USNA News Article

Los Angeles Kings Visit Naval Academy

Oct 13, 2011

From the Naval Academy Public Affairs Office

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- Hockey stars from the Los Angeles Kings toured the Naval Academy Oct. 11 while in Annapolis after beginning their season in Europe as ambassadors for the National Hockey League.

Kings players on the tour included defensemen Willie Mitchell and Jack Johnson, forward Kevin Westgarth, and goalie Jonathan Quick. Johnson and Quick played on the 2010 U.S. Olympic team that won the silver medal in Vancouver.

The team began the tour at the Naval Academy's Memorial Hall, dedicated to Naval Academy graduates who gave their lives in defense of the nation. They also visited the Naval Academy hockey rink after a midshipman team practice and met with Coach Mike Fox, officer representative, Cmdr. Patrick Murray and the players.

While visiting the academy dorm and viewing a midshipman room, Kings players were briefed about the Naval Academy application process and four-year curriculum. With more than 19,000 applications for about 1,200 spots, Kings players said they were impressed with the level of fitness and intelligence needed to be considered for the academy.

"You could see and feel the level of respect our players had for the Naval Academy and how much our guys appreciated the chance to meet some of the Navy's finest," said Kings broadcaster and community ambassador Jim Fox.

After the tour, the Kings presented the academy with an official Navy No. 1 jersey signed by the coaches and players.