The Los Angeles Kings are set to retire the jersey of longtime winger, and captain, Dustin Brown. The ceremony will take place on February 11th in Los Angeles at Crypto.com arena as the Kings take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Brown retired at the end of last season after spending his entire 18-year career with the Kings. He accumulated 325 goals and 387 assissts for 712 points. He was just as productive in the NHL playoffs, posting 19 goals and 30 assists for 49 points in 92 games. In his career, he won Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014, with the honor of becoming the first Los Angeles Kings player to hoist the cup. Brown also made his first all-star game appearance in 2009.
Brown was the captain for eight seasons and left everything on the ice. He led by example and showcased his skills to the best of his ability. He mentored the young players coming in, yet provided a veteran presence.
Brown is the King’s all-time leader in games played with 1,296 games. He will be the seventh Kings player to have his number (23) retired by the organization. He joins Rogie Vachon, Marcel Dionne, Dave Taylor, Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, and current general manager, Rob Blake.
Drafted by the Kings in the first round (13th overall) in the 2003 NHL Draft, Brown made his NHL debut on October 9, 2003, and became the eighth youngest player to make their debut in the franchise history (18 years and 339 days).
Brown will be remembered as a leader on and off the ice. When he played well the Kings played an entirely different game. He set the tone when on the ice and took the blame when they did not play well. Dustin Brown, who owns an NHL record of 3,623 hits in 1,296 games played, certainly showed what it takes to lead the Los Angeles Kings to the promise land as he was a warrior throughout each playoff series.
Dustin Brown will have a statue on the ground of the crypto.com arena as well as the jersey retirement. His statue will be the fourth that represents the Kings, along with Gretzky, Robitaille, and Kings broadcaster Bob Miller. Brown was always all class and showed tremendous respect for the Kings and the game of hockey.
(photo: lakingsinsider.com;Zach Dooley) (photo: apnews.com; Greg Beacham)
