Los Angeles Welcomes Their New GM

The Los Angeles Kings of the Elite Hockey Experience called all their season ticket holders and the local media to the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles today to announce the hiring of their new General Manager, Brandyn Errickson.

The new GM started off the press conference by introducing himself and praising the current make-up of the team.

“Hello everyone, thanks for coming here today and welcoming me to your beautiful city. I’m a Floridian so I’m use to the palm tree’s but I gotta admit the weather out here has been fantastic.” A visibly happy GM Errickson said.

“When you look at this team on paper you can tell the previous regimes had something in mind when building the team. When I was approached about taking over, I looked over the roster and while there are some deficiencies that we’ll have to overcome at some point, the team excites me. I’d go as far to say we have one of the deadliest top 6 forwards in the EHE along with a hell of a goalie tandem and a hardworking defensive crew.” Said the smiling new GM.

During the more than one hour event, GM Errickson took questions from season ticket holders and the local media alike. The media seemed to focus on the coaching situation with GM Errickson noting, “Guy and I have had a couple of talks and I like what I’ve heard so far. He was just brought in this past offseason and I think he has a hold of the locker room right now. I see no reason to make changes at that level.”

GM Errickson wouldn’t go as far to say the same for the minor league affiliate coach, “I need a bit more time to assess the Aces. I like Phil but the fact is the team sits 2^nd to last in the AHL and that’s just not acceptable and he and the squad know this.”

The first Kings season ticket holder to ask a question was long time ticket holder and musician, Rob Zombie who asked about the team and possible moves the new GM might be looking to make.

“First off, I’d like to thank Rob and all our season ticket holders. Without our STH’s this franchise would be nothing. You guys really give this team a home ice advantage like no other arena in the EHE and I know it’s greatly appreciated. As far as your question, I’m still trying to get a grasp on the current roster before making any moves. I’m sure everyone is aware of the two week period where I can’t make any trades, not to say that will stop us from talking to other GM’s. I’ll also need to talk to Guy a bit more and see what he thinks of the team. I really do like the team on paper as is, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t listen to any and all offers from around the league.”

Errickson continued on a question about their current place in the standings, “Where we currently sit in the tough Gretzky conference, it wouldn’t be in our best interest to add short term while losing long term pieces. We currently only have a 3^rd and 5^th round pick from the upcoming draft and just a 2^nd, 3^rd and 5^th in 2019. Not to mention we haven’t made a first round selection since 2015. That’s not going to help us get where we want to be. If the team shows this year isn’t our year, I won’t hesitate to make moves to add to the lack of upcoming draft picks as well as prospects.”

Other season ticket holders asked about upcoming UFA’s like Kings captain Steven Stamkos, power forward Jakub Voracek and superstar goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

“I want to thank you for coming out today and reminding me of the real work I have in front of me.” GM Errickson said to laughter.

Following up, “I guess on one hand it’s a nice place to be when you have that type of talent on your roster, but we all know in the salary cap world it won’t be easy and probably not possible to keep all of our pending free agents. I haven’t had a chance to talk to the players yet, but I’d imagine they all enjoy living in beautiful Los Angeles and playing in front of you guys. It will really come down to what they are looking for monetarily and how that fits into our plans for next season and the years after.”

When it comes to ticket prices, Errickson said, “I have some of our finest analysts looking into our ticket pricing structure. I can’t say there will be no increases, but I also won’t rule out a decrease to certain tickets either. Just keep in mind we currently have the 7^th highest payroll in the EHE right now and the only real income is from you, the fans, buying tickets to our home games.”

The new GM ended the press conference by thanking all the fans and media in attendance, “Thanks for coming out everyone. I look forward to seeing you at all our upcoming events and bringing a winning culture to LA.”

After the press conference, GM Errickson was happily available for pictures, selfies and the occasional autograph.