Only in L.A. – seriously, THIS REALY HAPPENED LAST NIGHT!
I watched the first period of last night’s game at home live, but had to leave soon after. A friend of mine, who’s a musician, was giving a performance at a local bar in Koreatown, the R Bar, to be specific. The Kings were down 2-0 and the second period was already underway. I left my comfy, warm atmosphere at home to venture out and support my friend and his music.
If you never had the pleasure, the R Bar is a rustic establishment that has very dim lighting and local charm. After my friends performance, which by the way, was very enjoyable, I went over to a crowd of various other friends and acquaintances I know. I sat down with them and we drank our drinks and talked about whatever came to mind. As we were commiserating, my eye glanced away from the conversation to identify a gentleman walking towards our table. I noticed him because of the Kings logo adorned to the sweater he was wearing. He passed us by about a foot and then sat beside a very lovely woman right next to us.
I recognized him immediately. But regardless of my confidence in identifying him, I still couldn’t believe who I was literally two feet away from. I mean, what is he and his wife doing at a place like this, especially on a game night at Staples Center? I alerted the people I was sitting with that I think I’m positive that I know this person adjacent from us. They, not being hockey aficionados like myself, didn’t have the slightest idea who it was.
I got up to verify my inkling through the dusk of the bar scene and it was confirmed. I went back to my table. Caught my breath. And as the band on stage was in between songs, I made my approach.
“Excuse me, you are Luc Robitaille, right?’, I said, knowing this already. “Yes, I am. How are you?” he replied with his typical friendly demeanor and then introduced me to his wife, Stacia.
“You know, I had to do a double-take because I didn’t expect to see you here,” I said. Then Stacia, amused, reached over and grabbed the Kings logo on Luc’s sweater and exclaimed with proper sarcasm, “Gee, I wonder how you could tell it was him!” Luc went on to explain to me that he was there with his wife to watch a family friend’s son’s band play and that they had just came from Staples Center.
“I was watching the game at home,” I said, “and I left after the first period to come here. But of course, I’m recording it.”
And then, with both their faces displaying disgust and obvious frustration, Luc, speaking for both, quipped “Don’t worry…You didn’t miss anything!”, as Stacia concurred with similar body language, as Luc turned around and took a sip from his bottle of Miller Lite.
Wait a minute!
Did I just hear the Hall of Famer, highest scoring left wing in NHL history and President of Business Operations for the L.A. Kings just say that?!
Wow. Don’t worry…You didn’t miss anything!
That says it all, doesn’t it?!
Realizing the type of setting we were in, a very dark and loud bar, I knew that my time was going to be very short with them and decided not to pounce on that statement. They were probably not expected to be noticed there and I imagined that after just witnessing the team’s performance, they probably didn’t want to talk anything regarding the Kings.
The great thing about living in Los Angeles is that you never know whom you might run into. And having met Luc several times prior and knowing how much he and his wife make themselves visible in the community, I knew that I would have many future opportunities to talk shop with them under better circumstances.
Taking the whole scene in, I decided to respect their space. I wanted to take a picture with them, but knew it was way too dark inside the bar for it to be recognizable and I really didn’t want to make a spectacle out of their appearance with any flash photography.
So after his one-liner and with the band about to play another song, Luc politely ended the conversation, thanked me for being a loyal fan and swiveled his seat to turn back and face the stage. After the band’s final song, they both walked over to the stage and talked to some of the members of the band. About five minutes after that, Luc came back around to where I was at to finish his beer and thanked me once again and wished me a good evening. I returned the sentiment.
When I got home, already knowing the outcome of the game, I whistled through my recording, stopping every-so-often to watch some of the action. And after doing so, I realized one thing and one thing only: Unfortunately, Luc and Stacia were right.
I didn’t miss anything.
Only in L.A!
Luc and Stacia Robitaille
That is amazing. I thought you were telling a very long joke until it ended with no punchline. Let me share a little story that has similarities. I’ve been a professional guitarist my whole adult life. In the 90s i used to play alot with a Top 40 cover band at Harry O’s in Manhattan Beach. If you’ve followed the team a long time you know that was a popular spot for Blake, Odonell, etc, to go after games. Obviously, being a Kings fan it was a dream gig even if the pay was low. I found that Sean Odonell was one of the most down to earth guys you could ever meet and we’d talk at length about the games. Anyway, here’s my actual story…one night i was on a gig there that they said was a “private party” but i had no idea what the party was for (and generally didn’t care). It ended up being Dave Taylor’s retirement party. It was insane. One highlight of the night- Wayne Gretzky walking up to me and saying “Do you mind if i use your microphone to say a few words?” My favorite part of the night though was i spent an hour so at the end at a table chatting with Jim Fox and former King Dan Quinn. Jim was telling me Dave Taylor stories, mostly about how mean he was on the ice. Jim Fox is a treasure man, nicest guy in the world.
wow…what a cool story…
sounds like it was an unforgettable night…(!)
overall, hockey players are remarkably approachable, friendly and very genuine…and in my experiences with former and current kings players, they never disappoint you off the ice…
yr absolutely right – all the people you mentioned are great humans…we are so lucky to have opportunities out here to meet them frequently and have these type of positive encounters…
thanks for reading…(!)
Wow man…Luc is Everywhere. You know about my lunch with Luc I’m sure. Sometime down the road, I’ll probably do a post on it. In the right setting, he will absolutely talk your ear off about hockey and make you feel like his best friend doing it. Great guy. Haven’t met Stacia, but I’ve heard she’s cool too.
You played it right. I’m not surprised by Luc’s comments. He’s a heart on sleeve guy like a lot of us. His plans for this team are a lot different than what we saw on the ice last night. Guaranteed. His Detroit story is the best and it is the mentality he wants to bring to this organization as a whole, not just the players and team.
Great story man.
thanks, C…
i can’t wait for you to retell yr luncheon with him…
whenever you feel the time is right, i’m sure many of us are anxious to hear the details of yr experience with him…(!)
I was doing laundry at a laundromat one time and a sharks fans came in. He had just moved from SJ to LA. We talked hockey. It wasn’t awesome.
But your story is! Wow, that is pretty random… and not so much. I firmly believe coincidences are reminders of how connected we all are. You’re re-ignition of sorts in writing about the Kings… a few new other things… that story…
It says a lot -to me- about positivity and attitude and we bring what we think into our lives.
You know… just like the Kings are doing right now… negativity and absent attitudes brings losing.
So cool V. Thanks for sharing! And sorry I was asleep when you sexted me (!)
Hi guys! I guess I haven’t checked in here for awhile. I am SO EXCITED to see that you’re all posting here now. My three favorite Kings Fans all in one convenient location. Yay!! The only thing that could have made me happier was if TM was replaced…
Hey there! Thanks for checking in. I’m happy these guys are here and having fun.
Wow! What a great story! I wish Luc didn’t say that, but at least he is honest. Maybe he needs to convince his old pal Wayne to come coach the Kings. PLEASE.
All great stories, guys! And Luc, yeah, such a great human being, and I’m so happy for all his success! When he shakes your hand, he looks you in the eyes.
As for hockey players being nice people? Yup. I get the chance to talk with (albeit for a short couple of seconds) with Daryl Evans at his favorite restaurant, and one of mine. He is so personable and friendly. Like all the ones I’ve gotten the chance to chat with, or get to know. All nice guys!
I’m glad this place got busier, Paul. Good choices with Variable and Cynic! This seems to be a regular stop for some people now. Like me!
See all of you around! Our team will overcome! I still have faith, one day! That video of Luc & Taylor after the Conference wrap up, with Luc yelling “We’re going to the damn Finals!” back in 93 continues to play in me head!
One day! Glorious!