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Lockout delays rising of Kings’ championship banner

Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup Victory Parade

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 14: Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown #23 hold the Stanley Cup as he bumps elbows with Anze Kopitar #11 during the Stanley Cup rally on June 14, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The Kings are celebrating thier first NHL Championship in the team’s 45-year-old franchise history. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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Every day that goes by at this point will tell a story of what could have been if we had a new CBA and there was no lockout.

Tonight, Kings fans would have crowded the Staples Center to watch the team’s championship banner rise after their historic and improbable 2011-12 Stanley Cup-winning campaign.

“We certainly feel bad for our fans, as they have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see us culminate our first Stanley Cup championship by raising a banner into the rafters at Staples Center,” said Kings’ president of business operations Luc Robitaille, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“We know one day this will eventually take place, and we remain hopeful that it is sooner rather than later.”

Of course, when that will happen is anyone’s guess.

“We are all extremely disappointed that our season will not begin on time this season,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. “The Kings and their fans are very deserving of a celebration of their victory and tremendous accomplishment last spring, and we remain committed to providing that opportunity as soon as possible.”

Kings governor Tim Leiweke is also “very sorry” for the delay and wanted to assure the fans that he shares their frustration.