(LAKings.com) - Hammond now a King
It's not everyday that writers will write about another writer. But in this particular case, we will gladly make an exception.
For the last few years, with the number of hard-copy readers at the Los Angeles Daily News dwindling (through no fault of their own), some began to wonder if the paper was going to continue to keep many of their writers on-staff. Indeed, their Los Angeles Kings beat writer, Rich Hammond (pictured here), was no longer travelling with the team.
But all those who worship his columns, both in print and on the paper's website, and all those who are continually fascinated by his hockey knowledge (which extends far beyond the Kings and the NHL) will be pleased to hear that Hammond will be continuing to cover the team for a long time to come.
That's because the club announced on Tuesday that Hammond will be coming to work for the team's website at LAKings.com in the official title of "beat writer/columnist". Hammond will be given full editorial reign in terms of the content on the site, and fans will continue to have access to his remarkable insights and opinions about the Kings, the NHL, and hockey in general.
While this creates quite the void for the Daily News, as someone who respects his writing ability and dedication to the sport, I wish him all the best in his new role.
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O'Donnell suspended after brawl-filled night in Kansas City
Tuesday's 4-2 pre-season victory over the New York Islanders at the Sprint Center in Kansas City was highlighted by two goals from Wayne Simmonds, and a goal apiece by Drew Doughty and Teddy Purcell. But the night was marred by several major fights, and a major penalty that resulted in a suspension.
The league announced on Wednesday that defensman Sean O'Donnell would be suspended for the remaining three pre-season games and the first two games of the regular season after being assessed an attempt to injure penalty in the second period. The 37-year old O'Donnell, beginning his second season with the Kings, was sighted for the penalty after cross-checking Islander Matt Martin.
O'Donnell will not be eligible to play in the first two games of the season against Phoenix on October 3 and against October 6 against San Jose. The first game he is eligible to return for is the October 8 home game versus Minnesota. O'Donnell played in all 82 regular season games last season for the Kings.
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Smyth returns to Denver - but not in lineup
Tonight, the Kings face the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center in Denver. The game marks the return of former Avs forward Ryan Smyth, a member of the Kings since a summer trade. However, Smyth will not be in the line-up tonight for the Kings.
Here are the lines for tonight's contest, which can be heard on KTLK 1150AM beginning at 6:00PM local time:
FORWARDS:
Teddy Purcell - Anze Kopitar - Justin Williams
Kyle Clifford - Brayden Schenn - Dustin Brown
Brad Richardson - Trevor Lewis - Rich Clune
Raitis Ivanans - Marc-Andre Cliche - Peter Harrold
DEFENSEMEN:
Jack Johnson - Rob Scuderi
Thomas Hickey - Matt Greene
Alec Martinez - Drew Doughty
GOALTENDERS:
Erik Ersberg
Jonathan Bernier
The team will return home immediately following the game, and are scheduled for a two-hour practice session on Thursday afternoon at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo.
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