It sure was nice to see the newest member of the Vegas Golden Knights, goaltender Jonathan Quick, win his first game in a VGK uniform this past Sunday afternoon at T-Mobile Arena. After the way he was unceremoniously traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets last week before the trade deadline by the Los Angeles Kings, I was happy to see this two-time Stanley Cup Champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner land here in Las Vegas for the stretch run and the NHL playoffs.
If you have only started watching hockey since the Vegas Golden Knights were born in 2017, then you may remember Quick and former VGK goalie Marc-AndrĂ© Fleury, battle it out during the NHL Playoffs in 2018 in one of the best goaltender duels in recent memory. They were both incredible during that Golden Knights – Kings playoff series, with Fleury and the Golden Knights winning the series on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals.
However, if you have been a hockey fan longer than that, then you may have been an L.A. Kings fan before you became a Vegas Golden Knights fan. I certainly was. In fact, I had season tickets in the upper deck at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles when I was working in the Riverside/San Bernardino, California radio market in the late 80s and early 90s. Those were the Wayne Gretzky years, which were great.
Once “The Great One” was traded in 1995, we Kings fans suffered through years of financial difficulties for the franchise, and years of mediocre teams. But, starting with the 2003 NHL Draft, L.A. began drafting players who would become the core of a team which would win two Stanley Cups. Dustin Brown, Jonathan Quick, Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty would be the drafted Kings players who would lead them to championships in 2012 and 2014. It was the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs in which Quick would win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player during the playoffs. After that amazing run, he signed a 10-year contract with the Kings.
Quick is now in the final year of that contract. Whether or not he hangs up the goalie pads after this season, it is nice to see him playing important games for a contending team at this point in his career. As a former L.A. Kings fan, it would have been very disappointing to see him finish up a stellar career in a Columbus Blue Jackets jersey.
I was also proud to see how the fans in the stands at T-Mobile Arena celebrated his career during pre-game introductions on Sunday afternoon. They gave him a great ovation. I’m pretty sure there were many former Kings fans in the crowd when #32 and the Vegas Golden Knights had a shutout going into the third period against the Montreal Canadiens. It would get interesting in the final period, but Vegas, and their newest member, goaltender Jonathan Quick, held on to win 4-3.
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Larry Martino is the long-time Afternoon Drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
These 21 Tees Are Must Haves For Sports Fans
Hit Hard Run Fast Turn Left
This tee sums up baseball all up 6 words. Made of 100% cotton and available in 10 different colors this is a Must Have for any baseball player or fan.
Hockey: It's Like Football
Be prepared for some tough conversations if you wearing this around your friends who are big football fans. This tee is 100% cotton and features a tagless tag. While it’s only available in grey, it’s available in sizes Small to XXL.
Nashville Superspeedway
Your love of NASCAR will be front and center when you don this t-shirt. We really dig the Nashville Superspeedway graphic that features a guitar and the Heather Charcoal color of the tee.
Football Ball Heartbeat
With an array of 10 different t-shirt color options and sizing up to 3XL, this football will speak to the heart of true football fans.
Bronx Boxing Club
As pretty as a left jab followed by a right cross, this t-shirt is perfect to throw on after hanging up the gloves for the night. We’re fans of the classic distressed look of the artwork. Its also available in 5 colors, though we’re realling liking the Asphalt option.
Road to Tokyo
If you’re ready to cheer on Team USA to victory this summer, this one could fit you to a tee. We think this is a gold medal worthy design and the way the stars themed graphic looks on the charcoal fabric make it a classic.
Vintage Baseball
This vintage design will have you shouting “Play Ball!” How cool is the graphic? Love that it includes a Catcher, pitcher, and a batter. And the color scheme screams 70s and we love that. 5 different t-shirt color options and sizes up to 3XL are available.
Call of Duty League
Every wardrobe needs a solid long sleeve t-shirt and for a fan of Call of Duty, this could be a nice addition to yours. Sizes run from small to 3XL and the shirt features the much loved tagless collar.
Manchester United adidas
When you put on this tee there will be no question that you are all in for Manchester United. Is it the large team logo or the bright red color of the t-shirt that stands out more? Put them together and you’ve got a winning super fan combo.
The Golf Father
If you’re wearing this t-shirt don’t be surprised if you find yourself telling the folks in your foursome that you’ll “make them an offer they can’t refuse.” How fun is this tee! It’s the perfect gift for any golfer…even yourself.
Team USA Nike
U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A.! Available in navy and white, you’ll be dressed to help cheer on Team U.S.A. to history with this top-performing t-shirt. Don’t worry about working up a sweat, it features Dri-FIT technology that wicks away moisture to help keep the fabric feeling dry and comfortable.
Overwatch League
Get your game on and get ready to play! With the large Overwatch League logo front and center, there will be no mistaking that you’re a fan. It’s 100% cotton and available in sizes S to XL.
Arsenal adidas
If you find yourself absently chanting “We all follow the Arsenal onto victory,” then you’ll need to take a second look at this tee. As we’ve established, we love a long-sleeved t-shirt and you can get this one in grey or red. Bonus…it’s available in sizes up to 4XL.
Team USA 2020 Summer Olympics
Light up the night with this bright and beautiful t-shirt that shows your pride in Team USA.
Good Game, I Hate You
This is seriously one of the funniest shirts we’ve seen in a while. It really speaks to the feeling that many of us who play sports and haven’t exactly won…may or may not have felt once or twice. This one may be the perfect gift for a few people we know. Jack…I’m looking at you.
