It’s official: the NHL will hold preseason games in China before next season.
The league made the announcement on Wednesday night: the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks will play two exhibitions: one on Sept. 21 (Shanghai) and Sept. 23 (Beijing). How cool is that?
“It is a privilege and an honor for the L.A. Kings to represent the National Hockey League in China as part of these two games against the Vancouver Canucks,” Kings president Luc Robitaille said. “Growing the game of hockey is something we take great pride in and it is a big priority for our hockey club and AEG as a whole. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our players and our staff, and we are looking forward to the games taking place in two tremendous facilities in two remarkable cities.”
The press conference inspired some jokes tonight.
"I'd like to announce that I'm not sure if these are edible but I'm willing to chance it." #NHL pic.twitter.com/fhOilgBfD6
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) March 30, 2017
Some of the best bits came in roping in ... Kobe Bryant and David Beckham?
.@kobebryant and David Beckham welcome Drew Doughty to China! pic.twitter.com/coNeLpa94N
— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 30, 2017
Alrighty then.