Berg Finds Some Happiness

It didn’t take much to make Aki Berg happy again.

“I just wanted to play,” he said.

Berg, a defenseman, was beaten out of a job by rookie Lubomir Visnovsky in training camp and embarked on a two-games-on, two-games-off voyage at the start of the season, sharing time with Jere Karalahti.

Neither was particularly happy about it and Berg dispatched agent Larry Kelly to talk with the King hierarchy about his future.

The idea was, play him or trade him, and Berg was adamant about it.

All of that changed on Nov. 2, when he went into the lineup full time. He hasn’t left it since, averaging 14-15 minutes a game while paired with Karalahti after the Kings shuffled defenseman Jaroslav Modry into a scratch situation.

On Sunday night, Berg was paired with rookie Andreas Lilja in the Kings’ 4-0 loss to the Mighty Ducks. Karalahti and Visnovsky did not play because of injuries.

Coaches have been pleased with Berg’s play. Never an offensive force, he has four assists and, more important, is among the team leaders in hits with 59. Just as important has been a noticeable lack of complaints by coaches concerning Berg’s inconsistency, which has been his history.

Trade demands have been withdrawn. He’s happy again.

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Visnovsky, who was scratched from Sunday’s game because of back spasms, underwent tests Monday. His status is day to day and it is uncertain whether he will play Thursday against Dallas.

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The Kings will participate in tonight’s “Tree of Life and Festival of Lights” to benefit the Children’s Cancer Research Fund.

The festivities are at California Plaza on South Grand in downtown Los Angeles, and they begin with a concert featuring Jackson Browne and Graham Nash at 5:30. A Christmas tree lighting is scheduled at 6:15 p.m.

Among the Kings participating are Luc Robitaille, Stephane Fiset, Ian Laperriere, Kelly Buchberger, Eric Belanger and Steve Reinprecht.

Admission is free.