Robitailles Open Their Home

Luc and Stacia Robitaille have opened their home to two families who were left homeless by Hurricane Katrina.

The families, one from New Orleans and the other from Mississippi, have moved into the Robitaille’s second home near Park City, Utah. They will be relocated to an area of their choice with the help of Shelter for Serenity, a hurricane relief project started by the Robitailles.

“This is something I had to do after seeing all the devastation,” Robitaille said. “If I was out of hockey and nobody remembered my name, I’d be doing this. If my name can help people in some way now, then that’s even better.”

Donations are being accepted at www.shelterforserenity.org. Among those who havecontributed is former King Ian Laperriere, now with Colorado.

“My wife and I were l ready to give money, but we didn’t know which foundation to choose and that same week Lucky sent me an e-mail,” Laperriere said. “It was a no-brainer. If Luc starts something, you know it’s going to go to the right people.”

*

Goaltender Jason LaBarbera is embracing his second chance after signing with the Kings this summer.

LaBarbera spent five seasons in the New York Ranger organization and seemed to be the team’s goalie of the future, especially after winning the Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy, given to the American Hockey League’s top goaltender, in 2003-04.

But the Rangers appeared lukewarm about his return, signing three other goalies while negotiating with LaBarbera. No matter, the Kings’ offer was better -- two years, $1.5 million -- and LaBarbera jumped at it.

At Hartford in 2003-04, LaBarbera had a 1.59 goals-against average and 13 shutouts, tops in the AHL. Last season, he had a 1.84 goals-against average.

“I think I’m one of the guys who benefited from the lockout,” said LaBarbera, who is expected to be the No. 2 goalie. “I don’t think I was ready, even after winning the MVP. Now I’m ready.”

LaBarbera, who has only five NHL games on his resume, stopped 23 of 25 shots in his debut against San Jose on Sunday.

*

Wayne Gretzky stepped behind the Phoenix bench as coach for the first time Tuesday night, but it wasn’t enough as the Kings routed the Coyotes, 8-4, at Glendale, Ariz, in an exhibition.

Craig Conroy and Valeri Bure scored two goals each and Pavol Demitra had a goal and three assists to lead the Kings.

With the score tied 4-4 in the third period, the Kings got goals from Lubomir Visnovsky, Demitra and Michael Cammalleri in a 51-second span to take a 7-4 lead with 8:22 left.

The Kings also got a goal from Sean Avery as they took a 5-1 lead after the second period.

*

Associated Press contributed to this report.