LA Kings retire defenseman Rob Blake's No 4 jersey

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Kings retired Rob Blake's No. 4 jersey on Saturday night, honoring the Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman who delivered huge hits and scored big goals on their blue line for parts of 14 seasons.

The Kings recognized Blake during a ceremony before the defending Stanley Cup champions' game against the Anaheim Ducks at Staples Center. Roughly 40 former teammates and family members took the ice to recognize the versatile defenseman who served as Los Angeles' captain for six seasons.

Blake says he dreamed of having his number in the rafters from the first day he joined the Kings at the Forum in 1990.

He reflected on the growth in California's hockey culture in the past quarter-century, including two championships in the past three seasons for the Kings.