KINGS STATEMENT REGARDING TODAY'S NHL ANNOUNCEMENT

Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Contact: Kings Communications

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Kings President Tim Leiweke, following today's National Hockey League press conference in New York with Commissioner Gary Bettman, issued the following statement regarding the cancellation of the 2004-05 NHL season:

"First and foremost, I would like to apology profusely to our fans.  They have been nothing but loyal to us, the past five or six years in particular, when we have had record attendance and record support in our marketplace.  I am very apologetic that we have to take them through this process.  We have certainly put ourselves in a position where we have done irreparable damage to our sport and to our relationship with our fans.  Secondly, I am disappointed, but not surprised, that we find ourselves where we are today.  For the last three years, the Kings have been very outspoken regarding the economic situation facing our game.  We are not shocked or surprised at where we currently find ourselves.  Commissioner Bettman is doing what we are asking of him on behalf of the owners and continues to receive our full support in this painful process.  We are committed and passionate about the long-term future of hockey.  This is about the kids in our Junior Kings youth program having a chance to be LA Kings in the future.  It's about the game not the League."

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