Kings Fans Introduced to a New Center Ice Logo

While most were enjoying their Labor Day sunbathing at the beach, barbecuing with friends and family, or just enjoying a Monday free from work, the Staples Center Operations Crew was busy preparing and painting the ice in time for the fast approaching NHL season. Progress shots were released throughout the day on various social media outlets, and to everyone’s surprise it seemed as though the Kings center ice logo was receiving a makeover. Mixed reviews could be seen across the LA Kings, Staples Center, and Bailey the mascot’s Facebook and Twitter feeds. Many fans embraced the change, while others had no issue expressing their disappointment for the ‘home plate’ logo as it is often referred. Many questioned the ability to track the puck with the addition of the black paint, and in response Bailey, the mascot, quickly tweeted pictures of the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Blackhawks home ice logos for comparison. Fans will have to wait and see how it fares when the season officially begins in less than a month.

Continuing a lucky tradition, Bailey, the mascot, placed 3 pennies at center ice. Mystery still surrounds the significance of the years 1956, 1986, and 2011 on the three pennies, and fans can only speculate as to their meaning since tweets to Bailey went unanswered. Anyone who follows the Kings organization knows there must be a meaning behind the 3 years picked for this upcoming season. During the 2011-2012 season the pennies placed at center ice had the years 2006, 2002, and 1893 on them. 2006 represented the year the Indianapolis Colts won the World Series (Bailey is a fan), 2002 represented the year Luc Robitaille, won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings, and 1893 marks the year the Stanley Cup was presented for the first time to the Montreal Hockey Club of Canada.

Fans will have the chance to see the new logo in person as well as skate on the Staples Center ice this Sunday, September 8th during the Kings Annual Hockey Fest celebration.

A 52 second time lapsed video of the 10 hour process can be viewed here.