The Kings broke ground when they hired their own reporter in 2009, but now Rich Hammond is moving on to cover USC football for the Orange County Register.
The Insider’s constant updates have been a staple of our fandom lives for years now, but it’s important to remember that newspapers were not sending reporters on road trips to follow the Kings at the time Hammond was hired. From then on, we received more coverage of our team than ever before.
I’ve seen a few scattered complaints over the years that an “Insider” should be breaking rumors rather than refuting them, but it’s hard to see how anyone in that role could be all things to all people. Whoever takes over is going to have to log some crazy hours as well as take over the thankless task of moderating a bunch of passionate fans. Not easy.
We hope Rich enjoys his new role, and also that a replacement will be found soon. Many questioned how this experiment would work out, but when the papers can’t cover it all, I’d rather have the team hire someone the way they did.
What do you think is going to happen with the LA Kings Insider next? Do you like that the Kings have one?
More Kings News
The Stanley Cup was at Knott’s Berry Farm today. There are still two more appearances locally if you want to see it.
Drew Doughty made #8 on a list of to 25 players under 25… [Puck Daddy] [ESPN Insider]
…and is #3 on Bourne’s competing list. I like his criteria better. [Backhand Shelf]
Alec Martinez played his first game over in Finland…with Brian Willsie. Here’s a nifty map of current NHLers in Europe.
Luc Robitaille is ahead of Teemu Selanne. That’s one handsome and talented cagematch! [Battle of California]
Signee Alex Roach had a big game for the Hitmen. He looks like a 6’5″ Dustin Brown. [Calgary Herald]
2012 draft pick Paul LaDue is wearing the A for his team, the Lincoln Stars. [Hockey’s Future]
Around the NHL
The NHL and NHLPA also met today. Can you guess the outcome? Shoot, you’re too quick. [SB Nation]
A tribute to beloved Red Wings PA announcer Budd Lynch. [USA Today]
Fantastic article about Shannon Szabados, the female hockey goalie who earned regular starts over male peers. [Copper & Blue]
Monarchs Updates
The Monarchs cut Mike Matczak. He was there on a tryout in case Slava Voynov didn’t show up.
Defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk is new to Manchester, yet a familiar face. [Union Leader]
An interview with coach Mark Morris gives us a season preview. [LAKings.com]
I may be feverish, but I’m still set to watch the Monarchs. At least that’s going to start on time.