Kings Crowning Moment 45 Years In The Making

The Los Angeles Kings will try to win the Stanley Cup on Wednesday night. It would appear the 2012 championship victory is all but assured, it's just a matter of when. The Kings may as well be crowned at home and reign supreme.

Interestingly, if they do manage to win the Stanley Cup on Wednesday, it will come on the team's 45th anniversary of the team's birth, of sorts.

On June 6th, 1967 the National Hockey League held their expansion draft to stock six new franchises: Minnesota North Stars, Oakland Seals, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, St. Louis Blues and, of course, the Los Angeles Kings.

The Kings held the first overall pick in the draft. The draft was actually two drafts, as goalies and skaters were selected separately. The very first Los Angeles Kings player was none other than goaltending legend Terry Sawchuk.

It is interesting that current Kings goalie Jonathan Quick is often compared to the great Sawchuk in terms of playing style. Quick, like Sawchuk 4 times before him, is about to become immortalized as a Stanley Cup champion.

The Kings also held first pick through the skater draft. They selected Gord Laboissiere. Other Kings selected that day include Bob Wall, Eddie Joyal, Ted Irvine, Mike Corrigan, and Cowboy Bill Flett.

Yes, it has been a long 45 years for the Los Angeles Kings and their loyal fans. Enjoy the moment.

Here's a look at the full 1967 NHL Expansion draft.