Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Luc

01/21/2007 at 10:53am EST

from the OC Register,

Darkness had just swallowed the insides of Staples Center when a standing-room-only crowd began the bass-voiced chorus of “Luuuuuuuc” for the King who made us all “Lucky.”
Luc Robitaille’s throat shook. His soft hands pulled on the knot of his black suit’s black tie. Nerves struck the legendary left winger who retired from the NHL last spring but will never have the heart to leave the game.
The spotlight waited to bathe Robitaille, as it did the NHL legends standing at center ice, ready to honor him in an hourlong, jersey-retirement ceremony on Saturday night before the Kings played the Phoenix Coyotes.
“The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky, said nobody loved the game more than Robitaille did. Former Kings coach Barry Melrose remembered “the student of the game.” Jari Kurri, Larry Robinson, Marty McSorley, Rogie Vachon were among the Kings alumni and 14 of Robitaille’s former teammates who clapped heartily for the King of the night.

continued

added 9:07am, from Helene Elliott of the LA Times,

Robitaille reminded a lot of people about the good things in hockey and sports and human nature. “I can come back here and bring my grandkids one day and see my name at the top of the building in a city the size of L.A.,” he said. “With all the stars in this town and have my name in Staples Center, it wasn’t what I set out to do, but it’s the greatest honor I’ve ever gotten.”

more (reg. req.)

Create an Account

In order to leave a comment, please create an account.

About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

Email Paul anytime at [email protected]

Most Recent Posts

Most Recent Comments

Comment by Cigar-Nurse in Abel to Yzerman from the entry Quick Recap- Wings/Hurricanes - 1 hour ago
Comment by bezukov in Abel to Yzerman from the entry The Downward Spiral Continues For The Wings - 2 hours ago
Comment by damndogrevenge in Abel to Yzerman from the entry The Downward Spiral Continues For The Wings - 2 hours ago
Comment by Paul in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry NHL Short Notes - 9 hours ago
Comment by Paul in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry NHL Short Notes - 9 hours ago