Friday evening links: January 30

Good evening from Boston, where it’s very cold. I’ll save the weather report for tomorrow’s Good Morning post, but snow flurries are falling and there’s a blanket of white everywhere.

Notes and links to some interesting stories around The Kingdom:

–It’s press release-official: The Ontario Reign will become Los Angeles’ AHL affiliate in 2015-16, and as I reported on Wednesday, the Manchester Monarchs will remain affiliated with the club, though at the ECHL level. New Reign jerseys and logos will be revealed on February 11; the Monarchs are keeping their sweaters.

-Good stuff from Pierre LeBrun, who spoke with Wade Redden about his AHL assignment and how it relates to Mike Richards. LeBrun also reported that Toronto GM Dave Nonis is in Manchester tonight, though the trip had been scheduled prior to Richards’ roster move.

In other words he didn't booked the trip because Mike Richards was sent down this week!

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) January 30, 2015

Now, as many have reported before, LA Kings and Leafs have talked over last month. But Nonis is also going to other games this weekend

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) January 30, 2015

-Matt Greene, Jarret Stoll, Alec Martinez, Kyle Clifford and Tyler Toffoli participated in the fifth event of the multi-city tour commemorating the NHLPA Goals & Dreams’ 15th anniversary. The Goals & Dreams program donated 25 complete sets of new hockey equipment for the Hawthorne Power, an all-girls program within the Hawthorne Police Force Hockey Program. Former King and NHLPA special assistant to the executive director Mathieu Schneider also spoke at the event.

Via Eric Epstein’s story: “It’s special for us to give back,” said Stoll, sharing his thoughts as the kids took the ice, on the impact of the day and the NHLPA Goals & Dreams donation. “We remember when we were in that position, we were little kids and looking for that chance to get on the ice and have fun, and that’s what it’s all about, just going out there and having a good time and having a laugh with your friends, and we’re fortunate enough to be able to help with that.”

Greene, @tytoff16, @jarretstoll taking part in NHLPA Goals & Dreams event in LA with Hawthorne Power Project #GD15 pic.twitter.com/QqCv4SY5Tx

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) January 29, 2015

-If you can’t make it to Santa Clara, here’s a neat option that will allow you to watch the Kings-Sharks Stadium Series game in stadium-style seating. The game will be broadcast live at AMC Puente Hills, Cinemark Howard Hughes and Regal LA Live movie theaters on Saturday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. Don’t expect tickets to be available the day of the game; you can purchase your seats here. The LA Kings Ice Crew will be on hand.

-Take part in a meet-and-greet with Legends Night honorees (on the afternoons of their three respective Legends Nights) and enjoy filet mignon topped with truffle poached lobster. Nick Nickson is emceeing Legends Luncheons Hosted By Flemings, with the first luncheon taking part on February 12 when Barry Melrose is honored. Tony Granato will be honored on February 24, while Luc Robitaille’s career will be celebrated on March 7. Click here for tickets and more information.

–Great stuff by Jill Painter Lopez of FOXSportsWest.com here. Chris Sutter was asked by Maria Shriver following the Kings’ win over the Blackhawks on Wednesday to be a participant at the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games, which will be held in Los Angeles this summer. Via the report, both Chris and Darryl will run with be torch bearers in the cross-country relay leading up to the event.

-ESPN.com’s Scott Burnside was in Los Angeles to report on the Kings this week, and he caught up with several players on Thursday to get a feel of the team’s post-All-Star break direction.

He writes: The demotion of Richards wasn’t a symbolic move. It was a tactical move designed to help improve the roster; but it was a move that didn’t lack for symbolism, which makes this road trip so interesting.

“These are all big games for us now,” Kings forward Trevor Lewis said. “We’re fighting for our playoff lives here. So we’re playing playoff hockey right now. We have to, to even have a chance to get in. I think these next five games on the road will be a good test for us, and hopefully, we can keep some momentum from last night.

–Helene Elliott’s Pluses and Minuses from around the NHL