Kings Announce Multi-Year Contract With President, Business Ops. Robitaille

(Kings) -- Los Angeles Kings and Kings President, Business Operations Luc Robitaille have agreed to a multi-year contract extension, Kings Governor Tim Leiweke announced today.  In addition, Leiweke and the Kings announced Chris McGowan has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

KNX 1070's Chris Madsen With Luc Robataille:[audio http://denver.cbslocal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14984641/2010/10/luc-robataille-madsen-interview.mp3]

Robitaille is in his fourth season with the Kings as President, Business Operations and Alternate Governor.  He began in his current position following the 2006-07 season and since his appointment he has had a tremendous impact on the Kings organization as a whole, with his experience as a former player having brought a unique perspective to the business side of the club.

Said Leiweke: "We gave Luc the ability to gain experience and learn these past few years and he has done a fantastic job.  The LA Kings are fortunate to have the depth and experience with Luc on the business side and Dean Lombardi on the hockey side.  We are excited to have this kind of consistency and respect league-wide."

 Robitaille -- who in 2009 was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame -- is the highest scoring left wing in NHL history and the all-time Kings leader in goals scored.  He had his popular No. 20 jersey retired by the Kings on January 20, 2007, and he is one of the greatest players in NHL history.  He played 19 seasons in the NHL – including 14 with the Kings -- and in 1,431 career regular season games with the Kings, Detroit Red Wings (where he won a Stanley Cup in 2002), New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins, had 1,394 points (668-726=1,394).  In 159 playoff games, he had 127 points (58-69=127).

 McGowan has served as the Kings' Senior Vice President, Business Operations/Chief Marketing Officer since the 2007-08 season.  This is his 15th season with the Kings and AEG and he has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility since joining the Kings in 1996.

 "As he continues to rise in the sports industry, Chris – who began his career with the Kings in an entry level position in our ticket sales department -- is a great example to others as to what can be accomplished through hard work and effort," said Robitaille.  "He has been a leading contributor to everything we have accomplished here together the past few years and he remains an integral part of our club's growth."

McGowan has helped implement the organizations vision of being the model of excellence in sports by providing the fans, corporate partners and community members the best experience – both on and off the ice.   Along with Robitaille, McGowan oversees the business operations staff and is responsible for creating the strategies to generate club revenue.

 The Kings' home season opener is set for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 12, against Atlanta at 7:30 p.m.  The Thrashers game opens a three-game homestand for the Kings that will also feature games versus Vancouver (October 15) and Carolina (October 20).