Anze Kopitar’s No. 11 jersey will be retired and a bronze statue honoring the franchise’s all-time leading scorer will be unveiled next year in a ceremony at Crypto.com Arena.
The ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 24 before the Kings’ game against the Montreal Canadiens. The team posted the ceremony details and thank-you messages honoring Kopitar Friday on its social media platforms.
Kopitar, who retired after the past season, will become the eighth player in franchise history to have his number retired and the fourth former Kings player to be honored with a statue outside the arena. the 38-year-old’s statue will join those of Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille and Dustin Brown.
“To have my number retired and a statue unveiled by the LA Kings is an incredible honor, and one that is difficult to put into words,” Kopitar said in a statement. “I have been fortunate to spend my entire career with one organization, surrounded by amazing teammates, coaches, staff and fans who have made this journey so special.”
Kopitar spent all of his 20 NHL seasons with the Kings, finishing as the franchise’s leader in games played (1,521), assists (864) and points (1,316).
Selected by the Kings with the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, the Slovenia native helped lead the franchise to its first two Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014. He also won two Frank J. Selke Trophies as the NHL’s top defensive forward, three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award.
“Anze Kopitar has defined what it means to be a Los Angeles King for the past two decades,” Kings President Luc Robitaille said. “His leadership, consistency and commitment to excellence have helped shape the identity of our franchise, both on and off the ice.”
The statue, created by sculptors Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany, will be installed in Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena, the team said.
