The gleaming smile and competitive fire of #8 have been known to all Los Angeles Kings watchers over the last 20 years or so. It’s time for that iconic smile to get a new sweater embellishment. Now, that iconic smile officially gets a shiny new sweater detail. Veteran star blueliner Drew Doughty is officially the 15th captain in the LA Kings’ history. It was the simplest decision the front office could make heading into a new season after long-time leader and legend Anze Kopitar retired; handing over the sweater with the “C” stitched to the front of the jersey was the easiest call.
In his 19th season in the NHL, all of Doughty’s Bisons will wear Los Angeles silver and black, essentially making him the face of Kings hockey. He has rested as the 2nd overall pick in 2008 and has played a whopping 1279 regular season games with the team. He has nearly every major franchise record for a defenceman, including goals, assists, and total points. Doughty is not only a seasoned player playing in a roster position; he’s a firecracker, the pulse and the backbone of this unit.
The significance of this moment is for fans who see Doughty as the pure link to the team’s glory days. He was a power in the 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup runs, scoring more than all other defencemen in the NHL during the two powerful playoff runs. With a Norris Trophy, five All-Star games and two Olympic gold medals, he can claim victory in all aspects of the game.
Doughty has a knack for energising the locker room as well as his elite hockey resume. Kopitar was more methodical, steady and measured in his approach, while Doughty is a raw, fearless trash talker and all-out winner. Does not hesitate to put his own body on the line to disrupt a threatening rush, is not afraid to call teammates out on their bad behaviour, or to call out the opposition. He’s a beloved figure throughout Southern California thanks to his love for the city and his loyalty to the franchise.
It’s proper to see Doughty skating out with the captain’s badge as the team gets ready to drop the puck on another exciting season. Joined by a strong supporting cast of alternate captains, Doughty is ready to guide the next generation of young King’s talent. The era of Captain Doughty has officially arrived in Los Angeles, and hockey fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
And now she will come and i hope that nothing bad happens as I’m so fuckin scared rightnow. Oh my gwadd…
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