LOS ANGELES –The National Hockey League (NHL) – 50 years ago tomorrow – officially granted the Los Angeles Kings franchise as the NHL expanded from its “Original Six” to 12 teams. On February 9, 1966, six conditional franchises were granted including the Kings.
Tomorrow also helps the Kings officially kick-off their 50th Anniversary Celebration, which will conclude with the 2017 NHL® All-Star Game at STAPLES Center. The game on January 29 is the highlight of All-Star Weekend (January 28-29) and features the popular NHL All-Star Skills Competition(™) and NHL Fan Fair.
“This is a great week in the history of Los Angeles sports and the history of hockey,” said Kings President, Business Operations and Hockey Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille, who was the first future Kings player to be born following the NHL announcement on February 9, 1966.