For the second time in history, the Kings’ annual pre-season party in Las Vegas had to be cancelled last September. On both occasions, the fun fell by the wayside due to labor strife between the NHL and NHLPA.
In 2004, a game between the Kings and Ducks was nixed – the only time Anaheim has ever been scheduled to play in what’s become something much more than just a normal exhibition game.
Last season, it was a contest between the Kings and their usual opponent, the Colorado Avalanche, that had to be shelved.
But it’s now looking like this year’s event will be the biggest and best yet.
Based upon a tip from occasional MayorsManor contributor Jonathan Davis (of TSN and The Hockey News), a little digging has uncovered an interesting story. The Kings are reportedly in final negotiations to play a pair of games at Frozen Fury 2013.
If everything comes together as planned, here are some highlights of what’s in the works:
– A Friday night game between the Kings and New York Rangers
– A game between the Kings and Avalanche on Saturday night
– A major fantasy camp that would run throughout the weekend and feature alumni from all three teams
As of now, Frozen Fury 2013 is being planned for the weekend of September 27-28 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Those dates may need to change depending on when the NHL regular season begins, based upon if the league participates in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Of course, we’ll report more details as they become available. But, it’s shaping up to be another can’t miss event.
For a little history, this will be the 15th edition of the annual pre-season spectacular. However, it will actually mark the 17th time the Kings have played a game in Vegas.
Back in 1991 they hosted the New York Rangers for an outdoor game at Caesars Palace and Frozen Fury II was actually the first double-header, with games on Saturday and Sunday nights.
LA holds an overall 10-5 record in Frozen Fury games and Colorado is 5-8, including a decisive 4-1 victory in the last game played, back in October 2011. In addition to the 13 games vs. the Avalanche, the Kings have also played one game each against Phoenix and San Jose (winning both).
In other pre-season news, we’re hearing the Kings and Ducks are planning on playing the ‘split the arena in half’ game at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario that was originally scheduled to take place in 2012. It would mark the second time the Kings have played in the home of the Ontario Reign (their ECHL affiliate). Back in 2009 they lost to the Sharks there, 2-1 in a shootout.
Finally, here’s a little Frozen Fury Trivia for you…
1 – Which former King scored the first goal in Frozen Fury history?
2- Who is the only Kings goalie to record a point at Frozen Fury?
Answers here.
RELATED CONTENT: Kings still planning an outdoor game vs. the Anaheim Ducks
Special thanks to Jonathan Davis for his contributions to this article. You can follow Davis, a 20-year veteran of sports and entertainment writing and producing, on twitter @westcoasthky and visit his website: westcoasthky.com – plus he continues to provide content for The Hockey News and TSN in Canada.
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Great news! Hope that we here in Vegas get that new arena for the one after however. MGM announced it yesterday. Will be behind NY NY and seat 20,000. When they started talking NHL preseason about it, Frozen Fury was my first thought.
By “labor strife”, I believe you meant “owners lockout”. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to imply that the players drove the lockout, or that both sides were equally responsible.
Would you?
I don’t think this is going to turn out so well. What are they going to do with the FF poker tournament the night before? Are they really going to add another game plus fantasy camp?