LA Kings HockeyFest 2011 – schedule and past notes

For the third straight year, HockeyFest is on the move.

And if it’s anything like the prior two, this is a can’t miss event for Los Angeles Kings fans.

Each year the event has been tweaked slightly, largely based on feedback by fans and players attending the event.

What started out at LA Live in 2009, then moved to the team’s training facility last September, and now returns to downtown LA – this time at Staples Center.

Regardless of location though, fans have come away each year raving about the festivities – with much of the praise being directed at the players, who have been very engaging.

Key highlights of the activities scheduled for this Sunday’s HockeyFest include:

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – ‘State of the Franchise’ with Dean Lombardi, Ron Hextall and Jeff Solomon

11:15 AM – 12:45 PM – ‘Meet the new Kings’ with Mike Richards, Simon Gagne and Ethan Moreau

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Locker Room tour

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM – Alumni autograph session with Bernie Nicholls and Daryl Evans

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM – ‘Kids Press Conference’ with Matt Greene, Jonathan Quick, Kevin Westgarth and Kyle Clifford

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Alumni autograph session #2 (players TBD)

3:45 pm – 4:45 pm – Miracle on Manchester Q&A

There is also a youth hockey game (11:15am), Bailey’s family skate (1pm), a skills competition judged by the Kings players (2:30pm), a fire department game (3:45pm) and multiple player autograph sessions.

Per the team, the Kings Care Foundation will also be hosting special fundraising activities at the event to benefit local organizations affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and there will be a special tribute honoring former Kings scouts Ace Bailey and Mark Bavis, who died aboard a Los Angeles bound flight on September 11, 2001.

If you’re still on the fence about going, fear not – tickets are still available.

For a quick recap of the previous events, check out these articles:

10 Tidbits on HockeyFest 2010

HockeyFest 2009 – Day Two review – Triple Crown, Grimson, Norton, Ferraro, Hrudey

HockeyFest 2009 – Bob Miller seminar review

HockeyFest 2009 – Saving the Best for Last – with Nicholls, Hardy and Robitaille

If you’re not attending, be sure to follow the links below. MayorsManor will be on hand with live updates throughout the day.

Also, be sure to vote in the new POLL – What are you most looking forward to at HockeyFest?

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