Legendary Kings Broadcaster Nick Nickson Announces Retirement After Iconic Career

The LA Kings have announced that legendary play-by-play announcer Nick Nickson will retire from his duties at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, marking the end of an era for the organization and its devoted fanbase.

Bidding Farewell to a Broadcast Icon

A Lifetime Dedicated to the Game

With nearly 50 years of hockey broadcasting experience, Nick Nickson has been the voice of the LA Kings for an astounding 44 seasons. Since joining the organization in 1975, shortly after graduating from college, Nickson has called over 4,200 professional games, including more than 3,800 with the Kings and close to 500 in the American Hockey League (AHL). His unwavering dedication and passion for the sport have made him a beloved figure among Kings fans, who have grown up listening to his iconic play-by-play calls.Nickson's broadcasting career began in the 1975-76 season as the voice of the Rochester Americans in the AHL, before he spent four seasons with the New Haven Nighthawks. It was in 1981 that he joined the Kings organization, embarking on a journey that would cement his legacy as one of the greatest hockey broadcasters of all time.

Accolades and Achievements

Throughout his illustrious career, Nickson has received numerous accolades and honors, including the prestigious Foster Hewitt Award from the NHL Professional Broadcasters Association in 2015. This prestigious award, presented by the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, is a testament to his broadcasting excellence and the impact he has had on the sport.In addition to the Foster Hewitt Award, Nickson was inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Frontier Field Walk of Fame (media) in his hometown of Rochester, New York, in 2011. These honors recognize his exceptional contributions to the world of sports broadcasting and his enduring legacy as the "Voice of the Kings."

Celebrating a Legendary Career

As Nickson prepares to embark on his final season with the Kings, the organization has promised further recognition and celebration to honor his remarkable career. The team's president, Luc Robitaille, has praised Nickson as a "trusted and valuable voice" for the Kings' fans, who have been captivated by his eloquent and passionate calls of the action on the ice.Nickson's retirement will mark the end of an era, but his impact on the Kings and their devoted fanbase will continue to be felt for years to come. The team's broadcast schedule for the 2024-25 season, which features Nickson at the helm, includes 62 regular-season games on Bally Sports West and seven games on KCAL-TV (Channel 9), as well as 13 nationally televised games.

A Lasting Legacy

As Nickson prepares to step away from the microphone, he has expressed his gratitude to the Kings organization, his family, and the loyal fans who have supported him throughout his career. "It has been an absolute privilege to bring the game to the listeners and viewers from one season to the next," Nickson said. "Through it all, I have enjoyed calling every shot, every save, every goal, and two Stanley Cups."The LA Kings' broadcast team, which includes award-winning lead analyst Jim Fox, ice-side analyst Daryl Evans, and rinkside reporter Carrlyn Bathe, will continue to bring the action to life for Kings fans in Nickson's absence. However, the void left by this legendary broadcaster will be felt deeply, as the organization and its supporters bid farewell to a true icon of the sport.