Beloved PA Announcer David Courtney Passes

One of the greatest things about being an LA Kings fan has been the iconic voices that have been associated with the organization for decades.  Of course Bob Miller and Jim Fox on the television broadcasts and Nick Nickson and Darryl Evans on the radio side have ingrained themselves in Kings lore, but so has David Courtney the Public Address Announcer at Staples Center.

It comes as a terrible shock that Courtney, who has been the in-game voice for the Kings, Angels, and Clippers, died earlier today.  Courtney’s voice was an integral part of live games for fans at the Staples Center and Great Western Forum in Los Angeles.  I remember trying to imitate his unique voice when I was a little kid, but no matter how many times I said “Ladies and Gentleman, Your Los Angeles Kings!” it never sounded quite the same.  For a more detailed story from ESPN regarding David Courtney’s passing and legacy click here.  His contribution will remain and he will genuinely be missed by everyone in the Kings community.

Luc Robitaille had some nice words to honor David:

October 28, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings executive Luc Robitaille watches game action against the Seattle Sounders FC at the Home Depot Center. Galaxy won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIREIn the arena he was an institution — he was the voice of the Kings — and his work added so much to the live, in-game experience for our fans as it did for the Clippers and Angels as well. Next season would have been David’s 35th year with our franchise, and on behalf of the entire Kings organization and AEG we are incredibly saddened by this news and we send our deepest condolences to his wife Janet and the rest of the Courtney family.

RIP