VIDEO: LA Kings' Alex Laferriere slams Logan O'Connor onto the ice after controversial hit

Modified Oct 12, 2023 05:35 GMT

In a tense second-period showdown between the LA Kings and the Colorado Avalanche, a fiery confrontation took center stage as young forward Alex Laferriere delivered a resounding message to Logan O'Connor. The incident occurred with 9 minutes and 6 seconds left on the clock, with the Avalanche leading 3-1. It was a pivotal moment that shook the game.

The spark that ignited this fiery exchange was a controversial hit by Colorado's Pierre-Luc Dubois. Frustration was mounting for the Kings, who were trailing, and this hit only added fuel to the fire. Laferriere, known for his tenacity and fierce dedication to his team, took matters into his own hands.

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With a thunderous check, Laferriere sent O'Connor tumbling onto the ice, sending shockwaves through the arena. It was a clear statement that the Kings were not going to back down in the face of adversity. The physicality of the game reached its peak with this jaw-dropping incident, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

The LA Kings may have been down on the scoreboard, but Alex Laferriere's actions proved that they were not out of the fight just yet. This moment symbolized the unyielding spirit of the Kings, showcasing that they were willing to go to great lengths to protect their honor and push for a comeback in this thrilling matchup.

LA Kings lose to Avs in season opener

The LA Kings paid a heartfelt tribute to the memory of Lou McClary during the opening contest of the 2023-24 regular season at Crypto.com Arena, a game they eventually lost 5-2 to the Colorado Avalanche.

McClary, a beloved figure within the Kings organization, served as the club's NHL Security representative for an astounding 42 seasons, beginning in 1967. He passed away in August at the age of 96, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise.

In honor of his enduring legacy, the Kings adorned their helmets with special stickers bearing his name for the night. This emblem was a temporary replacement for the Ace Bailey/Mark Bavis sticker, a longstanding tradition since the 2001-02 season. However, the Bavis/Bailey sticker will return for the next game and remain on Kings' helmets moving forward.

The Kings' dedication to Lou McClary extended beyond the ice, as they announced the forthcoming release of their 2023-24 Media Guide, dedicated in his honor.

Despite the emotional pregame ceremony, the LA Kings were unable to secure a victory on the ice. The loss was a somber note in an evening filled with fond memories of a cherished figure in the Kings' history.