50 Kings - Don Kozak

Don Kozak's six seasons with the LA Kings (1972-73 thru 1977-78) are fondly remembered for his spirited play that lit a fire under his teammates and the Forum fans. Kozak still holds the NHL record for fastest goal from the start of a Stanley Cup playoff game (6 seconds vs. Boston Bruins on April 17, 1977). To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Kings, I recently chatted with one of the team's most popular players of the franchise's first decade.

Let's go back to your first day with the LA Kings organization, the 1972 amateur draft, where you were drafted in the first round (#20 overall). What were your thoughts about being selected by Los Angeles?KOZAK: My coach Brian Shaw (Edmonton Oil…