According to Merriam-Webster, longevity is defined as "a long duration of individual life" or "length of life". For Los Angeles Kings broadcaster Nick Nickson, it has been some life. Nickson has been calling Kings games since 1981, both for radio and television, and during those legendary broadcasts he has been paired with some of LA.'s popular voices, like Bob Miller, Daryl Evans, and Jim Fox.
Now, after 44 years, Nick has decided to make this his last season of broadcasting. Nick Nickson has been the voice many have grown up with while listening to Kings on the radio, watching on TV, and even simulcasting on both. Not only has he been a fixture in Los Angeles for so many years, Nickson is also well-known in the broadcasting community.
In 2015, the Hockey Hall of Fame selected Nickson as the recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award. This is in recognition of members of the radio and television industry who made outstanding contributions to their profession and the game during their career in hockey broadcasting. The award is selected by the NHL Broadcasters Association.
Earlier in the season, Nickson was a guest on a podcast episode of "Locked On". He was asked several questions about how he came to this decision to retire, his special moments during his career, and what he would miss the most. Quick to answer, Nick responded, "You know, this is my 50th year broadcasting hockey games. I started at 22 years old calling games in the American Hockey League. Did that for a while and now in my 44th year with the Kings. It's just a sense now to wrap things up.
Plus, I want to get back on the golf course, travel, and I love watching my two grandchildren play sports." He recalled some special moments with the Kings, but it’s hard to top the very first Stanley Cup Championship in 2012 when many were glued to their radios when they heard: "The long wait is over! After 45 years, the Kings can wear their crown! The Los Angeles Kings are Stanley Cup Champions!"
When asked if he was doing anything special while on the road during the season, Nickson added, "I'm not very nostalgic, plus I know that I'll be doing some traveling once I'm done. Right now it's business as usual". He credits his success to those he's worked with over the years, especially the behind-the-scenes crews that supported and contributed to his broadcasts night in and night out.
Now, time for the Kings organization to find a replacement and it isn’t going to be easy. I can sense all the sad emoji’s coming out on this subject because the City of L.A. has gone through this before with past Hall of Fame broadcasters, like Bob Miller, Vin Scully, and Chick Hearn. I don’t envy the person who has to take this challenge on of rummaging through demo tapes and resumes. Ok, I assume the process is different these days, but good luck filling those shoes.
As we wrap up the 2024-25 season, thank you Nick Nickson! Thank you for your warming personality, your professionalism, for painting those pictures when our eyes were looking at the radio dial. Thank you for inviting us into the broadcasting booth and most of all…for being a King for life!