As Dustin Brown’s big weekend quickly approaches, we’ve been able to gather a few key details surrounding what the Kings are planning for his upcoming jersey retirement and statue reveal.
For starters — and we can’t stress this point enough — if you’re attending in person, be in your seats by 6pm. With new league rules implemented over the past few years, pre-game ceremonies are now on tighter timelines than ever before. And you don’t want to miss a single moment of the festivities. We’ve been told multiple times there is a hard start at 6pm, so don’t be late. Bally’s Sports West will televise everything for those watching at home.
Nick Nickson will be the official host of all on-ice activities. Bob Miller will also be in attendance, along with several Kings alumni – including Dave Talyor and Rogie Vachon. Of course, Luc Robitaille and Rob Blake will be there, as well. Thus, the majority of players who previously had their jerseys retired by the Kings will be present. No word yet on if Marcel Dionne and/or Wayne Gretzky will join in person. If both attend, that will complete the exclusive club. Additionally, there are a number of people who have supplied video tributes, including a few surprises.
There will be a pre-game Fan Fest beginning at 4pm. We’ve confirmed Vachon will be signing autographs. This is something longtime fans won’t want to miss out on, as Vachon now lives in Montana and isn’t around as much as he was previously. He’s one of the true greats in LA hockey history, having served as both a player and in several management roles.
Moving from the past to the present, there will be a special Dustin Brown NFT released as part of this weekend’s festivities. A known tech junkie, Brown was said to be intimately involved in the creation of this new digital collectible. Expect more details on this item to be released soon.
Unfortunately, Ian Laperriere — one of Brown’s earlier teammates in LA — won’t be able to attend in person due to his schedule. He’s currently head coach of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Flyers AHL affiliate) and they have their own home game scheduled for Saturday night.
No word yet on Esa Pirnes, Brown’s original linemate from 2003-04.
As for additional former players who will be in attendance, we’ve already confirmed the following list:
– Kyle Clifford
– Jake Muzzin
– Alec Martinez
– Rob Scuderi
– Matty Norstrom (previously announced on KOTP)
– Matt Greene
– Jarret Stoll
– Jeff Carter (in town with the Penguins)
Getting those first three players is quite a coup for Kings management and the folks putting everything together. The trio are still active players with other organizations. To have them in attendance also speaks to the volume of respect they have for their former teammate.
Regarding Brown’s statue, the team remains tight-lipped on what the actual design will be. As we reported on a Kings Of The Podcast episode several weeks ago, it will be located near Bob Miller’s statue in front of the arena box office.
Tomorrow, Mayor’s Manor founder John Hoven will have a more personal article about Brown posted on LA Kings Insider. Until then, be sure to take a trip down memory lane with some of the great content below.
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Kings Of The Podcast: Ep. 138 – Season Preview with LA GM Rob Blake
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Is the statue being unveiled before, during, after the game? Will it be unveiled outside?
Before the game, after the jersey ceremony.
So the jersey ceremony is inside the arena. Then they go outside to unveil the statue?
No, we watch on the jumbotron. The space is limited outside and only a select few will be near. Once we are in the building for the 6pm ceremony, we are in till after the game.