Anze Kopitar’s voice shakes during a tearful mid-ice speech to LA crowd

An emotional night unfolded during an NHL game at Crypto.com Arena as Anze Kopitar delivered a heartfelt speech following the Los Angeles Kings‘ 1-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

The night belonged to the captain. Drafted in 2005, Kopitar has became the face of hockey in Los Angeles. He led the franchise to Stanley Cup titles in 2012 and 2014 and set multiple team records.

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After 20 years with the Kings, he stood at center ice reflecting on a career that shaped the franchise.

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Moments after the final horn, Kopitar skated to center ice with a mic in his hand and paused before speaking. His voice shook as he thanked fans for standing by the team through every phase.

“First of all, on behalf of the whole team, the players, the whole organization, thank you, guys, for supporting us through, I guess, the good, the bad, and the ugly,” Kopitar said. “And you guys have always been here and always had our hearts. We thank you.”

On the ice, the Kings delivered a crucial result. The tight 1–0 win kept them in the Western Conference wild-card race with only a few games left.

Anze Kopitar promises giving his best to return in playoffs

Kopitar promised the fans one more push, saying, “I guess second of all, we’re gonna do our absolute best to come, you know, to come home for a couple more games in the playoffs. That’s for sure.”

The captain thanked teammates, coaches, and staff while holding back tears.

Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) reacts after a game against the Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Griffin Hooper-Imagn Images

“And then, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much,” Kopitar said. “This has been my home for 20 years [voice shivers]. Thank you to this organisation, thank you, my teammates, our trainers, coaches, throughout the year, thank you, guys. But look, last but not the least, thank you for being with me.”

As Kopitar reached the end, his voice cracked, and he formed a heart sign with his hands toward the crowd.

Anze Kopitar’s message about this being his last NHL season

Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) skates on the ice after being selected as a star of the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Griffin Hooper-Imagn Images

The moment was special, because Kopitar had already confirmed this season would likely be his last in the NHL.

Speaking with Jaime Maggio in late August on the Sports Central Podcast, he said, “This could be my last season in the NHL, yes.”

Kopitar will leave as the Kings’ all-time leader in points, assists, and games played. His impact has stretched beyond numbers, shaping the team’s identity for years.

The crowd responded with loud cheers as he finished speaking. Fans knew they were witnessing a final home moment for one of the franchise’s greats.

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