Kings Launch Street Hockey Program for Kids

To kids growing up in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles, hockey sticks are as common a sight as . . . well, an ice hockey stadium, but the Los Angeles Kings are poised to change that, in more ways than one.

Just blocks from the site of the proposed downtown sports arena that would house the Kings and Lakers, the hockey team announced a program Thursday designed to put about 800 hockey sticks and other equipment in the hands of children throughout Los Angeles.

The Kings Street Knights program, unveiled at the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Youth and Community Center, is a street hockey program designed to get youngsters more involved with the sport. It is co-sponsored by the NHL and Nike.