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2Kinger – Players & Coaches reflect on Chris Kingsley after his 2,000th professional game

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Congratulations are in order for Head Athletic Trainer Chris Kingsley, who worked the 2,000th game of his professional career on Saturday in Dallas.

Kingsley has been with the Kings since 2006, when he earned the promotion from the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs, previously the Lowell Loch Monsters. He’s been with the club ever since, winning a pair of Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. For players like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, Kinglsey has been there for their entire careers. For those who have been with the organization for less time, Kingsley is the only Head Athletic Trainer they’ve ever known

For several players and coaches, they were quick to talk about their appreciation for Kingsley, what he’s done for them personally and the relationships they share. 2,000 games……that’s remarkable by any standard.

Jim Hiller
Yeah, it’s incredible, 2000 games, isn’t it? He’s got a special place on the staff. He’s not the longest-tenured guy here but he just kind of seems like the godfather of the staff, to tell you the truth. He’s got a presence, he’s organized, he’s incredibly efficient, he knows his stuff and he just has a real calming presence with the players. You’re talking about injuries, which for a young player or old player, it can be really disturbing, and he just has a really good way about him. They trust him, obviously, he’s earned that over the years, somebody that’s a key part of the organization.

Mikey Anderson
Yeah, it’s pretty impressive. He’s been here for that long and obviously he’s part of the foundation that’s here, he’s been through it all, ups, downs, but he’s a guy that you obviously can learn a lot from. When you come to the rink every day, he’s an awesome guy to be around, he keeps things loose when they need to be, but I couldn’t be happier for him. He works his [butt] off and does a lot for us that no one else sees. I’m happy for him.

Phillip Danault
He’s one of those guys that leaves his heart on the line for the boys, all the time, for 2,000 games now. I’m not surprised he’s there, that he’s still here [with the Kings], he’s been so good for us. We’re really happy for him.

Drew Doughty
Yeah, that’s a lot of games, he told me he had six or seven hundred in the AHL too, so Kinger has been around a long time. He’s been here for 18, 19 years and you know why he’s been here that long, because of how good of a trainer he is, how good he is with the guys. Not only does Kinger help us with injuries and stuff like that, but he cares about your home life, he cares about your family. He always asks how things are at home, how are the kids, stuff like that, he always cares about the person and what you’re doing outside of hockey. You can literally call Kinger at any time, it doesn’t matter what time it is, he answers.

Pierre-Luc Dubois
From day one, he was one of the first people that I was in contact with when I got traded here. Professional guy, he’s always on top of things, he communicates well and he’s a pleasure to be around. 2,000 games, I mean, that’s crazy when you think about it. To come to the rink 2,000 games and then practices, trips, it’s impressive. 2,000 games in any sport, in any capacity, is impressive but to do it with the roadtrips, the long nights, is crazy. It’s something to really be proud of.

Adrian Kempe
That’s a lot of games, he’s obviously been around for a long time, ever since I’ve been here, and it’s been great. All those guys, they don’t get too much credit in the media for the things they do, but I appreciate everything that he’s done for me since I’ve been here. I haven’t been hurt too much, so I’m glad I don’t have to see him too often, but whenever you need something, he’s always there to help. He’s been great and I hope to have him around for some more years and some more games.

Matt Roy
Yeah, it’s great, he’s a veteran, he’s been around forever, he’s awesome. He helps us out a lot, here at the rink and at home, whenever you need him, and whenever our families need something, he’s always been there to help. It’s just great that he can hit that milestone and that we can hit it with him.

The Kings will continue to honor Kingsley into tomorrow night’s game, his first at home as a 2,000-game man. For today, cheers to one of the most respected men in the business. For those on the training staff or the support staff, public acknowledgement is rarely a part of the job. Nor is it a spotlight that is sought out. So, when the opportunity arises, it’s nice to see it taken. The small details and small gestures showcased within the hats, hoodies and shirts are done for a man who has given so much to his fellow trainers and to the organization as a whole.

Here’s to Kinger on another special night, with more to come.

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