In the world of hockey, sweaters have always been an integral part of a team’s identity. From classic designs to bold and outlandish patterns, the sweaters worn by players evoke a sense of tradition and history. This summer, our annual series takes a closer look at the best and worst sweaters in each team’s history. Today, we turn our attention to the Los Angeles Kings.
Since their inception, the Los Angeles Kings have been synonymous with the colors gold and purple, a nod to their synergy with the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. However, former owner Bruce McNall sought to make a bold statement by adopting the colors of the NFL’s Los Angeles Raiders. The decision was a hit, and these sweaters became iconic in the team’s history.
The Kings joined the NHL during the league’s massive expansion in 1967. Original owner Jack Kent Cooke chose the name “Kings” to give the team a regal and noble feel, drawing inspiration from the Lakers, whom he also owned at the time. The team’s colors remained gold and purple until 1988, but have made a comeback in recent years for special events and the Reverse Retros. While some fans lament the color scheme, many hold these sweaters in high regard.
The black variation of the Kings sweater made its debut in the 2008-09 season as a way to move away from the purple. A white version was introduced in the 2011-12 campaign, eventually becoming the team’s primary home jersey. These black and white sweaters may seem simple, but they are sleek and timeless, serving as a reminder of the team’s championship history.
In the realm of hockey fashion, the 1990s were a time of bold experimentation. The Kings were not immune to this trend, unveiling the infamous “Burger King” sweaters during the 1995-96 season. With garish colors and a bizarre design, these sweaters remain a low point in the team’s sartorial history.
Overall, the Los Angeles Kings have seen their fair share of iconic and questionable sweater designs over the years. From the classic gold and purple to the modern black and white, each sweater tells a story of the team’s evolution and identity on the ice. As fans debate the best and worst looks in Kings history, one thing remains clear: the sweaters of the Los Angeles Kings will always be a prominent symbol of the team’s rich history and tradition.
