L.A. Kings Parade 2012: Highlights from Stanley Cup Celebration

The city of Los Angeles has had quite a spring in the sports world. The Dodgers have the best record in baseball. The Angels, who have adopted the city for marketing purposes, are 16-5 in their last 21 games. And, oh by the way, the Kings just won their first Stanley Cup. 

About the only thing that went wrong in Hollywood the last two months was the Lakers and Clippers flaming out in the NBA Playoffs. 

With the Kings winning the Stanley Cup, they were able to celebrate with their fans in a huge parade in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday. 

Here are the biggest and best moments from the Kings victory bonanza. 

A Family Affair

One of the best parts of the celebration was seeing the true fans who have loved this franchise for years get to let out all their joy on the streets of Los Angeles. 

As you will see in the video, this family has had a connection with the Kings for a long time. I often rag on people naming their kids after athletes, or other wacky ideas that come up nowadays, but in this case, it is a fitting tribute. 

The kids won't be tormented by having some strange name, and this victory will hold a special spot in their hearts because of their connection to the franchise. 

The Best Sandcastle Ever

"

Stanley cup sandcastle at LA live twitter.com/samallens/stat…

— Sam Allen (@samallens) June 14, 2012"

Since Los Angeles is known more for its warm climate than embracing a cold-weather sport like hockey, it wouldn't truly be a celebration without an epic sandcastle. 

Sam Allen of the Los Angeles Times posted this magnificent picture of the Stanley Cup trophy. I often wish I had the time, patience and ability to do something like this. Sadly, I am stuck admiring the work of more talented people. 

It is hard not be mesmerized by the level of detail in it. Outstanding work. 

Fans Showing a Whole Lotta Love

At the end of the day, this whole celebration came down to the fans who were either already in love with this franchise or fell in love as the Stanley Cup Playoffs moved along, and you saw this team was doing something special. 

Some of the hardcore fans might not like bandwagon hoppers, but who cares? This was a great sports story for a great sports city, and the people who got behind it really made their presence felt. 

Players don't care who was rooting, or when they started rooting. All that matters is they gave the fans in Los Angeles something they will remember forever. Given the number of people who lined the streets in the city and around Staples Center, the fans made this just as special for the players. 

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