Last night was frigid, but I didn't care. It was the first official Kings event to usher in the new season, and I was happy as a peach to be there. The season ticket holder "Meet the Players" photo and autograph session was a perfect way to start this shortened lock-out hockey season.
I arrived more than an hour before they opened the gates, and waited patiently to get in. There were already several hundred fans there, so I knew I planned well by getting there early. I immediately went to the Anze Kopitar/Justin Williams line with my LA Kings Stanley Cup Champions commemorative book in tow. I decided I would try to fill up the book with as many Kings signatures as possible. Check out my photos with some of the players below. Right Winger Justin Williams is in the photo on the left, and star center Anze Kopitar is on the right. Youngters Jordon Nolan and Dwight King were also in this line, but I didn't get a photo with them.
There was even enough time to get into a second line. There I met goalie Jonathan Bernier (below, left) and defenseman Willie Mitchell (below, right).
Center Mike Richards is on the left (below) and Simon Gagne is on the right (below).
Below is my book with a bunch of signatures. You may also notice that I had Kings broadcaster Darryl Evans and coach Bernie Nicholls sign it, as well (on the bottom left of the team photo).
I even snagged some autographs from the other Kings broadcasters. Below is Nick Nickson.
Here, Bob Miller and Jimmy Fox sign the book.
What a great night. Hopefully, the Kings can reward the fans with an Opening Night victory this coming Saturday. I'll be sure to share some photos from that historic night. They'll be raising the Stanley Cup Championship banner that afternoon.
