Letters: What the fans are saying about the Kings and the Stanley Cup

What Los Angeles should remember about the Kings besides their winning the Stanley Cup is there was no self-centered, all-about-me superstar, no crazy owner, no so-called prodigy who scoffs at direction and no coach whose ego is bigger than everyone else.

What makes each of these Kings different is that they are the epitome of the John Wooden quote, “The star of the team is the team.” They never give up on one another, constantly display selflessness, always exhibit sportsmanship and class but most of all practice the lost character trait of humility.

The rest of our local teams could learn a lesson from them, but then again the sport of hockey stands alone, as evidenced by the traditional handshake line of both teams at center ice, win or lose. What’s not to admire more than that?

Bill Consolo

Del Aire

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Congratulations to our Los Angeles Kings, the most selfless group of athletes anyone will ever see. During the postgame interviews, and as the celebrations took place, not one member of that team took individual credit for anything, but deflected it all to “the guys in this room.”

I hope every athlete in every other sport takes notice of what a team really is, and how sportsmanship is portrayed, during the heartfelt lineup and handshake, following a win for one and a loss for the other but showing respect for both.

Now, how many cardiologists’ offices are going to be swamped with pleas for appointments this week?

Success doesn’t come easy, but victory must taste sweeter when they have to work that hard to accomplish their goal.

Again, congratulations to every member of the entire Los Angeles Kings organization, for another exciting and satisfyingly successful Stanley Cup Championship run.

John Wade

Newbury Park

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If Barry Melrose was absent from the NHL Network, I would swear I was watching the MSG Network. I thought the L.A. Kings were playing in the Final as well!

Mike Popov

San Clemente

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I had a friend from Chicago whom I went to law school with here in Los Angeles in the early ‘80s. He was a Cubs fan and he would tell me that we were very spoiled in Los Angeles when it came to professional sports teams. The Lakers and Dodgers were strong at the time.

I told him that at least you have the Blackhawks. He told me I was right. And now, in 2014, we have the Kings.

Vaughn Hardenberg

Westwood

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Congrats to our beloved Kings for winning the Stanley Cup for the second time in three years. I know I and most of Southern California couldn’t be prouder.

All I have is one request. Please add two names to this year’s Cup that were auspiciously omitted two years ago — Bob Miller and Jim Fox. Go, Kings, go!

Edward Maiden

Los Angeles

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Who’s more relieved the Kings have won the Stanley Cup — the team, the fans or the local television and radio sports personalities who’ve endured two months of pretending to care about hockey?

Mer Valdez

Long Beach

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For such an important round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, it’s a pitiful shame that the team with the home-ice advantage also had the home ref advantage! This is one longtime fan who won’t be watching next season: Why should I?

Marie Basiago

Simi Valley

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A big thanks to The Times and its great staff of writers who made the Kings season and playoffs such a great experience to follow.

Helene Elliott’s insights and tremendous ability to analyze the team and bring out our emotions is testament to her wonderful journalistic ability.

Lisa Dillman’s great wit and ability to find the fun and the frustration over a long season and seemingly longer playoffs made for such great reading.

Thanks to Lance Pugmire’s upbeat, youthful take on the team. He has earned a spot on the reporting team and not just the blog.

Finally, thanks to The Times for the great Stanley Cup sections that accompanied my morning paper. I will keep them as a reminder of the amazing Los Angeles Kings and the utter joy and tremendous pride they have brought to us all.

Jay Slater

Los Angeles

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Move over, Trojans, there is another SC back in town — the Stanley Cup.

Jerry Selby

Pasadena

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As a King fan since 1971:

2012: I thought I was hallucinating.

2013: A broken-down team reached the Western Conference finals? Wow.

2014: My mouth is agape and can catch flies.

Howard Cohen

North Hills

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Never thought I’d see it a first time.

Mike Kichaven

Sherman Oaks