Dustin Brown is a legendary player who spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Kings. He was born on November 4, 1984, in Ithaca, New York, and was selected by the Kings in the first round (13th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Over the course of his career, Brown established himself as one of the most respected players in the NHL, earning a reputation for his physicality, tenacity, and leadership on and off the ice.
Last night, The Kings unveiled a statue of Brown, which will be placed outside of Crypto.com arena. The Kings also retired his jersey and raised it to the rafters before last night’s Kings game against the Penguins. The Kings went on to put a great performance for Brown, beating the Penguins 6-0.
Here is the statue:
Brown made his NHL debut with the Kings during the 2003-04 season and quickly established himself as a physical force. During his first full season in 2005-2006, he recording 175 hits, which ranked 13th in the league. He continued to develop as a player, improving his offensive skills while retaining his physical edge. In the 2007-08 season, he scored a career-high 33 goals and was named team captain, a role he held until his retirement in 2021.
One of the highlights of Brown’s career came in 2012, when he helped lead the Kings to their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. He played a key role in the playoffs, leading the team in hits and earning a reputation as one of the toughest players in the league. His leadership and physical play set the tone for the rest of the team, and his goal-scoring ability provided the Kings with much-needed offensive production. Brown had 20 points in 20 games during the Kings run to their first Stanley Cup. The Kings went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2012 and again in 2014, with Brown playing a crucial role in both victories. Brown had 14 points and 22 PIMS in the Kings run to their second cup.
Off the ice, Brown was known for his dedication to his team and his community. He was active in charitable work and was recognized for his efforts with the NHL Foundation Player Award in 2012 and the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2015. He was also named the Kings’ Community MVP in 2013, 2014, and 2015, highlighting his commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
In 2021, after 18 seasons with the Kings, Brown announced his retirement from the NHL. His impact on the franchise and the sport of hockey will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Kings sweater due to his leadership, his ability to set the tone with his physical play, and his ability to pick up big points when the team needed them. His legacy as a leader, a champion, and a true competitor will continue to inspire future generations of players.
