going to read the 500+ comments to see if it has been noted but the interview with westgarth has been pulled from this website. everything that rich has built here has come tumbling down. i am done with the nhl and the book mark for this site is getting deleted because it is no longer reporting unbiased news but now a propaganda machine for the nhl.
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In a twist of irony any chance Rich could drop the puck in the first Kings game of the next season?
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Thank you Rich Hammond.
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Damn-No season and now no Rich. Thank you for everything Rich. The NHL better get their act together as this all is getting very painful.
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!!!GO KINGS GO!!!
I’m getting sick of reading blogs of ppl who keep saying they are done with the NHL and hockey , and tha they will never come back and all the the blah blah blah blah. Stop lying to yourself, YOU WILL BE BACK!!! These same ppl who say they are done , keep posting and reposting, and replying to other bloggers, now if you were really done with hockey and the NHL for good , then why keep coming back on here? I know that all of us are frustrated about this lockout, specially after our beloved KINGS winning the cup. I will always love the game of hockey, nhl, and I will always love the LA KINGS as long as they exist.
So let’s just remain optimistic that sometime in the near future we can be able to cheer on our LA KINGS.
I also hope this blog stay up, and once this lockout is done , that the coverage on the team stays the same or close to what it was with RICH.
GOKINGSGO
[Reply]
Too bad the Westgarth interview was removed.
Westgarth is kicking butt and taking names with his representation of the Kings players and the players of the NHL – just like he does on the ice. He is a credit to all hockey players. I’d take Westgarth in my corner any day.
My wet dreams tonight will be about Westgarth and Bettman locked together in a closet.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
@MmmmYummy, funny you should use an analogy like that. Many years ago, Charles Barkley being interviewed by Bob Costas said, basically his dream in life was to be locked naked in a room with Bobby Knight.
I dont think he meant that in a good way either.
[Reply]
MmmmYummy Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 9:43 pm
@puck73, Maybe in some sick way I meant it in a good way?
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Thank you, Rich for giving us the best blog on the entire Internet.
Good luck with all future endeavors.
I hope our community still stays tight.
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Hammond’s story has hit Puck Daddy with fans calling Bettman the “Fuher.” Seems to fit.
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Rich,
Thank your tireless work covering the Kings. You will be truly missed.
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Thank you so much Rich for keeping us informed. It really felt like I was an “insider” and I enjoyed the lively commentary that accompanied anything you wrote. Good luck in your future job. I will miss your writing!
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Rich, this blog added so much to the experience of following the Kings, I’m really sorry to see you go. Your principled approach to your role is admirable and the right thing to do. Best of luck to you and thanks again.
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Later days man, you were the best! You will be missed! BADLY!
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Bet Bettman feels a whole quarter inch taller now. I was talking to a friend about this Rich situation, and basically the feeling we both had was like learning that the fans around your season tickets that you say hi to and talk to before and during the game, hi-five after goals for the past 10, 20, 30 years aren’t renewing their season tickets. Rich, you will be missed.
Best Wishes for you and your career.
[Reply]
Though it’s off topic. I just want to give the bird to the NHL network for airing game 4 of the 2012 Kings vs Canucks series last night. What a bunch of dooshbags. No wonder we’re in a strike. Alright, cheers Rich!
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you all should stop acting like Rich can see your posts anymore
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Mikey J. Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 1:42 am
@pr0cess, What did you do with him?
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pr0cess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 7:46 am
@Mikey J., I will never tell!!
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Hope you print and save these comments for your kids & grandkids. You’re excellent coverage, unbiased and truthful but also very encouraging towards our home team, is every reason for somebody to find themselves inspired to aim their future toward journalism & sports coverage in particular. Whether you chose hockey or happened to fall into it benefitted the sport as a whole.
Integrity is hard to find nowadays. If only the so-called journalists elsewhere, covering issues outside sports, put integrity first along with the zeal you invested in your work.
It’s a fitting reward for you, and us, that your last game was one in which we all got to celebrate winning the Stanley Cup, and you got to raise it for all of us. Thanks for everything.
God Save The Kings.
[Reply]
May the wind be at your wings Rich
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Rich,
As an avid Kings fan for many many years, I was sad yet excited to leave Southern California to start my own adventure in San Antonio Texas…all of that happening during the Kings amazing run to the Stanley Cup. I had the Insider posted as a favorite and relished every word that was written, by yourself and everyone else. This is a sad day for me but I understand the excitement (and anxiety) that comes with starting something new. I am flourishing in my new town, with my amazing lady and a great job. I wish you all the best in your new life, just do not forget the old one. Come back and see us sometime. Kings fan or not, this was not the point of what you had to say…you are a hockey fan like us all and we respected you all the more. Good luck and enjoy Rich, you deserve all the best. If you ever head out to San Antonio, let me know and my lady and I will take you out to dinner. Peace to you my friend.
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You will be missed Rich! All the best!
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Thanks Rich. It’s been a helluva ride.
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Check out the Daily News today. Rich left due to the NHL not happy with his interview with Westy regarding the lockout. Rich felt he could no longer due this without looking over his shoulder so to speak. It is an enlighting story in today’s sports page. Thanks NHL for the lockout and now Rich leaving!!!!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 8:46 am
@King Alex, That was yesterday (and about 200 comments ago) my friend.
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King Alex Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 8:53 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Im just a little behind the times.
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Meanwhile, in an alternate universe…
Good morning everybody! Wow, I can’t believe we’re on the verge of Kings hockey. Huge night tonight, win or lose. Sure, it would suck if the Rangers won but I’d take that any day if it means raising our first Stanley Cup Champion banner to the rafters. It is yet another truly glorious day to be a Kings fan! Hope we get some good quotes from Rich after the morning skate.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 9:01 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), man, im still hung over from Frozen Fury! it was the best one yet.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 9:26 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Meet you at the Gretzky at 6:00!
(Yes, I am ditching class)
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DesertKing Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 9:58 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Dude, while you are in that hole, can you please say “hi” to Alice for me? She is the blonde standing next to the smiling cat and the guy with the oversized top hat. Thanks!
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CB14 Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), 2 and a half hours until puck drop!
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Hit us while we are down! No season, now this…..
Seriously Rich thanks for always giving me the slack to be myself on here.
Thanks for the good reading and wit that we will all miss.
I don’t know about all of you, but I don’t like this feeling?
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Some of you guys treat Rich like he is a God. He’s just a guy being paid for a job for a team he wasn’t even a fan of. Sure he did a great job & gave us a lot of good info. But he was paid to do that. He was not the second coming.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 9:11 am
@Howe9, A lot of fans developed a relationship through the years with Rich and he created kind of a family feel to the blog for a lot of people. Why do you feel the need to turd on that?
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King Alex Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 9:11 am
@Howe9, So what’s so wrong with showing a little appreciation?
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pr0cess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 9:29 am
@Howe9, Hello NHL sponsored fake blogger how are you
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Howe9 Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 9:36 am
@pr0cess, Oh my goodness, what will we do without Rich? Who will tell us about the hotel A/C’s? And who will decide between Tommy’s & In & Out? Relax, the next person will have some bumps in the begining but we’ll come to love that person just as much.
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KingsATX Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 10:01 am
@Howe9, I’m doing my best not to use profanity, but you are an @sshole.
pr0cess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 10:05 am
@KingsATX, Well said i think
hbjohn Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 10:09 am
@Howe9, I agree 100%. Hopefully we get the Mayor as the next insider. This site will be surprised how great the Mayor will have this place running. John knows a lot about the game and the Kings.
Rich was ok in my eyes, nothing more.
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Howe9 Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 10:25 am
@hbjohn, The Mayor is also my choice. But don’t say Rich was a regular person or the others will call you names.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@hbjohn,
The Mayor is good..but then we’d lose MayorsManor…a more lighthearted approach to reporting. It’s nice to get a break from the cliche’s and read his “word association” or “who is the funniest guy on the team” interviews. Not to say he wouldn’t bring that here, but the good thing about this blog was that it was essentially just the facts, with Rich’s opinion occasionally sprinkled in. The interviews straight from the players/coaches were great. If I wanted opinions, I read the papers. Whoever the next Insider is, I hope he/she keeps it the same.
Dry wit was definitely welcomed as well
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
I certainly won’t say it’s impossible to keep it the same, but I think only a fool would take the job and try to follow in Rich’s footsteps exactly. There’s no way you can keep it the same without forever being compared to him. It’s similar to replacing a popular lead singer of a band. It is rarely tried and almost never works.
I hope whoever it is puts their own unique stamp on it. Of course, I’m the type of personality that embraces change. But I do realize that most people resist it at all costs. I just think a new approach is the only way to gain one’s own credibility in the long run.
That’s not to say it wouldn’t have obvious similarities, especially making sure fans get team news in a timely fashion. I won’t say exactly what I would do differently give the opportunity, but I will say I’ve had many years to think about it.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:20 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
Also, I’ll echo what I said in a comment above regarding allegiances. Rich’s main allegiance was never with the Crown or the Fans. It was to his own journalistic integrity. I respected that but didn’t agree with it overall.
When it comes to blogging about a hockey team, I believe the blogger’s allegiance should be first and foremost to the fans and the Kings name and legacy, not himself or his own reputation as a reporter, blogger, writer or personality. It’s about the team and its fans first and foremost. I hope the next person raises the bar to that level. I know I would.
FKA PakiFro Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 11:15 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Regarding your comment on bloggers having allegiance to the team/fans…
I think when the Kings hired Rich, it was due to lack of journalists covering the team, so they brought in a journalist who ended up running a blog. So he certainly filled that void. That said, the Kings recent success has coincided with Rich running the blog, and Helene Elliot and the times have been covering the team on the road as well during the same time. So perhaps a true journalist approach is no longer needed.
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 10:56 am
@Howe9, Scroll up the page. Yeah, to the top. This is where the topic of the thread is set, i.e. what we’re all posting about. Obviously you missed that correlation. After you reread everything, if you still feel the need to denigrate the bloggers who are showing a little class in return for someone who’s done so much FOR US, please feel free to let us know why.
[Reply]
Howe9 Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@HockeyNerd, Maybe you should re-read my posts. I never degraded Rich or the bloggers. I have been following him from the Daily News days. I check this blog a hundred times a day. I am very thankful for all he’s done. I juast said he wasn’t God or the second coming like some of us fans make him out to be. And he isn’t a Kings fan. I said nothing to denigrate the bloggers.But I sure did get some feathers ruffled didn’t I?
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 11:48 am
@Howe9,
Wait, what? Rich isn’t god? We had no idea!
Look, you’re being very disingenuous. You know that not a single person has ever even hinted he is a god or treated him as such. It’s ludicrous and you, and everyone here, knows it. So just say what you mean and don’t use a silly metaphor to hide it. You are upset people are showing a ton of adulation for rich and it bothers you. Just say why it bothers you so much so that you feel the need to be condescending about it rather than straightforward and honest.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 11:50 am
@Howe9, …and I hope I don’t come across as sounding pissed in any way because I’m not. Just pointing out what I see as obvious.
Neil Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@Howe9, I love Rich…But…everyone is replacable..The readers/bloggers make this site awesome.I understand what Howe is saying..Rich is great but this site will CONTINUE!!!!The next leader will understand that some things cant be written about(such as interviews with players during a lockout)I really think that Rich over reacted…He is the leader of the team and he left his teammates stranded.Once in awhile you have shallow your pride and take one from the team.We all have jobs where stuff is done against our beliefs and we dont quit because of it.If Rich wouldve posted that he cant interview players during the lockout cause of a NHL rule…we would understand…not be happy but we would understand……
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
@Howe9, “Some of you guys treat Rich like he is a God. He’s just a guy being paid for a job for a team he wasn’t even a fan of. Sure he did a great job & gave us a lot of good info. But he was paid to do that. He was not the second coming.”
I think we’re all STILL trying to understand what you meant by that and why you felt the need to post it….
Subby Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
@Howe9, are you serious? Wow dude. I have so much I could say to you but won’t because you’re just so easy almost tooooo easy lol
[Reply]
Little Bunny Bettman
Hopping through the forest
Scooping up the NHL employees and bopping ‘em on the head
And down came the Good Fairy
And she said
“Little Bunny Bettman,
I don’t like your attitude,
Scooping up those NHL employees and bopping thm on the head”
“I’ll give you 3 chances, then I’ll turn you into a goon!”
Little Buunny Bettman, hopping through the forest
Scooping up the Red Wings front office person and bopping him on the head!
Little Bunny Bettman, hopping through the forest
Scooping up the players and locking them out for the season!
Little Bunny Bettman, hopping through the forest,
Scooping up Rich Hammond and bopping him on the head!
And down came the Good Fairy,
And she said,
“Little Bunny Bettman, you’ve been hopping through the forest,
And bopping all of the NHL employees on the head.
I gave you three chances to stop or I would turn you into a goon.
What do you have to say for yourself?
Little Bunny Bettman, hopping through the forest,
Looking at the Good Fairy and he said,
“Shut up Clowe, you still owe me two chances for putting your stick on the ice
And then lying about it.
Your lucky I didn’t bop you on the head!”
Little Bunny Bettman, hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the NHL employees, and bopping them on the head….
[Reply]
Kman Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
@DesertKing,
Another “gem”, DK !!
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I’m still in a bit of a daze over this. I think I was caught off guard by the whole thing.
At least when we lost Jason Allison we had hope that some day he would return. And when Johnny retired we knew it was coming for years.
This was way more Bob Bordson than it was Dave Taylor.
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puck73 Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 12:59 pm
@Michael J., Dont know where J.Allison is, but if your looking for A. Deadmarsh, you might wannna check the nearest HomeTown Buffet.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
@puck73,
I saw that dude at the buffet last week while I was getting my 9th plate….
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In the words of Carnac the Magnificent and from the very bottom of the darkest hole in my body I wish the following to Mr. Bettman, Mr. Daly, Mr Fehr and Mr Fehr (younger brother):
MAY THOUSANDS OF SICK CAMELS MAKE BUBBLES IN YOUR BATH WATERS !!!!
[Reply]
Rich, best wishes. Thank you for you unbiased coverage of the LA Kings. You will be missed.
Thank you,
[Reply]
SubliminAL MessaGORE
coughFU.NHLcough
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
@Lake Forest, I know you are pissed for sure. @CrownRoyal texted me yesterday and told me not to bother him anymore, he is done with the NHL.
Yah, I’D say he’s pretty pissed off.
[Reply]
What’s the record for posts under a single topic?
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DesertKing Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 1:32 pm
@Michael J.,
Kovalsuk – got a ways to go to top that thread but Rich deserves it.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
@DesertKing, Yep. Kovalspank was definately a lightning rod for controversy. Gee, sure am glad Lombardi landed that big fish, oh, wait…
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Shakes Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
@Michael J.,
I think the Kovalchuk one 2 summers ago hit over 1,600 because it happened to coincide with Rich’s vacation too.
http://lakingsinsider.com/2010/07/20/over-its-never-over/
Basically it worked out to be something like nearly a 100 comments per year on his contract
There were a few big Doughty ones last year too but I think Kovi won.
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puck73 Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 1:38 pm
@Shakes, @BamaKingsFan and @Gustavo wanted Doughty run out of town !
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Shakes Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
@puck73, …and then he scored that wonder goal in Game 2…
yeah i think from the perspective of greatest number of posts on a single topic (spanning multiple blog headings over a short period of time), i think the Doughty signing era had the bigger body of work (insert fat joke pun here).
let me be first to suggest, that we petition the KINGS to have RICH drop the puck at a game this year!
anybody agree?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
@d b cooper, Its a nice thought, but no way Rich would ever accept that, even though it was a nice gesture.
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 2:02 pm
@puck73, i really hope Colin Hanks or Matthew Perry get to do it, since for some reason they hang out with the Cup every night and are considered the greatest Kings fans ever.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
@d b cooper,
Only Buttman gets to drop the puck!
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You can not replace Rich Hammond borught to you by Munters… We will miss you Rich, and have a great future career!
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For anyone craving some future Kings hockey, Nolan, Voynov and Lokti are all in the line up with the Monarchs against Providence (Bruins) this evening 7:00 pm pscific standard time.
Here is the live stream link: http://ow.ly/erec9
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
CORRECTION!!
That is 4:05 PST,
puck drops now.
Live Stream Link: http://ow.ly/erec9
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
@jess, Hockey! Although I can’t even see the puck. If this is their attempt at getting more subscriptions, it isn’t a very attractive product.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Hehe:)
Well, it’s SOMETHING!
One thing I can say, Monarchs seem to looking to emulate the Kings late season style with a strong forecheck. Even Jones seems to be mimicing JQ!
But trust me, this live stream is WAY better than the one against the Sound Tigers. That one looked like a bad web cam
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:30 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
*Mimicking
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:31 pm
I don’t get it. I bought this subscription a couple of years ago and it was bad then. It’s just as bad now. You’d think with the advancements in technology, it would improve. Guess not. I bet a live broadcast from my iphone would look better.
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Yeah,
-And they want a King’s ransom for the subscrition! -No thanks! But for now, I’ll take what ever I can get.
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
*Subsription.
Man my typing today rates @ AAA junk status today.
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Oh man LOL, another one. Forget it! Tuperware crushed in front of customer, van down the road, flat tire… OH F___.. (!)
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
@jess,
*Tupperware
Oh forgit it..
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
@jess,
*forget
-deng it!
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
@jess,
*Dang it!
So stuped
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
@jess,
*stupid
-so dhumb
First!! ah, the good old days, when no one cared about us or the Kings except Rich…..
[Reply]
Thanks rich! you are an amazing writer and always kept me up to date on everything KINGS. Your hockey knowledge was great and appreciate all you have done for this epic organization. Good luck on all your future endeavors and go kings!!!
[Reply]
The fact that Rich wasn’t a Kings fan is what made this blog work so well. How come all those other Kings blogs aren’t as popular as this site? They are run by Kings fans.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
@Osaka,
You’re thinking too much. And BTW, Rich was a double secret Kings fan. He denied it, but I could tell, he just kept it under his hat better than the others -along with three, -no nine -no like 18 rabbits.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
@jess,
… and some fake flowers, and a clown nose, and a …….
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@DesertKing,
-And… A Terry Murray poster in Mom’s basement?
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 4:55 pm
@Osaka,
I completely disagree (I know, big surprise). The extremely obvious reason none of the other Kings blogs are as popular as this one is because they aren’t the official Kings blog. Any person who takes over this blog, whether they are a fan or not, will instantly become the most popular Kings blogger and blog. No question about it.
I think this blog needs to be run by a fan. Not a homer, but a fan nonetheless. It’s been proven time and again that fans can be objective. Whether it’s Bob Miller, Chick Hearn or Vin Scully, who are fantastic examples of fans who have no problem being critical of the team when called for. A fan of the team will bring an overall higher level of excitement that was lacking here from day one. That’s not a knock on Rich, but it’s the truth. There’s no reason a person similar in style to a Bob or Jim or Nick or Daryl couldn’t run this blog in a very effective and exciting way, while being as objective as is possible.
The cold hard reality is that if you work for the team, you cannot be 100% independent. That was just painfully proven with Rich’s departure. I believe a blogger can effectively report on this team without the need to proclaim his/her complete independence. It isn’t necessary. The proof, as Rich said himself, is in the product.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Very well said. Both Bob and Jim, Nick and Darryl have all had plenty of critique’s regarding the Kings to go around the block several times.
Hayward on the other hand… -That would be the prime example, and don’t get me started on that clown.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 3:50 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Keep the fans away. It is our job to be fans. You and I should argue over Lokti, not Rich. The fact that fans get emotional over topics like that make them poor host. Also the last thing I want to read is Rah rah.
I think when Rich had his blog before he joined up with the Kings it was still more popular than any other Kings blog. Actually I have no idea, have no stats. His was always the best however because he wasn’t a fan. I’ve tried every other Kings blog, I’m sure most have, I don’t care what site is official.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 11:14 am
@Osaka, As I said below, there are plenty of journalists who get emotional in their writing. I completely agree with you that having a ‘rah, rah’ insider would ruin the blog. I believe a fan who can find that balance would be the best candidate for the job.
Rich was the first person who worked for a newspaper to create a Kings hockey blog. His status as a newspaper reporter and his unique writing style, along with his encouragement of fans to interact, is what made it popular. Gann Matsuda’s blog was one of the first but never quite caught on. If Gann had worked for the LA Times, he very well could have been just a popular even though he’s a fan.
Osaka Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
@Paul, I agree, there are lots of reporters who get emotional. What happened to journalism?
responsible D Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
@Osaka,
I agree with your point but I’d put it slightly differently. We’ll never know for sure whether Rich was a Kings fan or not. Personally I always found it hard to believe that he wasn’t pulling for the club at least a little bit, given that he knew everyone in the organization and lived in their world day in and day out.
But he’d never tell us, because journalistic integrity was his number one priority, and that dictated that he never express any allegiance. That didn’t mean he couldn’t like the team, but it did mean separating the personal from the professional. Maintaining the appearance of objectivity is what allowed him to report the news good or bad, to give praise that was credible and to criticize when warranted. I for one really appreciated that old-school commitment to principle.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
@responsible D,
“We’ll never know for sure whether Rich was a Kings fan or not.”
“he’d never tell us, because journalistic integrity”
Rich has stated many times he is NOT a Kings fan. To imply he is lying to give the “appearance of objectivity” flies in the face of anything even remotely related to the very integrity and principle you appear to value.
If you truly respect Rich then believe him.
“It’s fascinating how the comments to this question went off in a completely incorrect direction, and then how that incorrect direction became accepted as fact, and then how I got criticized for that incorrect direction. Sadly, I think that’s an increasingly relevant commentary on the way people consume and believe news today, but that’s a different rant. I love hockey and I’m not a Kings fan, nor do I have a favorite team. I love pizza and I don’t exclusively eat Domino’s, either. I’ve been in daily print journalism since 1995 and I’ve covered dozens of teams. I’m not a fan of all of them. That would be rather absurd. I’ve answered this question honestly for five years, the same way, every time, but some people don’t believe it so I’ve stopped arguing for the most part, but I hope this clarifies things.”
“I never once said I had no interest in hockey, or in Kings fans, and in fact that’s completely inaccurate. Beyond that, no, I’m not a Kings fan. I wasn’t 10 years ago, I wasn’t two months ago, not today, not tomorrow and not next month.”
“I appreciate that this might be difficult for people who haven’t been in the industry to understand, but I’m not a Kings fan. My role is to cover the team, and what I take pride in is trying to do my job to the best of my ability. That’s my sole focus, each and every day. How can I be a better writer? How can I be a better reporter? I’m in my 30s, and I have my teams. God knows I don’t need another one. The ones I have, they drain enough life out of me as it is. I respect what the Kings do, and on individual levels, I certainly would never wish any ill will on them, and in fact I wish them all the best. But in 15 years of writing, I’ve covered the Dodgers, Angels, Lakers, Clippers, USC, UCLA, Galaxy, the Riptide (lacrosse), the L.A. Stars (ABA), the Anaheim Bullfrogs (RHI), Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine and about a dozen other teams, and you simply don’t become a fan just by watching games. As Jonathan noted in his question/comment, the success of a team often does make things marginally easier for a reporter, but that doesn’t translate to cheering.”
[Reply]
JD Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
@Osaka, I agree, don’t think the blog would work as well with a die hard fan, to much emotion. Anybody who follows this blog has seen the extreme love or hate with the players. It could end up just being one thread after another about the true greatness of Jonathan Quick and Dustin Brown, or like it was the beginning of last season, every thread not matter the subject, ended up being about Doughty and his contract. No offense to any of the die hard “insiders” we need a professional journalist, who at least appears to be neutral
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 3:37 am
@JD, Exactly!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 11:04 am
@JD, Bob Miller’s a die hard fan. Is he too emotional? Jim Fox is a die hard fan. Is he too emotional? I totally agree that a fan could be too emotional. And I totally agree that would ruin this blog. I also know for a fact that some ‘professional journalists’ are wayyyy too emotional and inject their opinions into every story they write. I hope you see that it can go either way and that just because they are a fan does not mean they can’t be professional and have integrity.
[Reply]
Thanks, Rich. You and this blog (and NHL Center Ice, but mostly you and this blog) made me feel like a real Kings fan again after moving to the Pacific Northwest several years ago. GKG! But uh, go Bruins!
[Reply]
Joeking Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
@Joeking, As in UCLA.
[Reply]
Is it my connection or is the Monarchs thing a big tease?
[Reply]
SCORE LOKTI!!
–Shorty!!!
[Reply]
Simarosa Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
@jess,
That was nice by Lokti!! Nolan playing good, but Voynov…not so great, looks like he has with Monarchs fans call “the LA attitude going”
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
@Simarosa,
VV was stellar last game. He definitely needs to step it up. Hopefully that shorty lit a fire.
Great fight by Nolan too.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
@Simarosa,
GOAL Andreaoff!!
2-1 Monarchs
[Reply]
Simarosa Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
@jess,
Unfortunatey, the penalty box is getting a bit crowded right about now.
Rich, Thank you, thank you thank you!!! I have been a Kings fan since their inception. Prior years had their ups and downs, as we all know. The last three years have been by far the best experience I have had as a Kings fan. The information you tirelessly prepared and presented to the fans was the prime reason for the improvement in my hockey enjoyment. YOur continued top of the line and dedicated approach is greatly appreciated. Your efforts coinciding with the King bloggers inputs has made the run for the Stanley Cup even more enjoyable to me. These last three years with you at the helm and all the bloggers contributing their thoughts has created a huge crescendo that will not be repeated. A huge thanks to you and the rest of the bloggers. I wish you nothing but success in your future efforts.
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
@YooperSkip 24, +1. Excellent post.
[Reply]
VEY top shelf pretty much seals it..
[Reply]
Monarchs 3-1 win. First reg season game, and 4-0 undefeated including pre-season. This is all we got folks, may as well get behind it.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 6:39 pm
@jess, Hear! Hear!
[Reply]
Gmo Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 6:54 pm
@jess,
Do you know who scored?
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 6:57 pm
@Gmo,
The only King left off the Cup, Andreoff and Vey.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Good one. -And I’m diss-appointed @ the Kings org for leaving him off. I believe @ Quisp is leading the charge on this as well. I’m behind him 1000% on this.
Best wishes, Rich. Thank you for what you’ve done here.
[Reply]
I still cannot believe that Rich has moved on…..
I am still fuming mad about why too.
No hockey, no insider news.
This is looking to be a cold harsh winter.
How can things go from such a high for us fans to this?
I despise bettman so much it’s insane.
No European start, no frozen fury, possibly no winter classic.
No grand ceremony (with game)for the rafter hanging.
That dirty weasely no good pond scum sucking used cigar chewing
Limey bloody wanker bettman needs to throw in the towel. He is ruining a great sport
Proving that business sucks, no love for the fans, sport or heritage built.
Censors anyone with a decent or moral thought, dares speak the truth.
Bettman there is a special place in hell for you, a special afterlife or rebirth or whatever miserably ending you can think of for bettman.
Rich, best of luck to you!
Insiders, I hope this place doesn’t change!
I am fond of all news and comments and most certai my the people here
Let’s hope we get to see our beloved team defend their glorious cup soon!
GO KINGS GO!
[Reply]
So right about now we would be talking about how we played against NYR in the first right?
If the NHL could get it’s head out of it’s a$$
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
@Lake Forest,
No, the first might not be over. There would have been a pretty awesome opening ceremony that might have taken pretty long.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
@FiG17, WORD!!! but by now we’d def be talking about going 82-0!!!
FGB!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 8:49 pm
@Stuart,
FGB +1000000000000000000000000
jess Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@FiG17,
Support FGB.org
[Reply]
Bye.
Good luck and all the best.
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@USHA#17,
PS You made the right decision for the right reasons. I highly respect your decision and integrity. I hope people become aware of the fine example you have set in place.
[Reply]
this is so crazy… I havent read everyones posts but some seem -meh- about it while i seem to be expressing honest, warm, heart-felt thanks to Rich and everything he’s done these last few years, whether he’s done them for us, for the kings, for his own personal writing\reporting development, it doesnt matter. This place has become very familial, and like every family, there have been many disacreements, many banishments, many crazy uncles who nobody can stand that eventually end up leaving and doing radio shows out of some dank basement in NYC… but I digress…
before this site, I would Jones for my daily Kings news from a tiny blurb in the LATimes, the daily skate report, or whatever it was called, i cant even remember now. and since this site I’ve found an outlet where I can talk Kings 24\7 with such a wide variety and varied diversity of Kings fans from all over the globe. So many people I would love to shake hands wth, and so many people that I have already had the good fortune to actually shake hands with!
The hardest part to stomach about all this is how it came about and who is behind it. I have no doubt that Rich’s absence will not hinder the relationships on this site, nor will the site cease to be what its become, but I can appreciate Rich so much more, AS SO MUCH MORE because he would rather walk away from his baby than to have his journalistic integrity handcuffed or limited over some stupid philosophical BS. Rich refused to be bullied by the ultimate bully and when its all said and done, GARY BETTMAN will never be viewed as anything other than what he is… he’s a pencil neck bully who was beat up and harassed as a child, was never given a chance by the ladies and bagan to take pleasure in the destruction of institutions that others derived great pleasure from. He feels important because of the power and weight he can throw around because he knows his actions are backed by the d-bag owners of his league. Enjoy your money Bettwoman, your empty husk of a man. When you’ve run your course in this league your 15 minutes will be up too. You’ll go back to obscurity and no one will love you…
BRAVO RH, I know we’ve had our issues, and I’ve done my time in the cornfield, but I always appreciated the rope was alwas just long enough to hang myself with. You will be missed but I will always say hi whenever our paths cross, whether it’s at Staples or at the Colliseum… GKG and FIGHT ON!!!
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 12:40 am
@Stuart, +1,000,000
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 8:30 am
@Stuart, FANTASTIC POST!!
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 9:09 am
@Stuart, CLASSIC.
[Reply]
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/19704/kings-gm-lombardi-working-on-cup-hangover
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 10:13 pm
@tellmeY,
Expect another $250,000 fine on DL for saying he misses his players.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 12th, 2012 at 10:20 pm
Q@Gustavo,
Little Bunny Bettman hopping through the forest……
[Reply]
Noooooo! Little Gary Bettman has wished Rich into the Cornfield. But we must not say or think bad things about little Gary only good thoughts isn’t that right mother. Please play the piano, oh the crops will die because because of the snow, but its good that little Gary made it snow.
[Reply]
A year ago to the date (tomorrow), my 3rd daughter was born. We lost in overtime to the Devils and then the following games JQ went on a tear and had 3 consecutive shut outs in a row.
I’d rather have TM style hockey then no hockey at all….. yes I’m that desperate.
A stranger who I don’t know and have no affiliation with has a burnt copy of the Kings DVD. Knowing it’s out there and that no money went to the NHL for it makes me extremely happy.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 11:39 am
@Lake Forest,
Your daughters are awesome! They’re very well mannered and It was great to meet you too.
You mentioned TM who is now the Phantoms HC and tonight is their season opener against the Portland Pirates.
Here is TM’s pre-game interview where he says he believes the lockout WILL end and he’ll have to make adjustments to his roster when the time comes. (No I didn’t write boo in the comments area:) http://youtu.be/SKmWKkMIW5A -but it was interesting to see what his take was.
[Reply]
i love this site and think of it as my go to, but ive found im not all that sad with him leaving. i want a king fan to take the helm. sure, i understand his impartial objectivism was part of the charm, but he lacked passion. something every single one of us claims to have. i wish rich the best and admire his ability, but its time we have a fan thats his equal as far as reporting our team. get excited, we have a dynasty to build folks.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 12:21 am
@dan, Huh?
I reread the above a few times and am completely lost as to why this matters. I want someone who is the first to tell me what’s happening with the team *****I***** Love. I want an environment where I can express my opinions about what the team and the NHL are doing. I want someone I can ask questions of and gives me honest straightforward answers. I want someone who is not afraid to tell it like it is and be critical of the team or management or the NHL when it is called for. I want someone who is happy for the fans and the team when they have success. And most of all, I want someone who can communicate all these things in print.
Rich Hammond did all the above, and then some. And now that the league is acting like —-s and he feels his hands are tied and he CAN’T do those things he is walking away with integrity.
Too many people above are not understanding any or all of this.
He appreciated and looked out for US. In a way that his replacement is going to find very tough to match.
Being a fan or not a fan is irrelevant.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 10:09 am
@HockeyNerd, this is where i disagree with most…Rich can/will do all of the above…The only thing he cant do right now is interview a player.Rich is NOT following the rules of the NHL… It has nothing to do with the Kings per se.Its a NHL rule..period. Nothing else…Just dont interview a player.Other bloggers also didnt annswer my question from above…..If given a chance at doing this job but you are NOT allowed to interview a player during the lockout…Would you turn down this job???? Lets hear answers to that question….
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 10:43 am
@Neil, I wouldn’t turn the job down in that situation, but i’m not a journalist, and i’m guessing neither are you. (No offense meant) Journalists hold their writing to a higher level than people who are simply fans of a team and decide to blog about them. Journalistic integrity is something that the vast majority of journalists believe strongly in. Just look at what the “Puck Daddy” writer said about Rich’s decision, “How do we know he’s one of the best? Because the moment someone tried to apply a filter or play politics with his work, he got his ass out of there. Other writers should have that spine.”
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 10:47 am
@HockeyNerd,
Neil alluded to it too. The ‘and then some’ was unfortunately a decision to report on an non-Kings story and it cost him his job. I agree with most of what you said and would want the same in an insider.
Whether or not he/she is a fan is only irrelevant to you (and those who don’t care). It’s very relevant for those who prefer a fan or those who don’t. It’s just a preference.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 10:55 am
@dan,
I already have plenty of passion in my personal life. Don’t need it here. I much rather have someone of Rich’s caliber and knowledge running the blog.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 11:28 am
@Gustavo, Unfortunately, there are very few people who are of Rich’s caliber. And those who are would be put squarely in the same position he was just in, which means they wouldn’t take the job. But I hear you. Too much passion would make this blog homerville and we don’t need that.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 10:58 am
@dan,
I understand why it matters to you. You made it clear to me. It’s your desire to have someone who feels wins and losses. Someone who has a stake in the game. I would love that too. Bob and Jim. Nick and Daryl. Objective and fans of the team. Having that here would be a huge breath of fresh air.
I also totally understand those who are concerned a ‘fan insider’ would be too passionate or too bias or too ‘PC’ and I completely agree that it would ruin this blog. The person who takes the helm must be as professional as possible while still subtlety rooting for the team.
There’s nothing wrong with that whatsoever as long as that balance is kept. The key, IMO, is to be totally willing to inject an opinion here and there with zero hesitation that it might be critical of the team or a player. If a fan takes over and he/she tries to please everyone, they will come across like a politician. If that happens, this blog will be ruined.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 11:53 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), If a fan took over this blog and was over emotional the readers would let him/her know.The readers keep each other in check and would not have respect to someone who is overboard with being a homer….
[Reply]
Rich, You will be McSorely missed. If I had a Nichols for every time I read this blog I’d be Rich. I wish the league would just Simmer down and let you talk to the players. For the NHL to treat you so Hrudey, is criminal. I really Doughty they are going to clear this mess up soon it really seems that the league is just going to Stoll and drag it out. It really has me bummed out though I’m not going to jump off a Clifford or anything but, I guess I’m just trying to say is hard to Kopitar with this. Well, I hope the lockout ends real Quick. Maybe the NHL has a beef now that the cup is out Westgarth. I wish this was all a dream or it was April 1st but, I know it’s not. I wish you all the Luc in the world. Thanks.
[Reply]
Daren Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 12:22 am
@Sc4sc, I, for one, appreciate what you did there.
[Reply]
Rich,
I understand COMPLETELY your decision to “move on” and salute you for the integrity and the principle that is so lacking in today’s world. You don’t have to take this crap and you won’t. This is a frigging disgrace. Damn the NHL today, damn them. We are losing part of our team, no other way to say it. This whole has experience has been better with you in it Mr. Hammond, and I will miss that. Hopefully we will be able to drop you a note from time to time in you other sport. Good luck Rich, I wish you well. See? I can never really change my handle….can I?
[Reply]
Rich it was a blast! You made me feel like a KING!!!! God bless
[Reply]
I’ve made many friends on this blog, Thanks Rich for your dedication over the past three years, You are considered a pioneer in your field
[Reply]
Off thread, but it was great seeing about five or six hundred fellow Kings fans at the Cup event in Glendale yesterday.
The reward of now having a picture of me with the Cup was worth the two hour wait to get it.
Bloggers can change their names, allegiences, writing styles, etc., but it is the fellow Kings fans’ comments about games and the team and the overall shared experience of talking about the Kings that makes/made this a great site.
Re: yesterday -
Do I need to remind everyone that THE STANLEY CUP says that the Los Angeles Kings are the reigning champions of hockey.
[Reply]
I vote for @waves to fill the gaping hole left by Rich’s departure. The video he supplied last season of Doughty taking to the ice for the first time after signing was huge.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 11:24 am
@Belexes, Thank you for the kind words Belexes. There’s no question I would give fans far more multimedia content. Audio and video as well as many more photos. I would never pretend to be the reporter Rich is, but I do have a set of skills he doesn’t. And I believe they would add tremendously to the enjoyment of Kings fans who visit this site. The one thing I would never do is make this blog about me. I have a feeling that the person who does take over will do exactly that, and it will be ruined.
[Reply]
Rich, thanks. Good luck at the OC Register, of which I am a subscriber. I guess once a Trojan always a Trojan, eh.
[Reply]
Good luck & thank you for all you have done!
[Reply]
Hey Buttman, guess what? I’m going to a live hockey game tonight, with players and ice and nachos and everything. It is a home opener and they are even raising a banner. I will be wearing my Kings Stanley Cup gear and hanging out with other Kings fans, enjoying a great night of hockey and camaraderie. And the best part? You and your cronies are not getting a single dime. Have a nice day Gary, and may you choke on your expense account while we are eating nachos and enjoying the Reign. FGB!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 1:27 pm
@DesertKing,
Nachos? I thought you hated those things
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
@Michael J.,
Only the ones with cheese and chips
[Reply]
Kopi Bryant Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 2:46 pm
@DesertKing, I’ll be at the CBBA cheering on the Reign in my Kings gear as well!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 2:57 pm
@Kopi Bryant,
We should meet up. Name a spot? we are going to be in section 216.
[Reply]
Kopi Bryant Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
@DesertKing, I’ll be in Sec. 205, never been to the CBBA, name a place in there and I’ll meet you there.
DesertKing Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
@Kopi Bryant
Meet you just inside the main entrance. Matt will be wearing his #2at home jersey and I will be weari.g the #12 away jersey.
Kopi Bryant Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
@DesertKing, Sounds good I’ll be wearing my Willie Mitchell home game worn.
DesertKing Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 10:43 pm
@Kopi Bryant
Looked for you, couldn’t find you in the sea of Kings gear.
Kopi Bryant Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 10:22 am
@Kopi Bryant, I got in just after the 1st period started but walked around 1st and 2nd intermission looking for you and your son but couldn’t find you guys. Lots of Kings jerseys in the crowd. Game was fun to watch too.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 11:31 am
@Kopi Bryant,
We will catch you at the next Reign game
Kopi Bryant Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
@Kopi Bryant, For sure!
RICH…
it’s cool to read all the posts from bloggers who have shared what RICH and this blog has meant to them…
i d k…there’s a lot to be said about how this all played out…many if you have discussed his departure at naseum – and quite thoroughly too – hypothesizing about all the different internal/external factors that influenced RICH’s decision…I’m not about to retread or be redundant in this post…unless more voices speak up/out in the next couple of weeks, whom can provide more accurate details, I’m gonna hold on passing judgment on who, what, why and how this really went down…however, there are some obvious issues regarding what exactly the NHL is doing censoring a single reporter in the midst of a lockout that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight…talk about yr priorities…(?!)…
but whatever the whole double truth, Ruth, is…there’s no denying that RICH made an impact on this community – most peeps were positively affected by RICH’s tireless and challenging efforts to be a traveling reporter AND run a blog…very few weren’t…
i think we can all agree, though, that RICH gave it his all in a job that was difficult to define and really an experiment that became more of a faithful, loyal and active community rather than just a sports blog novelty….
whoever the next person is has their work cut out for them…you don’t try to replace a guy like RICH…i sincerely hope that the kings organization decides to move forward and starts to realize the amount of tools, resources and people they truly have at their side to take this blog to the next level…
so we lose RICH…and that sucks for us…but he will land nicely at USC and do a great job with them – there isn’t a doubt in my mind about that…
however, i have some doubts as to where this blog’s direction is heading…this is a great opportunity for the kings to build upon this community that RICH created and has left in great shape…sure, not everything is perfect, but there’s no reason to abandon the foundation that RICH has constructed already…
it’s with great hope that the kings play the next stage in their search as well as our team played in the playoffs…because we are losing our top player…and the free agents out there are looking slim…
once again, RICH….
all the best…(!)
v….
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
@variable,
I already told Paul he should go for it! He’d be perfect, I think.
[Reply]
Monarchs up 2-1 starting the 2nd period vs. Albany Devils.
Only audio stream available today: http://www.manchestermonarchs.com/audio/index.php
[Reply]
Is this considered an inappropriate post? Moderation? Please advise..
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@jess,
To quote the Little Ceasars commercial “There’s no rules!”
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
@DesertKing,
I guess it had something to do with a link I posted. Whatever, no big.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
@jess,
Put your shirt back on
TiredOfIt Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 12:38 am
@DesertKing, There’s one rule!!!
[Reply]
Monarchs win by a slim 2-1 lead. They kept attacking instead of falling back to protect their net. Faith in your D and goaltending by Jones. Good coaching!
[Reply]
gmo Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
@jess,
where can i listen to the game
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
@gmo,
That game is over. Monarchs win. Sound was not that great. In the future, you can go to the Monarchs website and there is a live broadcast button. I would post a link to it, but was put on moderation for posting another harmless link for some reason.
[Reply]
gmo Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 10:32 pm
@jess,
thanks
I’m not gonna lie and say that I’m not upset cause my eyes are watering a little…
but thank you Rich for everything and bringing so many Kings fans together and creating an amazing community.
It made me feel really special to know you actually knew me by name. You will be missed greatly</3
Good luck with everything from here on out. You truly are amazing at what you do.
[Reply]
Terry Murray’s Phantom’s are down 3-2 against the Portland Pirates -one minute into the 2nd period.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 6:00 pm
@jess, TM’s team has two goals already!!!! WOW…Slow them down coach….Anyone remember the one game when the Kings scored a couple of early goals and during an interview with TM(during intermission)TM was upset at the speed of the game (too fast for TM)
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
@Neil,
Hehe -now you KNOW I’m going to find that funny!
-Actually, TM’s Phantoms tied it late into the 2nd. Now 3-3 early in the third. Phantoms have had 8 powerplays (2) -5 on 3′s) with one goal.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
TM’s Phantoms now 4-3 with a 5 on 3 PP goal. Pirates not very disciplined this evening.
Lombardi getting hangover advice from the 49′ers.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/19704/kings-gm-lombardi-working-on-cup-hangover
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
@Osaka, Great interview, thanx.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:45 am
@Osaka, I miss the players too Dean. We all do! Fantastic piece. Just knowing he’s doing all he can to get ahead of the hangover curve is comforting.
[Reply]
Thank You Rich for All your work for us Fan’s. I live out of Ca., but you alway’s allowed me to be close to my LA Kings through the Bad and Greatness…
Thank You again, Wish You Well In your next Chapter.
[Reply]
You have to love the opening to the Reign game -”Welcome disgruntled NHL fans”
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
@DesertKing, haham nice
i’ve been wanting to go to a reign game for some time now
[Reply]
The Puck Stops Here Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
@DesertKing, That was awesome! What was up with all the mascots though?! I saw a knight, a dragon, a cow, and of course our own Bailey. It was fun even though the Reign had a horrible game.
[Reply]
you know who should replace Rich? It should be me. I’ll totally let people swear and talk crap all they want. It will be full of derogatory comments and insults. It will be awesome. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Rich was excellent getting stories and provided a great blog but I feel we need to move in a more R rated direction. Thank you.
Hire me please. We’ll discuss a contract.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:20 am
@HH88, That blog already exists. Twice. Matt Barry’s site and Jacob and Bob’s site.
[Reply]
TM with his first win. 6-3 Phantoms. Schenn with a shorty and a reg strength goal to close the deal.
[Reply]
Apparently, little Napoleon of the NHL has ordered the LA Kings to strike ANY reference about any locked out player in this blog, regardless of whether it comes from the blog journalist (Rich Hammond) or from THE FANS.
I tried to post the link from the 4thperiod reporting on a certain canadian backup goalie going to Germany and it sent me to the cornfield awaiting moderation.
WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 13th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
@Gustavo,
Well old friend this is pure speculation, but my theory is that in the Hammer’s absence, the bots have been placed at a different setting. For instance, I tried to post a link to Mayor’s Manor regarding Jordan Nolan’s broken finger injury he suffered with the Monarchs in last night’s fight against the Providence Bruins and that fairly benign post was, and still is on moderation.
So there it is, in Rich’s absence, bots have been set to ‘high’.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:09 am
@jess, Mayor’s Manor links have been blacklisted for quite some time. There’s no ‘high’ setting. You simply add words, urls, emails or IP addresses to a box and they are held or blacklisted depending on which box you put them in.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:16 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Bots and bath salts do not mix.
Sorry, I meant the bots were getting “high”
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:18 am
Yes, the bath salts box does have a high setting.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:12 am
@Gustavo, Whoa there buddy! Slow down. It’s just a url added to the settings a long time ago.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:53 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Well good thing I remembered to use tricky words like “speculation” and “theory”
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
@Gustavo, This site is put on the net by the Kings, therefore the NHL. No player references may have been another thing if Rich stayed would have had to enforce upon us.
[Reply]
Bailey int the house with 100s of Kings fans. FGB!
[Reply]
Gailweb Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 11:08 am
@DesertKing, yes agree it was so nice to see
Baily last night and hockey too
Free magnet free puck and hockey
Ontairo was the place last night and
Reign way cool
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 11:41 am
@Gailweb,
+1
[Reply]
Eff the ‘bots….there, now what?
[Reply]
Ok Rich, joke’s over, you can come out now and post a new thread.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
@jess,
Unfortunately, I have a feeling the heasdline for the next thread will be “Gary Bettman – Does the Greatest Bestest Man In History Qualify To Be A God?”
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
@DesertKing,
I heard he fired his assitant, -for swapping out his prized purple velvet pillow with a woopi cushion. I on the other hand, would’ve given him a raise, but this isn’t about me.
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
@DesertKing, oh god!!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
@Kings Fan In Temecula,
I think you meant “oh Bettman”
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 6:08 pm
@jess, Bettman IS a joke. Unfortunately it isn’t over now and never will be.
[Reply]
attn. Kings Please post something new or your readers will go some place else…Have a guest each day(Iam available!!!) till you hire some one…..
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
@Neil, Well lets see. This is a KINGS blog except right now nobody can have a KING as a guest. Ummmm….. OK.
[Reply]
Rich should start his own Kings site ..plus the USC job!!!!That would show Bettman who the real boss is!!!!!
[Reply]
Hey everybody, I know I havent been on since before the Terry Murray firing, but I needed to sit back enjoy and gather every thought that I needed to get across since than. I have a lot to cover so bare with me.
Terry Murray. I was glad to see you here as a head coach, and I fought for you to keep your job. However, after seeing what Darryl Sutter could do, I learned that you taught the boys all that you could teach! Thank you for your time here and educating the boys. Welcome home Darryl Sutter!
Wow! Stanley Cup Champions!!! Who would have thought after the season we had? I am finally glad to say that the sweat and tears of us fans was worth the wait. Finally, the Kings are a true contending team and should be for years to come. THANK YOU DEAN LOMBARDI!!!
Jonathan Quick! Wow! He has turned into a great goaltender and a future Hall Of Famer. He still is getting into his prime, and the fact that we solidified him for a long time, proves that the Kings are ready to hoist the cup again. Loved his rally comments… and I have to agree with him!
I have a shout-out to give – Mike ~ Puck73!! I owe him a huge Thank You for making a dream come true. At the end of August, he opened up his home to me and allowed me to see and experiance things for the first time. The beach, an airplane ride, first MLB game (Kings night @ Dodger Stadium), fine dining, and most of all true friendship. With allowing me to do this, for Kings Night @ Dodger Stadium, I was able to meet bloggers from this site that I havent met and gained friendship. TeamJMFJ, Variable, Luc20rules, Neil, Jeff R, Dominick, Ta and his son, and many others that I cant remember all of them. I also finally broke down in tears as the fireworks was going off after the video of some of the players with the Stanley Cup. It was a blessing to celebrate this with true LA Kings fans than in the living room. Mike truly deserves getting recognition for his wonderful kind giving heart. With out people like him in the world that display kindness to some of the unfortunate, the world would be in much worse shape than it is. Thank you, Mike from the deepest part of my heart. The mini vacation was truly worth it.
Lock-out. REALLY!!! I wasnt blaming Gary Bettman for this, because both sides were being stupid and not negotiating like they should, but the fact of the matter is, this lock-out is the utmost stupidist thing that hockey needed right now. COME ON NHLPA and NHL get your head on straight and bring hockey back before you ruin the sport.
Now, Rich Hammond… We are the ones that should say thank you! You have brought us fans together and have made good friends. Because of you we are a close knit family that wasnt there before. You have brought us good news and bad news, but still the news was important to us fans. We, especially me, will miss you tremendously. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Now… GARY FREAKIN BETTMAN… my opinions on you have changed in just a short time. (esp. since I learned part of Rich deciding to leave was because of you) How dare you tell us fans what we can or cant see or read during this lock-out!!!!! From a fans perspective and trust me I have been a fan since I was 12-13 years old… I want to hear what both sides have to say. The fact that you jumped in on a report for us fans and complain proved how much of a low life you really are. This is your 3rd lock-out since you became commissioner?? REALLY!! Thanks for giving us fans a big screw job. Vince McMahon would be a better commissioner than you!! Grow a set, get both sides to agree, apologize for your selfish ways, and maybe youd gain some respect, but til than, your a PUNK in my eyes.
We will truly miss you Rich… Thank you again from all of us.
[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
@#1faninvegas,
I WAS A BETTMAN FAN UNTIL THIS HAPPENED! bad business decision Mr. Bettman!!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
@#1faninvegas,
Welcome Back!!
Good post.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
@#1faninvegas,
strong words and feelings…glad to have you “officially” back on here…;)
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
@#1faninvegas, Keep posting…We must stay together HERE or SOMEPLACE else!!!!! Great meeting you at the game….
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@#1faninvegas, In fairness he isn’t telling us what we can see or read, he’s telling an official NHL website what they can and can’t post. And he has the right to do that.
BUT
Players sucker punch other players and he does nothing. Players swing sticks at other players and he does nothing. Players flagrantly break the rules and he does nothing. A Stanley Cup final is interrupted for a goal that never should have counted and he does nothing. A team THE LEAGUE OWNS makes a mockery of the WCF championship post game and he does nothing. But THIS, all of a sudden he’s the commissioner?
It IS pretty pathetic now that I think about it.
[Reply]
KHL hockey on ESPN 2 right now. God I miss hockey.
[Reply]
Jon G Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:03 pm
@CB14, Thanks!!!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
@CB14, HOCKEY!!!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
@CB14,
Lot’s of Ice with these international rinks, not used to it.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:48 pm
@jess,
It’s almost a different game
[Reply]
The other day I was making my way to the bathroom after waking up from a deep slumber when I stubbed my toe, at which point I shouted: “I hate you bettman!!” Now I say that everytime something goes wrong.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:33 pm
@jess, Did you take a Bettman while in the bathroom?
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@CB14, no, I took a gary then flushed the bettman
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
@jess, THAT made me laugh!!!!!
puck73 Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@jess, lol
DesertKing Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 6:37 pm
@jess,
Soda back through nose NOW!! That was funny!
DesertKing Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
@jess,
So when I pass gas and clear the room, that would be a “Fehr”? And I would have to say excuse me? Everyone knows a Fehr happens before a Bettman.
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
@DesertKing,
Well good thing it wasn’t some fine scotch, that would be a waste.
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 6:56 pm
@DesertKing,
Good point, -and no question about it, a Fehr is definitely a good sign that a Bettman is on it’s way, and will be dropped off at the waterpark soon.
DesertKing Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
@jess,
I knew it! I have noticed everyone having to put up with more Fehrs and Bettmans lately. Good thing the new moderator(s) from the NHL can’t figure this out and send us to the ethanol field.
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
@jess, Now I know why everyone nick names him “Buttman”. And I always thought it was a takeoff on Beavis & Butthead. You learn something new every day!
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 7:51 pm
@HockeyNerd, Rich leaves and this blog goes straight to the Toilet….
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 8:27 pm
@Neil,
The reason for Rich’s departure, is simply a by-product of *everything going straight to the toilet.
DesertKing Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
@Neil,
Go outside, pass some Fehr, and you will feel better
I still can’t believe Rich is gone
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
@letswinthecup2012,
He’s not gone, he jusy went to a better place, an OC rag newspaper covering a LA college footballl team that is on probation that only the alumni care about. Wait a minute…..
[Reply]
Sick of this crap. I for one am over it. I don’t care if you never start the NHL again… Peace out hockey.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
@letswinthecup2012,
Before you leave, please change your name to: “WeNowHaveTheCup”
[Reply]
letswinthecup2012 Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 7:18 pm
@jess, wehavethecup2012
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
@letswinthecup2012,
Beautiful!! Do it!!
As much as I hate Bettman, hate what the league is doing, have zero sympathy for the owners, and back the players 100% I wish the players would swallow their pride and agree to the absolutely ridiculous conditions the NHL is shoving down their throats.
Why? Because that is ultimately what is going to happen. (In 2005 the players turned down a better deal than they ultimately received). Meantime, games are cancelled, players go to Europe or don’t play and people whose livelihood depends on a season being played are being hurt.
The owners do not care if we EVER play another NHL game and never will.
But this is all moot, Fehr was not hired just to cave in. So this continues….. And I’m not very hopeful that hockey will be played at all in 2012-2013. Not when they haven’t even discussed the main issues separating them in weeks.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@HockeyNerd, I disagree with your statement that the owners don’t care if we ever play another NHL game ever again. They have invested large amounts of money in purchasing their NHL franchises, and if they never play hockey again those investments will be worth nothing. Personally I think a deal will get done in early November because unlike during the last lockout, this time most teams are actually making money. The Maple Leafs made 60 million dollars in profit last season, I doubt they are too happy with the current lockout. Once one side makes a new proposal, the other side will compromise a little and they’ll make a deal. The problem is that neither side is willing to take the first step in offering a new deal, but I believe it will happen. And contrary to most people’s opinions, I believe it will be the owners who make the first move.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
@CB14, I really hope you’re right. The problem is what is it going to take for one side or the other to blink? Games have already been cancelled and money is already being lost. And if that’s not getting the 2 sides to even talk, then what will?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 10:59 pm
@HockeyNerd, I think the owners are playing chicken with the players. They knew that, like you said, the players ended up accepting a worse deal last time because they didn’t accept the offer before games were cancelled. The owners were counting on the players to accept a horrible deal, but they didn’t bite. The PA is strong and not willing to cave into the owners demands. Now that the owners know that I think we’ll see something happen in the near future.
Also, the owners have made 3 seperate offers, while the PA has made just 1. To me that says the owners are willing to budge while the players aren’t. But then again I could be way off in that assesment.
Alright, I am back.. Maybe we encourage people to bring bettman bashing posters to the games if/when they start playing. Posters all around the glass might be some sort of message, I don’t know… I’m spit-balling here
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
@letswinthecup2012,
Welcome back!! Missed you
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
@letswinthecup2012,
I’m making a poster that says:
” BETTMAN/DALY VS FEHR/FEHR = NO HOCKEY “
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
@letswinthecup2012, It was lonely here without you for those 3 hours. I like your idea, but it will probably be squashed by Bettman after the first time someone does it.
[Reply]
CLAP>>>CLAP>>>CLAP… “We want Hockey ” CLAP>CLAP>CLAP
CLAP>CLAP>CLAP…..We want a New Post” CLAP>C:LAP>CLAP
Done entertaining myself!!!!
[Reply]
I think Luc should post an article on here for the heck of it…maybe fill us in with what they’re doing as far as replacing Hammond, etc.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@Cruiznblue, That is a great idea. Just as long as he doesn’t interview Kevin Westgarth.
[Reply]
Kingstane9 Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:13 am
@CB14, hehe…
[Reply]
Rich, you are a true professional and always provided enough coverage for us. Sometimes I got out of line and was banned. But thank God I was always allowed to read. You will be missed.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 8:44 pm
@jonsey, “Sometimes I got out of line and was banned.” Seems to be a recurring sentence on the blog, myself included.
I wonder if there is anyone who hasn’t been sent to the cornfield at least once?
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:02 pm
@CB14,
@poorman??
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 10:55 pm
@jess, You misunderstood his question. He said “At least once”, not “more than once”. Lol.
Shakes Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
@CB14, I was always a good boy.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
@Shakes, Wow, good going. That’s quite an accomplishment considering how long you’ve been on here.
Shakes Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 8:48 am
@Shakes, well either it’s a big accomplishment or it just means i never say anything really interseting, haha.
Neil Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@CB14, I have been sent to the cornfield….whew that felt good…the first step is admitting…..
[Reply]
jess Reply:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@Neil, LOL
Cortex949 Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:36 am
@CB14, I’m actually 100% corn free
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 8:14 am
@CB14, I invented the cornfield but have never visited it. True story.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 8:55 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I love corn! True story!
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 10:56 am
Monsanto fan, eh?
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 4:30 am
@jonsey, I think I was on moderation…three or four times…a couple of them for months.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 8:55 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, ‘I Think I was….” You must admit 100% to be let free !!!!! No grey area….Come clean…100% ..you feel better …I know I do!!!
[Reply]
Well there are going to be some more talks this week
now only if this site now can find someone
to lead us here in taking over ?
Your Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup Champions
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 9:00 am
@Gailweb,
This weeks talks:
Hi
Hi
What’s up?
Nothin’. What about you?
Nothin’. How about those Yankees?
Yankees? How about those Tigers?
Well, once again we can’t agree.
Yep, agree that we disagree.
Same time next week?
No, one hour later.
I was thinking an hour later.
Since we can’t agree on time, we will cancel the meeting.
I agree.
[Reply]
wow..just got finished reading the SB Nation article about Rich being forbidden to speak with NHL players during the LEAGUE imposed lockout.
Sorry I’m a little late to the party.
What an absolute disgrace. Has anyone mentioned to that slimy pitbull Bettman that we live in America where there is freedom of speech and freedom of the press? Who the F… does he think he is?
This is not the Soviet Union or North Korea where you can control the media from all angles.
I am appalled that this scumbag (sorry but I’m really pissed now) can get away with this.
I hope whern this lockout is over that this POS is gone from the game of hockey.
He’s been a disgrace as a commissioner and has taken our once awesome sport and thrown it right down the toilet bowl.
You’re a sick, sick individual Bettman and I hope you get exactly what you deserve when the dust settles.
It’s one thing to take away my beloved sport of hockey, but now you take away rights that people gave their lives for..just so you can control the message.
You’re below pondscum Bettman!!!!!
PS I’m sure my words will also be taken down as well. Unfortunately I’m not beholden to these bloodsucking cowards that run the NHL..Eventually my words and the words of others will get out there Bettman and expose you for the scum that you are!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 8:25 am
@nykingfan,
As you can imagine, my friend, a lot has been said above regarding this, including many of your sentiments. I’ll point out that this isn’t a free speech issue since there’s no government interference. Companies have had (and will continue to have) the right to prevent employees from saying certain things. This goes on in just about every company in existence, to one degree or another, and is perfectly understandable. In this case, NHL employees are forbidden to talk about the lockout by the owners. I’m unclear as to why so many people blame Bettman for this. Do you all believe he decides these courses of action without the consent, or direct instruction, of the owners? I don’t know for certain, but it seems to me Bettman doesn’t implement a crackdown on an employee like Rich without a directive to do so. This, of course, is in no way an endorsement of the man. It’s just a reminder that it’s the owners who make up these policies, not Gary Bettman. At least that’s my understanding of it.
[Reply]
stagger Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 8:55 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I humbly disagree.
I understand that the owners have instructed team employees to keep their mouth shut during the lock-out. However, Rich (as far as I know) was unique in that even though he was officially employed by the team, he was a beat writer that was given free reign by the team to report objectively about the Kings organization, their players, and their fans. Therefore, we know that at least one owner (AEG Who apparently fought FOR Rich in this instance.) did NOT direct Bettman to reprimand Rich.
While I don’t doubt that the owners issued the league-wide gag order, it is Bettman that decides how and when to implement punishment and in this case was probably the one who decided that Rich’s interview was unacceptable.
Also, I do believe Bettman is more involved in decision making than most people think. He is more than a mouth piece, he is also an adviser. They may or may not follow his advice, but I believe most of the owners at least consider what he has to say before making their decisions.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 10:10 am
@stagger,
I don’t think this is an agree or disagree subject. We’re not talking about opinions. We’re simply discussing what may or may not be the truth as to how this all went down. We do not know the details. We’re all guessing who was involved. We simply do not know. What you said may very well be true. I can only go by what I’ve read over the years as to what Bettman’s real powers are but as I said, I don’t know for certain. What I do know is that he is the main spokesperson for the league and therefore, takes the brunt of any criticism…just like a good little devil should.
nykingfan Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 9:25 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I agree that Rich is an emplyee of the Kings and by extension, the NHL.
However I consider Rich to be a member of the press, so I don’t see it as clear cut as others do.
Rich’s mantra from the beginning was that he had complete and total editorial control over what he wrote.
If you gave him that right in the beginning, but take it back once a lockout was instituted, how is that not infringing upon freedom of the press?
I can understand both sides of the argument, and I agree with you about freedom of speech not applying when it comes to corporate matters, but when it comes to freedom of the press it becomes a little different. Yes he is an employee of the team, but he’s also the conduit to which the fans obtain information in an unfettered manner. Once that line becomes blurred, where does it stop?
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 10:05 am
@nykingfan,
“How is that not infringing upon freedom of the press?”
The first thing to keep in mind is that this was an experiment. Everyone should understand this. There were inherent dangers from day one.
This is not complicated. Anything related to ‘freedoms’ pertains to government interference. This is not that. Rich can publish anything he wants as long as he’s not an employee of the team. I’m not saying it’s good in any way whatsoever, I’m just pointing out that this isn’t a restriction of any freedoms.
The bottom line is, if you are hired by a team to be their beat reporter, there will always be an inherent conflict of interest. Rich did his very best to prevent it, but in the end, they clashed. You said it yourself that the lines are blurred. If they are blurred, they are blurred. Not being an employee makes them crystal clear.
nykingfan Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com)
Before I reply back, let me preface
in the end this is just a game and what we’re arguing over is fairly silly…but it is Monday so if you’re going to be pissed, this would be the day..
now back to the discussion..
What power Bettman actually yields is certainly unknown by all of us, but since he is the person in charge of all things hockey related, all decisions are his..at least as far as the public’s concerned.
The reality may be completely different, but who’s to say the greatest or worst leaders of mankind weren’t front men for others?
Here’s the biggest issue for me going forward.
I trusted this site to be completely un-biased when it came to the reporting of the Kings. Rich certainly had earned that trust from us with his candor.
It will relegate this site to the level of the others (not yours dude). Biased BS reporting from a person who’s strings are obviously being pulled by the league.
It may not be the reality, but it certainly will become the perception.
Very sad but an amazing site for all Kings fans has probably changed forever.
duderonomy Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 9:32 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), i can’t believe you are defending bettman. Enuff said. This guy is the cause of all of hockey’s problems.
Rich, I will miss you even though several or more posts of mine were removed, I was made fun of, and rejected by thousands.
We went out on top…Thx to everyone, even the band-wagoners who came out of the closet last April. The Kings destroyed all of their opponents in the playoffs. That was amazing.
-Peace
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 9:55 am
@duderonomy, I didn’t defend him at all. If fact, I said “This, of course, is in no way an endorsement of the man.” But you’re entitled to interpret what I said that way if you choose I guess.
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 10:58 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I perfectly understand what you’re saying. The problem is this:
* When a goal was “scored” in the 1999 Stanley Cup final, it was clear it should not have counted by the rules at that time. The game should have continued. Bettman had no choice.
* When Simon swung his stick, he should have been banned for life. The integrity of the game was at stake. Bettman had no choice.
* When Mike Smith slashed Richards, he should have been fined and suspended. The integrity of the game was at stake. Bettman had no choice.
* When Ryan Clowe played the puck from the players bench, the officials who let that happen right in front of them should have been disciplined, and Clowe suspended. The integrity of the game was at stake. Bettman had no choice.
Well, apparently he DID have a choice. Because he chose TO DO NOTHING.
But this happens and all of a sudden NOW he has to apply the rules??????
THAT’S why us bloggers are so angry.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 11:16 am
@HockeyNerd,
That’s a lot to digest there buddy. There is no shortage of ridiculous and infuriating decisions by the league, some of which are beyond comprehension.
What I, or you, don’t know are any of the facts surrounding the NHL’s desire to remove Rich’s story from this site. I simply cannot and will not condemn anyone without knowing some or all of the necessary facts to do so. We’re just guessing, that’s all.
There are some very interesting nuances to this story but no one here is discussing them with me. Just a lot of yelling. The very disturbing trend of people jumping to conclusions reached epic proportions on this blog a long time ago. Now, it’s just become a farce.
There’s very little real, in-depth examination of the intricacies involved on any of the subjects. When guys like variable, for example, spend a considerable amount of time positing different angles in a comment, he often gets very little (if any) feedback. All you see are a series of single, hate-filled comments that are the equivalent of a digital witch-hunt.
I’m not saying there isn’t a time and place for that, but what I am saying is those comments, by far, drown out the other, more thoughtful ones.
Cortex949 Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@HockeyNerd, I, for what it’s worth, agree with Paul. It’s a terrible situation we are in here, and it’s horrible rich is gone. But we need to look at what we KNOW vs what we are ASSUMING. We know he was forced to take the interview down due to the fact that he is technically an NHL employee. We don’t know what role (if any) the commissioner played in this. It’s sort of like running over a porthole in the road and screaming out “damn you Obama!!” He’s the top of the chain but everyone looks past the thousands of people from the caltrans worker all the way up to him.
Also one must keep in mind this; rich wast fired, or taken to a secret room blindfolded and beaten with a bat. He chose to leave when he felt his situation wouldn’t allow him the ability to write objectively like he had in the past.
So do I like Gary? No way! Would the sport be better without him? I think so. But we need more info about this one incident to say its his fault the hammer in gone.
Anyway, love u rich! Sry u are gone. Anyone here know any good blog like sources for quick accurate hockey news?
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 11:57 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), And I plead guilty to a lot of what you have said.
But given what I have written above, I question where the league has it’s priorities. And if they are all screwed up — and they are — it starts at the top. With Bettman.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
@HockeyNerd, It starts with the owners and ends with the figurehead (and bulls-eye) Bettman.
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), There is a lot of Bettman bashing going on on this thread and I cannot speak for anybody else but myself. And MY point, which I think you guys are missing is that when a league cannot act on the things I mentioned above but CAN swiftly act on pulling a story it’s priorities are messed up and it is in sad shape. And THAT is on Bettman. Granted, not the fact that Hammer left us (which was in fact his own decision.)
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Well as we consider a post-Rich non-hockey moment of our lives (yikes!), i’d like to change gears a little and think about where the blog goes from here.
Clearly the Kings are probably looking for a replacement in the coming weeks (months?), but these are some basic elements which I would like to have for the Insider 2.0 in what I dub….(drum roll)
The Insider Manifesto
1) Rich’s original Rules of Decorum (“Rules for Blog Commenting”) shall always stand
2) if we can get an edit button for comments that would be smurfy
3) if we could get a calendar on the blog, where amongst other things we can put posts for self organized game meet-ups… this would be especially awesome for people meeting on the road (currently people saying where they’re meeting at, or bars, or seat locations, get spliced across various blog posts). This would of course be cool for the playoffs and us East Coasters trying to watch regular season games
4) Let the next “Insider” have his own flavor (i.e. it’s not helpful if we keep saying “Rich would never say that…”) but generally try to be objective without having posts aimed at being purely provocative with no grounding in reality or facts (that’s what the rest of the interweb is for)
5) No Facebook link-up. I have it, and that’s fine, but a lot of folks here don’t. This was of course a big debate last offseason and I think the cons of losing people outweighed the pros (making it slightly easier to moderate the blog)
6) The name “Juraj” shall continue to be mentioned once every 3-4 months in an official blog posting.
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bbb7 Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 10:31 am
@Shakes, All great suggestions. I would also suggest that, once a new topic has been posted, if you attempt to post to the previous topic a pop-up asks if you want to continue or instead post your comment to the newest thread. Often after games by the time I’ve typed a post, Rich had started a new thread and my comment became yesterpost’s news.
They shouldnt let this site lie dormant too long for fear of losing some of the faithful. If nothing else, post Monarchs and Reign news and notes.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 10:43 am
@Shakes,
Insider 3.0 actually. And as long as the manifesto doesn’t include mail bombs, I’m on board.
1) Since I was instrumental in getting the rules published I reserve the right to modify them. First modification? Anyone referencing the smurfs will be banned for life.
2) An edit button is a great idea and vrry moch needed. See!
3) Another great idea. There are many ways to achieve this but the most important thing is to have a special ‘puck73′ page dedicated to his philanthropic activities. We may call it ‘the cornfield.’
4) Yes, the next insider must be his own man or woman yet keep things exactly the same. In other words, do the impossible. In other words, it won’t be the same. In other words, people will complain no matter what happens.
5) The commenting system needs a major overhaul. It doesn’t have to be facebook, but I do think having profiles for each commenter and encouraging the use of real names (in addition to nicknames) would make for a much more coherent blog.
6) Mikus, Munters, anthony, the burger debate. All of this and much, much more needs to have a special FAQ page that explains all insider mythology.
7) Definitely more video, possibly including google hangouts and call-in podcasts allowing for much more direct involvement with all of you.
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diehard307 Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 11:09 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), if somehow podcasts could be added, we need to find a way to get the kings talk radio show podcasted and put up on there too. I live in Orange County but the show doesnt usually even start until i am almost home, and who wants to sit in their living room listening to the radio? would be nice to listen to a podcast the next morning in the car.
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mask0425x Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 11:51 am
@Shakes,
OK, between being swamped for today’s deadline and still being shell-shocked over Rich’s departure (been a follower since early LA DN days), I have not had a chance to chime in on the subject… This one item here did jump out at me as one deserving a quick comment. My typpign is as crappy as anyone’s out there, always wanted an edit feature myself. NOT ANYMORE! Correct me if I’m wrong, but Rich’s reasoning for not having it was so people would not go back and make changes to the substance of their posts while getting into a (semi)heated discussion with another poster. So, in other words, I choose integrity over spelling
Many thanks to Rich for everything he has done for the Kings fans over those years. So, is that how the Oiler fans felt in August of 1988?
PS: GKG
PPS: FGB
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
@mask0425x, I don’t think Rich realized there is technology that allows for edits but it still retains the original comment. It doesn’t have to be either/or.
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Zeley Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
@mask0425x,
I used to participate in an open-wheel racing blog that allowed edits for approximately 5 minutes before the post became permanent. It was perfect for those of us who hit the SUBMIT button, then happen to rescan the post “just to be sure.”
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mask0425x Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
@Zeley, Huh, then I stand corrected. Having a short window like that to fix your brain/finger cramps would be nice.
Shakes Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 4:14 pm
@Zeley, actually that would be perfect, because i only notice my typos right after i read it for the first time..
This site is officially dead.
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Gustavo Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 10:34 am
@Purple Reign,
YUUUP!!…Another Bettman’s masterfull stroke of genius. When will the madness end?
Time to bury this turkey
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On a lighter note…
http://www.wellandtribune.ca/2012/10/15/former-flames-coach-sutter-has-narrow-miss-in-beef-scare
For further proof things are radically different over in the KHL, we defer to Calgary goaltender Jeff Glass, who plays in Siberia where he sees new things every day: “We played Omsk Avangard the other night, who is captained by Alexander Frolov, formerly of the L.A. Kings. With a few minutes left in the second period, they threw the puck on goal and crashed the net, as hard as guys do in this league. There was a little controversy, but the puck was under me, not in the net. Frolov was convinced he had scored and was insisting they go upstairs to review the play. I told him and the ref not to waste anyone’s time, because 100% it was not in. He asked me how much I wanted to bet that it was a goal. Knowing that he probably uses a salary like mine as spare change, I didn’t say much. He stuck out his hand and said “$100.” I didn’t know what to do, other than take my glove off and shake it right back. The play was reviewed and the call on the ice stood, no goal. No more than five minutes after the game their stick boy had 3,200 rubles, the equivalent of $100, delivered to our room.”
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LB Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 11:06 am
@FKA PakiFro,
great story!
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mask0425x Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:47 pm
@LB,
Fro! I guess he does have a competitive spirit in him after all. Wonder if he said something like “I can see right thru you, Glass.” Interesting name for a goalie, lol.
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speaking of good Kings stories…
http://www.downgoesbrown.com/2012/10/the-time-islanders-coach-mike-milbury.html#more
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
@Shakes,
I remember that game.
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Rich left big shoes to fill, I have a small idea though;
Rather than find one person, use multiple, allow Nick, Daryl,
Jim and Bob to use this outlet too.
Trainers, equipment guys, Ice crew etc.
Keep it all about the players and games though.
Give us some other insider perspectives.
They could blog about the glorious cup run, (for now)
Some inside news to fill the void that is ongoing.
Coaches could cover monarch news development etc.
Just my thought anywys.
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mask0425x Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 11:59 am
@Mars, Hmmm, interesting idea. Are we talking regular write-ups or occasional special contributor type of posts?
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
@Mars, I hadn’t mentioned it here, but I’ve discussed this very idea with a few people and each time I bring it up, they thought that could be a very good direction to head in.
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Shakes Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
@Mars, i like the idea, but the only minor prob would be that if one person doesn’t truly own it, then it may lose its place in terms of maintaining its integrity (tragedy of the commons!) in terms of making sure posters don’t get out of hand, people keeps things on hockey, and generally that we have a single voice that people grow to respect who “runs” the blog.
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cortex949 Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
@Shakes, yea, i think having one real reporter post 80% would be good but i really like the idea of letting other, “real insiders” (sorry rich) like jim fox, or a trainer or someone, offer stories from time to time. and some sort of system where more than just the most recent post is active. so often people are having discussions about a particular story or even, but in an effort to get their post read, will put in under the most recent entry even if its totally unrelated. I guess more of a forum format than a entry by entry blog.
anyone?
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
@Shakes, We certainly are trained to look up to one person or entity, aren’t we?
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Shakes Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), don’t look at me, i’m a Hindu. many gods! many arms!
Gustavo Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
@Mars,
Maybe you need a reminder of why Rich left. The napoleonic midget does not allow ANY commentary about locked out players. Without debate, updates, information or simple talk about players this blog is more boring than dancing with one’s own sister.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
@Gustavo, Very true. But the reality is, even if Rich was allowed to publish that interview (and others like it) there would still be very little, if any, real Kings news until the lockout is over. Either way, the lockout effectively put this blog into hibernation.
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Gustavo Reply:
October 15th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
More like a coma from which it’s not likely to wake up. Unfortunately.
With all due respect to Smokey Robinson, the Insiders are now on the Outside looking in.
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Got the new Kings book with the Bob Miller DVD. Very nice.
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Great job Rich. I will miss your blogs. Best of luck on your future projects.
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When I got the text message on my phone with the headline reading “farewell,and thank you”, it instantly hit me that this could not be good news. This is life people move on, things happen and thats how people turn into who they are. I would proudly say to others that we have the best coverage in any sports and all of us on this site were really proud of that. I dont think anyone will fill in like Rich did with such an unbiased and literal writing and view point he had on this blog. Good luck with all your future endeavors Rich. We all sure hope to see you back here one day. I have a feeling we will…. Thank you for all the work you put in throughout the years not only when you were employed by the Kings but way before that. Thank you
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So long, and thanks for all the fish! This occasion has offered two men to demonstrate the actions of classy or classless. Each acted in accordance with his nature. Rich Hammond, you’re a man of integrity and you are already sorely missed. I thank you for everything, even the penalty minutes in moderation. Hopefully, some of your class rubbed off on some of us here.
Gary Bettman, on the other hand, acted classlessly when facing the same choice. He has weakened the league, weakened the sport, and shown himself to be the true Grinch that stole Hockey. Thanks again for everything, Rich. I can’t follow you to OC, because frankly, I can’t stand SC, but best wishes in all you endeavor.
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holy…disappointting…with the lock out..i have stayed away from hockey news until there is sonething meaningful…i see this and certainly sad…good luck rich…you always gave the fans a different insight into the kings org…thank you!
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I just wanted to join everyone in thanking Rich for his hard work in providing high quality content. It’s been the best way to keep up with the team. He will be missed.
I wish you well in your next endeavor.
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Richie you are the man, this site is unique, unlike any others I have ever seen or heard of on any other teams pages. Excellent, objective, and insightful journalism. Thank you for everything
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thank you, Rich
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You really make it appear really easy along with your presentation however I to find this matter to be actually something which I feel I’d never understand. It seems too complicated and very extensive for me. I am taking a look ahead on your subsequent post, I’ll attempt to get the cling of it!
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