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Introducing the LA Kings Hall of Fame!

The Hall of Fame is not something new, but it’s something that has probably been underutilized over the years. Every LA Kings player who has his number retired by the organization is automatically inducted into the Kings Hall of Fame, with former Kings player Butch Goring and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, longtime Kings trainer Pete Demers also inducted.

In total, there are 11 individuals who are currently members of the Hall of Fame, including Anze Kopitar, who will have his number retired by the franchise in February. You just never would have known about it by coming to Kings games at Crypto.com Arena. That's now in the past. As a part of the 60th anniversary of the Kings franchise, things are now changing, with a full-time home for the Hall of Fame at the arena now installed. In a pre-game ceremony in advance of yesterday’s home opener versus Florida, the Kings unveiled a physical version of the LA Kings Hall of Fame on the 100 Level at Crypto.com Arena, a permanent display to honor some of the greatest players in Kings history.

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Here's a full list of those in the Kings Hall of Fame - 

The full class of members is as follows:

- Rob Blake    
- Dustin Brown    
- Peter Demers (Trainer)
- Marcel Dionne   
- Wayne Gretzky    
- Butch Goring
- Anze Kopitar
- Bob Miller (Broadcaster)
- Luc Robitaille     
- Dave Taylor   
- Rogie Vachon    

The ceremony included four members of the Hall of Fame, as well as several LA Kings alumni. Luc Robitaille, Bob Miller, Dave Taylor and Pete Demers were all at last night's game to help commemorate the unveiling. Also in attendance were Kings broadcasters and alumni Jim Fox and Daryl Evans, along with Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster Nick Nickson. Alec Martinez, Jarret Stoll and Matt Greene were all in attendance, representing the championship teams, while former Kings forward Bernie Nicholls was also present. More to come with Bernie over the next couple of weeks! 

Also introduced yesterday was a Kings historical exhibit, which showcases a large collection of items from throughout the history of the franchise. 

Featured are jerseys, gloves, helmets, pads, game sheets, merchandise, bobbleheads and more, including several pieces of game-used gear from important moments in Kings history. Lots of first-hand items from the 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup championships, as well as from the Miracle on Manchester and the Frenzy on Figueroa, plus lots of recognition for key players throughout Kings history, those in the Hall of Fame and others who aren't....or aren't yet!

It's a mini version of what you’d see at a museum or a sports Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame section has a plaque for each member who has already been inducted. The exhibit flows somewhat chronologically, beginning with the origins of the Kings franchise, moving through key moments and players and ending with where we’re at now. Above the display are banners, featuring each of the primary logos in franchise history. 

What is also cool is what is to come. 

The Kings Hall of Fame is not static. To be formed will be a Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which will induct new members in. This will begin to include players who do not have their numbers retired by the organization, which opens the door towards honoring players who made a real impact on the franchise during their careers, in a number of areas, beyond just those who have their jerseys hanging in the rafters. There could also be inductees who did not play, but helped to grow the organization from outside the glass. 

Per the team's release, here's some information on the committee and what it might entail -

This committee will be announced at a later date but will include a chairman and a board of members comprised of former players, executives, broadcasters, employees, and members of local television, radio and print media, all of whom have covered the team on an annual basis.

The committee will establish a criteria for membership consideration and will meet annually to consider new inductees each year.  Among the criteria for consideration are career statistics, playoff performance, longevity and consistency, legacy and off-ice contributions, team contributions, and league and team awards and recognition.

Not sure exactly how things will go in terms of inducting new members, but I think it provides an opportunity to honor players who maybe aren't at the status of a number retirement, but should be honored for their contributions. There are a number of players who were really important parts of the history of the franchise who deserve to be a part of it and deserve to have a night at the arena to be honored. I think fans would enjoy that as well, for players they enjoyed watching. Lots of candidates there and I'm excited to see who everyone comes up with. 

Keep the Hall of Fame in mind during your next trip to a Kings game at Crypto.com Arena! It is located on the building’s main concourse adjacent to the Team LA store, on the 100 level of the arena.

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