Sens Town Has Gone Hollywood

A few weeks ago, I asked you who should be my West Coast team. After breaking down each team, the 4 finalists were the Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, Los Angeles Kings and the St Louis Blues. There were lots of responses from the readers, people giving passionate reasons on who I should pick and why. Well now that the dust has settled, I've made my pick and it's a surprise selection, it's the LA Kings.

The Blackhawks were eliminated because let's face it, they were the easy pick. Everyone loves these guys and for good reason. They are awesome to watch and play in a favorable time zone, plus they're an original 6 team, so they have a good following. Add in Kane and Towes and you have what we call a bandwagon team.

St Louis is struggling more then anyone would have thought, going 5-6-1 so far, but that's hardly awful and no reason to get rid of them just for that. I watched a few games and I just couldn't get into them sorry.

Minnesota is really struggling going 5-9 through 14 games this year, but again, that's no reason to get rid of them either. It's a long season and they could turn it on any minute, plus they have Martin Havlat. But in the end, after watching a few games, I found their style to be too boring. I found myself checking email instead of passionately watching them.

So that brings us to the big winner of Sens Town's west coast team search. That team is the LA Kings. They are off to a somewhat surprising start, going 9-4-2 through 15 this year, but more importantly they have things that I can get into.

First off, the players. They are a young, exciting team, that still have some growing to do, but are playing above their heads so far. But theres a lot to like about this side. They have a great combination of future stars and proven veterans. How is this for a young future core in Dustin Brown (24), Drew Daughty (19), Jack Johnson (22), Anze Kopitar (22) and suprise goalie of the year, Jonathan Quick (23). That is one scary group of younsters isn't it? And don't forget about Brayden Schenn, the 5th overall pick from last year's draft, in the system.

Then there's the seasoned vets like Ryan Smyth, Alexander Frolov and Michal Handzus. Mix in some hard nosed players like the severely underrated Wayne Simmonds and Rod Scuderi, and you're looking even better. Plus there's always Jarret Stoll for some Hollywood gossip attention and let's be honest, anyone who tells their fiancee the wedding is off by email is cold blooded and won't shy away in a hockey game. This team has it all.

Now let's talk about some superficial things that weighed into my decision. First their arena, the Staples Center, which is a world class, beautiful building in downtown LA. It is a place you want to see a game as a fan, especially with this and then there's always the clebrity factor. Not that I'm so into the clebrity culture that the world has become but let's face it, sometime's it's cool to see someone famous. The Kings have that locked down, as you can see here and here and here and here and here. Plus I even have someone from Ottawa who likes both the Sens and the Kings, to have as a rival. I'd say I will win out eventually right? Ok maybe not.

The there's the fact that if I wanted to go see my new team in action, my view would be this and this is what I can do in my off time. Also tickets are fairly easy to come by and they have nice gear. Their current home, away and alternate are all great looking and then I have this and this as amazing choices when I'm feeling nostalgic and want to rock a throwback. You have to admit this is a sleeper team. Name one Kings fan you know after Gretzky left? I like having my own team who no one else likes. The Mayor likes to be different when he can. I look forward to being asked, you're a Kings fan, really?

I was never a Gretzky fan, in fact I borderline dislike him, but always respected his skill and talent. There is an interesting story on how he ended up in LA, making it a hot spot for a short time. Hopefully that will return one day, now that Los Angeles is my west coast team. One thing we know about Hollywood is winning will cure all and this team has great potential. They may be a year or two away from seriously contending, but I will enjoy watching them blossom. And if you were wondering, the Sens take on the Kings in LA on December 3rd, their only meeting of the year.

So that's my choice, what do you think of my decision? Did I make a good pick or did I blow it?