"Early on, Los Angeles was considered a tough sell for hockey, but the Kings have become a household name after two Stanley Cup championships and the acquisition of Wayne Gretzky in the '80s. In a city known for sunshine, entertainment, and year‑round outdoor life, the rink will almost always be fighting with the beach, the movies, and baseball or basketball season."
"The Kings are still not part of the city's identity the way some other franchises are. Hockey in Los Angeles is visible, but it's not central. For the Kings to become ingrained in the city's culture, they have to think and act like a big‑market powerhouse in a place that does not naturally default to the sport. Part of the problem is competition for attention."
"Panarin is not just a point producer; he is an entertainer. His playmaking, creativity, and ability to drive offense turn routine regular‑season games into events. He can be the offensive centerpiece who creates highlight reels ESPN plays on a loop, and creates the kind of domination and competition that Los Angeles can thrive on. This season, Panarin has scored 19 goals and 57 points in 52 games.However, adding a star is only the first step in turning a non‑traditional hockey city into a genuine"
Los Angeles initially struggled to embrace hockey, but the Kings gained visibility after two Stanley Cups and Wayne Gretzky's arrival in the 1980s. The city's climate and entertainment options routinely compete with hockey for attention. The Kings remain less central to civic identity than franchises like the Dodgers and Lakers. Success in California requires a big‑market approach: loud, ambitious, star‑driven, and highly visible. The Kings acquired Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers for Liam Greentree and a conditional 2026 third‑round pick and signed him to a two‑year, $22 million extension. Panarin offers playmaking, creativity, highlight‑worthy offense and strong scoring production. Adding a star is only a first step toward deeper cultural entrenchment.
Read at The Hockey Writers
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