Out with the Old, In with the (Somewhat) New?
The Los Angeles Kings have officially unveiled their new logo, paying homage to an iconic period in their history while infusing it with a contemporary twist. Drawing inspiration from the 1990s—the era when hockey legend Wayne Gretzky graced the franchise—the updated emblem seeks to bridge the past and the present seamlessly.
A Nod to the Gretzky Era
Wayne Gretzky's tenure with the Kings, spanning from 1988 to 1996, left an indelible mark on the franchise and significantly influenced the team’s branding. The newly revealed logo resurrects the "Chevron" design that first became synonymous with the Kings during Gretzky's time. This revival is not just for nostalgia's sake but serves to connect the team’s historic moments with its future ambitions.
In addition to the "Chevron" design, the new logo features an enlarged phrase "Los Angeles" at the top, making the team's geographical pride more prominent. Below this, an updated version of the original 1967 crown sits gracefully beneath the "Kings" text, encapsulating the franchise's rich history and evolution.
From Heritage to Modernity
The redesigned logo is more than a mere throwback. It is a reimagining that incorporates elements from the early 90s heritage jerseys, which were reintroduced and worn by the team over the past few seasons. This continued presence in recent apparel allowed fans to become reacquainted with the classic design before its full-fledged revival.
The former logo, unveiled in 2008 as part of an alternate jersey ensemble, steps aside as this new emblem takes its place. The Kings worked diligently on this redesign for two years, ensuring it not only honors their past but also resonates with today's audiences and players.
Collaboration and Evolution
Luc Robitaille, the President of the Kings, highlighted the extensive effort and collaboration involved in the logo's creation. "This has been an extensive and collaborative process, and we are thrilled to roll this out to our fans and the city of Los Angeles," Robitaille stated. "This evolution is rooted in our 57-year history and embraces the elements of our eras."
Robitaille emphasized that the design process involved significant feedback from both past and current players, indicating a broad level of engagement across the organization. "It also involved interface and feedback with players both past and present, and it sets the stage for extensions and new iterations in the future," he added.
Echoing these sentiments, Kings Chief Operating Officer Kelly Cheeseman remarked on the pride felt throughout the organization as they introduce this new era of LA Kings Hockey. "From ownership to our players, our organization is proud to usher in a new era of LA Kings Hockey. We are excited for our fans to be part of this with us," said Cheeseman, underlining the collective enthusiasm surrounding the new design.
Availability
The anticipation for the new look won't be a long wait for fans. The Kings' new designs will be available for purchase starting Friday, June 21, exclusively at the Crypto.com Arena's Team LA Store. This launch offers fans the opportunity to own a piece of the team's evolving legacy, right in time for the summer.
As the Los Angeles Kings skate forward into a new chapter, they do so with a brand that meticulously honors their storied past while eagerly embracing future possibilities. The fusion of classic elements with modern updates promises to resonate well with a fanbase that has been part of this transformative journey every step of the way.