Adam Henrique, moustache neatly formed, was in a tuxedo hosting a charity event in Hoboken, N.J., dubbed "Rico's Soiree," an ode to the center's nickname.
The inaugural "Movember" benefit for men's health issues ended up a de facto going-away party, though he wasn't aware of it at the time.
Then 22, Henrique was a member of the all-rookie-team, a burgeoning star for the club that plays its games in the shadow of the New York Rangers.
Now, he's winning over fans for another little brother squad, and if all goes well, Henrique will soon return to the playoffs for the first time since he played the Kings in the Final six years ago, the same Kings the Ducks are constantly trying to upend, on and off the ice in Southern California.