Continuing a Presidential tradition in which championship-winning teams visit the White House, the Los Angeles Kings will be in Washington, D.C. next Tuesday in between stops in Chicago and St. Louis on their upcoming road trip to be honored along with the Los Angeles Galaxy by President Barack Obama.
After President Obama offers remarks on the dual Los Angeles titles, the teams will host a Let’s Move! event to on the South Lawn of the White House that encourages kids to participate in youth sports and maintain active, healthy lifestyle habits. The clinic will be supported by the Kings Care Foundation and MLS WORKS, a pair of community outreach organizations.
Children that take part in the event will come from U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Soccer for Success and America SCORES programs and the National Hockey League’s Hockey is for Everyone program.
Though coaches don’t often look several days ahead on game days, Darryl Sutter drew a smile before saying, “I’m looking forward to it.”
“I think it’s interesting for our team because…[of] Brownie being American, right? [He’s] captain of an American team, American born. That, to me, is pretty cool for him. And then Greener is one of our assistants. He’s American. For 99% of the guys that have never been to the White House, that’s special also,” Sutter said.
He also remarked last week that he was interested in raising the topic of the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline extension, which would originate in his native Alberta.
“It runs right through the farm, all the way to Chicago,” he said.
Huge honor, bad timing
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Who remembers Tim Thomas not going last year?? Loll
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George Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:02 pm
@George, EDIT…..Not last year, but last season to me more exact…
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Duncanz Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:18 pm
@George, Tim Thomas does!
Everyone else, not so much..
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Lake Forest Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:46 pm
@Duncanz, he’s at that age where even he forgot
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Deke'r Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:12 pm
@Lake Forest, ….forgot what?….
Seeing all that trade speculation for bernier is really dumb to me. There’s no way he would get traded for anything that we need right now. Our team is so complete with willie and green, I dont see dean adding a defenseman just because it could mess up our team after this year and in the big picture this team should be fighting for a cup for the next ten years. Bernier is worth way more than a rental. The only thing i would trade bernier for is for the first or second overall draftpick this year. Bernier is longterm gold so thats what has to come back.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@ashykins, I am truly INSULTED by the rumors that we would trade Bernier even up for Iginla. I wouldn’t consider it even if Iginla weren’t a rental! What are they smoking up there in Calgary? How dumb do they think DL is?
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puck73 Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:15 pm
@HockeyNerd, This is always very typical of The Canadian press. They always feel they can dump their garbage on us, and steal our gold because we are “Dumb” hockey people out here in Cali.
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bbb7 Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 5:47 pm
@puck73, They likely still have memories of Kings management past when that was unfortunately true. My all time low-light: trading 2 draft picks (one of which became Tom Barrasso) for Rick Martin (he who had blown out a knee the season before and had extensive surgery in the off-season) who played all of 4 games for the Kings.
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:16 pm
@ashykins, The other thing that keeps coming up from time to te are misinformed people posting “we have to deal him now or we risk getting nothing at all for him when he becomes a free agent after the season”. Incorrect!!!!!!!!! He will become a restricted free agent, meaning: a) The Kings can match any offer, b) it’s very rare anyone goes after another teams restricted free agent, and c) even if that does happen and he gets signed and we don’t match (all very unlikely) we would still be entitled to compensation.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:33 pm
@HockeyNerd, +1
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:32 pm
@ashykins, Yet ANOTHER thing people are forgetting is that if you trade Bernier a proven NHL goalie had to come back the other way — unless you want to risk Quick getting hurt and defending your Stanley Cup with Martin Jones.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:49 pm
@HockeyNerd, Yikes!
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KC23 Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:50 pm
@ashykins, Idiotic trade rumors. Bernier’s going nowhere this season.
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Can DS say thing like “How dare MacDonald count out Alberta beef!” as well?
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No Politics !!!!! JK !!! Sutter would be in the cornfield for sure if he blogged here !!!
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:29 pm
@Neil, Looks like some earlier stuff was nuked….
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Michael J. Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 2:00 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Screen grab?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:47 pm
@Neil, It’s kinda hard to tell which rules still apply, though, isn’t it?
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Duckbasher Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 2:55 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Well… it may be just me, but I think we should try to keep this blog about hockey and the Kings in particular (not politics). No matter what, about 50% of people have differing opinions. If people want to rant about politics, they can go onto political web-sites to discuss it. I applaud Jon Rosen for keeping us focused on what’s really important. And that being… GO KINGS GO!
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KC23 Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:52 pm
@Duckbasher, Amen. I’m hoping the moderation of personal insults gets up to speed. Hate that crap.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:04 pm
Oh yeah…I think maybe the smart thing to do was for this post (only) not to have a comment section, because someone’s bound to inspire a comment that goes over the line. I’m being really careful, I think.
Actually, though, I was referring to the name-calling and stalking that’s been going on. It may have been handled over the last couple days, because i haven’t seen it in that time frame.
As for Jon, he seems to have his finger a bit further from the trigger than the previous moderator (whom I otherwise greatly respected) and I kinda like that. He might still be looking to strike a good balance, and I respect that.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:05 pm
That said, maybe my post was more a cry out to find out how the “rules” may have been relaxed or tightened in various areas, as moderators are obviously different.
JD Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 5:53 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, wait til one of the goalies get lit up, it’ll be on
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 6:18 pm
@JD, You’re right on cue.
Ok boys take your nap now see you later after your good and or bad dreams, but hopefully of winning dreams
See you guys later rest up, and maybe dream of the net more and shooting in front of it more, to the net men.
Have a very nice trip and at least if all americans cannot see the President at least our Kings can meet and greet, with him
Go Kings Go!
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Take him a 6 pack of Keystone Light, Dazza!
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Michael J. Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:33 pm
@Duncanz,
I think he’s much more familiar with the “pipe”-line than anything Canadian.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEt44kb-bRM/Tvpt9gkefBI/AAAAAAAAAcU/CLYjE9ZUb_A/s640/obama.jpg
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Duncanz Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:34 pm
@Monica J., Now that’s what I call styling ….. as opposed to some of our less sober CiCs
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Michael J. Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:41 pm
@Duncanz,
“Our”???
YoBro Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 5:02 pm
@Michael J., Hey, that’s not the Pres…. that’s Barry Soetero!
Go Kings
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In regards to Thomas… I can understand being against one party or the other. But going to the White House and shaking hands with the president should be an honor regardless of which party you belong to. I think we have lost a lot of that honor we used to have as Americans.
In the regard, I think Thomas is whinny tool like the Cryotes and their fans.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:20 pm
@RobDC, Bush league..
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vegasking Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:28 pm
@RobSD, Agree
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puck73 Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:32 pm
@RobSD, Totally agree. And I will tell you something else that selfish Tim Thomas may not have taken into consideration……There were probably other guys on his team that didnt care for Obama and his politics but they realized that this was a team function and checked their politics at the White House Door.
What a selfish A Hole.
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KC23 Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:53 pm
@puck73, Well said. My feelings exactly.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:34 pm
@RobSD, He specifically said it was NOT about party. It wasn’t selfish at all. It was out of deep concern.
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Michael J. Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:35 pm
@RobSD,
I’m far from an Obama fan myself, but “geez” to turn down an invitation to the White House??? Who knows, Michelle might serve up some of those healthy school lunches she’s always talking about.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:48 pm
@Michael J., Some people believe attending a political photo op implies a political statement they don’t want to make.
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Michael J. Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
I’m picturing Penner doing some kind of Forrest Gump stunt like drinking 11 bottles of Dr. Pepper just to get a chance to use the john where Bill hooked up with Monica.
Duncanz Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:32 pm
@Monica J., Jealousy will get you nowhere..
YoBro Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 5:04 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Well put, agree 100%.
Go Kings
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 6:20 pm
@YoBro, Thank you! I’m trying to remain dignified and sincere, and I struggle as much as anyone (maybe some don’t think so–we all have faults.)
Penner, on his preference of playing without a visor:
“I don’t want to…there’s a lot of maintenance with it. Always wiping it. You get snow on it. It melts, turns into water. It cracks, scratches. [I’ve heard] “What about your eye?’ Well, what if I get hit by a bus? It’s just a rule put in place. It’s big government.”
Penner thinks big government is a bad thing? I guess Penner is our own Tim Thomas. :-p
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Duncanz Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:23 pm
@Nationallawner, I predict during the ‘Let’s Move’ photo op he will defiantly stand in one place on the Whitehouse lawn.
He’s perfectly cut out to take a stand like that, anyway!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:35 pm
@Naturallawyer, Pretty sure that was sarcasm–specifically since it wasn’t “the government” about whose rules he was speaking.
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Deke'r Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:21 pm
@Naturallawyer, …big government IS a bad thing….unless of course you can’t think for yourself…
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Hale to the chief…eerrrr
I mean, Hale to the Kings!
GKG!!!!!!!!!!
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This is a completely unnecessary and overused political stunt, and it doesn’t matter which POTUS or which party.
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Michael J. Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:37 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
C’mon man, with all that time spent in Chicago – Barry’s got to be a fan of the puck.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:52 pm
@Michael J., Do you really believe it has anything to do with him being a hockey fan? This is a boilerplate function, just like the world series winner, the super bowl winner, etc.
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Michael J. Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 1:56 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
He probably loves hockey, but can’t let that out for obvious political reasons.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 2:10 pm
@Michael J, …apparently just like every other POTUS since…oh, I don’t know, Carter?
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 2:11 pm
Actually, I’m thinking it was Reagan, and it was the Raiders, who had beaten the home team (the Redskins.) At least there was a theme (home team) there.
Michael J. Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 2:17 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Who can forget a 73 year-old Reagan throwing that perfect spiral to Rickey Sanders?
I wonder if Obama is going to break out his opening day mom jeans for this one…
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 2:31 pm
@Michael J, Umm…I did. Do you remember which year that was? I’m thinking it was the year before the year I was thinking of (Year of SB XVIII, 1984.)
Michael J. Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:46 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Looked it up. 1988! So RR was 78(?) years old.
http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-250_162-10012560-5.html
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 6:24 pm
@Michael J.,
Well, sure enough! Come to think of it, I remember Reagan calling the locker room in 1984…so that may have been what started the invites.
The president wants to acknowledge the accomplishment’s of champions. There is nothing wrong with that in my book.
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puck73 Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 2:28 pm
@bonvivant, Totally agree. I would go to The White house if I had a chance wether I liked the current President or not. And I certainly wouldnt cause a controversy to the organization I worked for either by making a statement, or stand.
If he didnt like this administration he could have said something about it on his facebook page AFTER the visit to the Whitehouse.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 2:35 pm
@puck73, I guess it depends on whether you consider people individuals. There’s something disturbing over someone getting so much pressure to respond positively to what’s essentially a command performance. Command performances are inconsistent with the founding of this nation.
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vplaza Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:06 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Come on, seriously? “So much pressure” to what, show up, smile, and have a picture taken? Give me a break. He chose to make a statement rather than simply go along with what is essentially, a non-event photo op. He wasn’t being asked to stop pucks, for crimminy.
I’m going to have to disagree with you’re siding with Thomas on this one. Just as you feel the event was unnecessary, his action was, as well, unnecessary. What, exactly, does he lose by going?
vplaza Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:11 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
BTW, I’m respectfully disagreeing with you. Not trying to be “snarky” or anything, but I think that Thomas was out of line.
PlayerXatHoldThePoint Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 4:02 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, posted this elsewhere, same ideas here so…
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth? “…demanding athletes to appear at photo ops because they’re supposed to respect the person most responsible for waging those wars.”
(1) The White House does not demand that the players appear for photo-ops.
(2) The League does not demand it, either. Tim Thomas did not appear for the meeting, and even spoke out publicly as to why, without penalty or even chastisement.
(3) Perhaps some teams would demand the players appear, though the Boston Bruins obviously did not, but regardless I would hardly call a hockey club a “statist” organization, or even an organization that acts in support of a “statist” obsession with using government to invade the lives of others.
(4) Athletes do not appear at these meetings to aid in a “photo-op.” Athletes appear because they are being honored for their achievement.
(5) Athletes do not appear because they are “supposed to respect the person most responsible for waging those wars.” Athletes appear because they want to appear, because they do respect the office itself, and because they appreciate, overwhelmingly, being recognized officially by the leader of their country.
(6) Although a connection does exist, as you state, between (a) that the players respect the office and office-holder, and (b) that the office and office-holder “wage those wars”, that connection is not part of the equation as to why these athletes appear.
The facts surrounding “war” and supposed “statist” obsessions are only significant aspects of the appearance in your mind; Tim Thomas made the event political, you are seeing it as purely political, but for the most part it is meant to be and is kept to be a non-political event.
While any single thing the President does has political ramifications, it is not necessarily true that the motivation for doing that thing was political, nor that participating in that thing was motivated politically.
Kinda like this blog; it isn’t political, until it is made to be from outside.
Deke'r Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 4:49 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, ….I agree….people get so upset that you think for yourself….what happened to freedom…..lemmings…
Deke'r Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 4:55 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, ….which leads me of the use of the word “HERO”….it’s so overused these days it doesn’t mean a thing…it seems if you make an obviously correct decision (doing the right thing) you’re a hero…..are there that many clueless people these days?…….everybody gets a trophy….
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 6:41 pm
@bonvivant, In the White House as POTUS. There’s nothing wrong with offering, either. Nor is there anything wrong (for others, not for me) with attending. Nor is there anything wrong with declining. It’ll cost you plenty, if you do though. That’s the rub.
@vplaza, Clearly, there’s intense pressure. Witness the national spectacle when the now-infamous goaltender decided not to attend, and tried to explain why. I was pleased to learn none of that pressure came from the Bruins organization, so far as we know. He chose to explain why he felt showing up was inappropriate for him, personally. One of the great things about a free society is our ability to disagree without violence, and I appreciate your respectful approach.
@PlayerXatHoldThePoint, I responded to that where it was first posted. In short, none of us fully understands the motives of athletes, as they are individuals. However, Thomas, in particular made a statement. The people who accept haven’t, to my knowledge.
@Deke’r, Thanks! I’ve been feeling a little isolated. I also agree with the overuse of the word “hero,” and not only in a context relating to this blog post. I could write 2500 words on it, but since it’s not the topic, I’ll simply agree.
@Jon, Thank you for your patience. It looks like it didn’t turn out that horrifying, but I didn’t see anything you had to delete. I’m sorry if you see me as an instigator or otherwise a troublemaker, and appreciate your moderate moderation.
I’m willing to drop it, proactively, if everyone else does.
vegasking Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 3:24 pm
@bonvivant, Well stated
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I hope it’s not a bad omen that the boys are visiting the White House the same week a movie opens about the White House falling to terrorists. :p
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Robbie Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 6:35 pm
@bbb7, I think it’s a bad omen they’re flying the Galaxy in on the same flight.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2013 at 6:42 pm
@bbb7, Nice catch…hadn’t thought of that. Given the way things work, it’s probably the safest time to visit.
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I am proud of the KINGS and they deserve it. But it is just a stunt for this administration to attach itself to winners.
He is a fan of the blackhawks an could care less about the KINGS.
I hope this distraction does not blow our playoff position.
If the Blackhawks don’t win the cup it will be Bush’s fault.
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I’m so glad that it’s finally happening. I thought it never would.
And I know Obama’s not a Kings fan, or even a hockey fan. He’s a basketball fan. Just like GW Bush was a baseball fan. And I know this whole thing is a photo op. Who cares. It’s still a huge honor for this team to visit the White House. Do you know why? BECAUSE THEY’RE CHAMPIONS! And this is one of the perks of being a champion, visiting the White House & being recognized by the President.
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