Second Annual ``Ask Jim Fox''

Hi Jim. First I want to say that I adore your insights into the game, be it on National Radio or TV. It really enriches the game for me.
My question is, if you were the one making the decisions, how do you decide what to do about the Kings defense this year. It seems clear that for most of the young defensemen that another year of development is necessary for their futures. If they do make the big club they're dealing with a very uncertain defense given the roster and the teams recent history. I would think this could impact their development in a negative way. So,..... what would you do?

Drew Sackheim

Jim,

Lombardi has reportedly missed out on at least 3 free agents he went after (Blake, Stuart, and Orpik....and those are just the ones we know about).

You played in the NHL and while free agency wasn't as big a part of the landscape back then, if YOU were a free agent looking at possible destinations...would the coach of the team matter? If there WERE no coach...would that turn you off, or at least make you hesitate to go to that team?

How important is the head coach when looking at possible teams to play for.

What are Jim's favorite Napa region wines?

Hey Jim, I was wondering if you are excited to see the Kings really start to stick to the rebuild phase and what it means to you. I know we are going to have a young core group of players out their, do you think with all your years of experience that they will pan out with one another and have this great chemistry that no other team will have in the years to come? You and Bob is like Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippen playing with one another. I dont think I can picture anyone else doing commentating for the Los Angeles Kings besides the both of you. I hope we all can experience a Stanley Cup while both of you are still around! What a great feeling that would be.

Please ask Jim if he gets to play any rec hockey on a regular basis. If not, does he miss playing at all. Thanks.

Hey Jim your work along with Bob's is some of the best in the NHL. I keep hearing nothing but negative about the Kings chances this year. Can you help us out with what could be one of the most exciting seasons in a while. We should scored and I think our defense might be a little better than last year and our goaltending can only be better than the past couple years.
I really don't think we'll be near last. What do you think?

Dea Jim,
Is there any reason to think our numbers wont be significantly better this year than last?
In regards to offense, our younger players are only getting better and consistently getting better numbers each year, along with a healthier handzus and addition of Stoll, [even thouhg we lost offensive production from Visnovsky (average numbers last year) and Cammellari (below average numbers while noting his injury)]?
In regards to defense, our younger prospects are only getting better, especially Hack Johnson and new additions of Green, Daughty and Tuebert,and our loss was a old Rob Blake and Visnovsky who believed to be ranked 2nd in giveaways alst year?

What is Jim's craziest Bob Miller story?

If the Kings go after a veteran defenseman (and I think they almost have to at this point), who do you think they use as trade bait?

On a different note, who are some of your favorite bands?

Jim,
Thanks for all the work you do. My question has to do with "Pride". Do you have any knowledge of the team, especially the younger players getting some sort of education on Kings history? I recently purchased an old VHS called the Kings silver anniversary, its from 1991 and it is a great video. I also have the old VHS "Road to the Stanley Cup finals". Do the players know about all the history and let downs that the kings have faced? I think some good education in this area can help players get fired up, and want to achieve what no kings team has ever achieved. Us fans our putting all our chips into this current lineup/farm system to bring us the cup... do the players realize how important that is to us, and the organization as a whole? Education should be easy, with guys like yourself, Emerson, Bob Miller, Robitaille, and Dave Lewis still a part of the organization. What do you think?

Thanks Again.

What are some funny characteristics of past Kings? Superstitions, habits, etc...?

FOXIE,

HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO GET YOUR FINELY GROOMED, FULL HEAD OF HAIR TO LOOK THE EXACT SAME WAY IT DID WHEN YOU FIRST JOINED THE KINGS IN 1980?

Jim,

Aside from Crawfords reporteded inability to communicate with the young players, what do you think is most responsibe for the Kings lacksadasical play last season? Was that strictly a coaching issue or was there something else going on?

Also, obviously a new coach will bring a new system to the ice. What do you think was the biggest weakness is Crawfords system (not coaching style, strictly his system for making plays and position and the like), and what would you most like to see a new coach bring into the games of the team going forward? I'm curious about the finer style of the team put on the ice, obviously the defense and goaltending must improve, but is there a philosophical shift that you feel needs to be made as well to turn this into a contending team.

Finally, I love how emotional and passionate you are about the Kings. Has Bob Miller ever had to calm you down, or conversly do you find yourself having to tone it down for the purpose of a live telecast?

Jim, do you feel the Kings have done enough to solidify our "team toughness". Last season it seemed our team was pushed around and our talented players did not get the room they needed to do their thing. With the additions of guys like Green, Gauthier, etc. do you feel that is enough?

Thanks

Reg

Hi Jim,

First, thanks for all the work you've put in over the years, both as a player and a broadcaster. You and Bob are living legends.

My question is about the evolution of technology in hockey. How has preparation evolved from the days when you were a player? In baseball, each play is tracked to the point that an advance scout may have a better idea of how a player behaves than they do, such that statistics have become as important as "ballplayer instincts." Has hockey gotten to this point, where statistics have become as important as "hockey sense?" If so, then do you feel this is good or bad for the game? If not, then what sort of advancements do you see will become important in the near future?

I also ask because I live in the Bay Area, and since the Oakland A's are also local, Sharks fans like to think that the Sharks play the hockey version of Moneyball. Since Dean was the GM here, but he always talks about hockey sense being so important in a player, I wonder how much of that story is true and whether or not he's taken some of it with him to the Kings.

Jim,

Could you recommend a few of your favorite commercially-available wines under $50?

Hi Jim,

1) Do you and Bob Miller have any pregame rituals ?
2) Who has been your favorite player to play with ?
3) Who has been your favorite player to interview ?
4) It seems important for teams to have an identity. Do you think the Kings have an identity yet ? If so what is it ?
5) How do you attract free agents to LA with the idea that they will become teachers ?
6) If you could pick one person to be our new coach, currently employed or not, who would it be ?

Thanks for all that Bob and you do !

Jim,

I know you work for the PR department under the iron fist AEG ownership group, but should our expectations be to make the playoffs or just improve (.500 record)? I feel that our young D might be our wild card because their are talented enough to fool the rest of the pacific. I'm a big time pessimist, However, my personal opinion is that this team will make tremendous strides in a very young NHL, and hopefully finish 5th.

Thoughts?

Jim,

I know you work for the PR department under the iron fist AEG ownership group, but should our expectations be to make the playoffs or just improve (.500 record)? I feel that our young D might be our wild card because their are talented enough to fool the rest of the pacific. I'm a big time pessimist, However, my personal opinion is that this team will make tremendous strides in a very young NHL, and hopefully finish 5th.

Thoughts?

Jim,

Can you please comment on what players/free agents feel about playing for the LA Kings? Is the So Cal market really "pathetic" for hockey as Mr Lowe stated? Do the younger players see LA just as a stepping stone to getting their feet wet and then moving on to a more traditional hockey market? Why did guys like Darryl Evans, Dave Taylor, Luc, and yourself amoung others enjoy playing in and sticking around LA? How likely is it to build a core of younger players that want to build something special here and not only stick around until we have a Stanley Cup but compete for it on a yearly basis?

Jim,

Can you tell us about the deals that DIDN'T go down. You already know about Frolov for Jack Johnson that Crow called off (he told DL he could "light a fire" under the guy... and he did) . Any more you can talk about (more likely in the past so you don't get DL in trouble)?

umm, ask jim how he feels about the current fan base, if its going up, down, and also what is his impression if the Kings will move anytime soon? I know its a random question, but i don't want this team to leave L.A.!

Hey Jim,

Who do you feel should take the role of captaincy?
since you have insider information, who is the leader of the locker room now?
also, what do you do during the off-season? i know you love wine, but any vacations?

by the way couple things
love the hair
if the kings ever go far into the playoffs and you and Bob are still broadcasting the network better have you guys doing it haha

Jim,

Are you going to be busting out the plaid suit again this season (here's hoping you are) and besides wine, what's your favorite tipple (scotch, whiskey, vodka, etc.)?

Hi Jim
Loved watching you play back in the day. How many knee surgeries did you end up having? Does the knee still bother you?
What do you think of Teddy Nolan as a head coach? Would he fit currently in the Kings plans?

Hi Jim
Loved watching you play back in the day. How many knee surgeries did you end up having? Does the knee still bother you?
What do you think of Teddy Nolan as a head coach? Would he fit currently in the Kings plans?

Hey JIm first let me say I love the way you call on the games. One can tell you want the kings to win but you are still always honest. If the kings get a way with one you say they got a way with one and I love that. Not like Bryan hayward were the ducks can do no wrong. You deserve to be in the Hall of Fame and I hope they but you right next to Bob Miller on what ever side of his you sit on during the game I got on to the kings when I was 11 during the whole gretzky era and have never known any kings CC but you and would have it no other way.

Anyway my question is are you buying in to Dean's plan? Do you feel that we are actually building this team the way it should be and if so what about this time makes it different from all the other rebuilds the organization has gone though. and also how do you feel about the Lubo trade do you feel it was wrong to trade him before his no movement clause went in to affect? Do you think that other player care about such things and that it makes the kings look bad to any futre signees.

Anyway Thanks for taking the time to do this when you should be out there golfing.

Jim...Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I have season seats right behind your broadcasting area in section 318, I admire your enthusiasm for the sport of hockey and the Kings. Keep up the good work.

A quick diversion from the typical questions about the current Kings' squad:

FSN PrimeTicket re-played the Kings/Maple Leaf game 7 from 1993 last Saturday night. And I know we shouldn't live in the past, but that game gives me the chills every time I watch it and hear the excitement in Bob's voice.

-In one word, describe the atmosphere at Maple Leafs Garden for that game. And how was that view from the top of the arena in Toronto?

-As a former player and i'm sure a big fan of the Kings, how do you contain yourself while broadcasting a game like that? I'm sure you had a big smile on your face while you were doing commentary following Gretzky's 3rd goal. I think most of us would be jumping up and down if we were in your shoes. I did notice you were not as vocal during the 3rd period of that game, as I'm sure you were counting down the seconds like the rest of us.

-Ever talk to McSorely about his illegal stick?

-Can you sneak me into the broadcast booth when a Kings' home game is not being broadcast and the booth is empty? Sorry, had to ask.

Hey Jim great to see you at the scrimmage today. OK if you were a particular varietal what would it be and why? Are you a fan of central coast Rhone wines? If yes a top five would be great! A big thank you for everything Bob and yourself bring to this organization

Two questions...and the only two questions I care about when it comes to the Kings. Does Foxy think the Kings will win the Cup in the next 5-10 years? Secondly does he think Bernier is the answer to the Kings goaltending woes since its inception?

What are your thoughts on Stan Kinkorchuk? Do you know if the Kings are looking at him as a possible free agent?

Jim,

Which player (King or otherwise) exhibited the greatest knowledge of or passion for wines?

Have you tried any Slovenian wines?

In your opinion, has the NHL taken full advantage of HD technology in it's broadcasts of games? I see many more innovations in the NFL, MLB and NBA. In a sport that needs a better presence on the screen, where are the new camera angles? Is this simply and issue of production budget? Are there new innovations that you have seen but aren't economically feasible yet?

Love your work. Thanks in advance!

JIMMMMM!

With you being the color/analyst guy, I can't help but wonder if there are any of today's players that you've just wanted to GUSH about. Given the time, and given the moment, which players -- LAK or otherwise -- would you love to spout off, eulogize, drool, exclaim about, and what would you have to say? No holds barred. For the sake of posterity in quotation marks, why don't you give us a taste of that Foxy praise! (Please.) Thanks a lot!

Chris
Berkeley, CA

Jim, you and Bob Miller rock!

1. How difficult is it for you to keep from getting frustrated and upset, and make yourself enthusiastic for broadcasts when the team is in a real slump, or a very down period like the last couple years?

2. What is your view on the current salary structure / business model of the NHL? It can't be sustainable, so: A) what do you think the owners got so wrong? B) How much got thrown out of whack by the 'Burke hates Lowe' offers to Vanek and Penner? C) What could possibly be done to correct things - and do you think it will take another lockout? D) Which franchises do you see most vulnerable to folding, or at least needing massive assistance?

3. What specific rule change(s) would you personally like to see implemented?

4. What do you think of the recent league phenomenon of former star players getting high ranking positions with former clubs (Luc, Yzerman, Hull, Nieuwendyk, etc); good publicity or smart management / personnel moves?

5. Dean Lombardi seems very focused on creating a specific culture and operating philosophy around the club. From a business or management perspective, how would you characterize his approach, where do you think he developed it, and do you think it would have application beyond a hockey / sports environment?

6. Will we see more NHL franchises in Canada, and/or more AHL franchises nearer the west coast (and, if so, would the Kings shift affiliates)?

7. A lot of fans are screaming bloody murder at Rob Blake signing with San Jose after balking at a trade deadline move and all the other baggage. Set the record straight- the guy's obviously had a great playing career (the last few years notwithstanding) but what do you think of Blake as a teammate, leader, mentor, member of the organization, and his contract / franchise choices?

8. What arena songs make you want to pull your finely coiffed 'do' out after hearing them a million times?

9. Which arenas really put on a good show for the fans, and how could Staples improve the in-game fan experience (in addition to a winning team)?

10. As it stands right now, who are your 'C' and 'A's on opening night?

Keep up the great work, Jim!

Hey Jim,
Let me just say that you are by far the best color man in the business. I really admire how you always keep your perspective and don't ever give the impression of being a homer (unlike a certain other color man about 40 miles south). You and Bob are awsome together.

Down to business- is there anyone that you looked up to and modeled yourself after in the commentator world? What made you want to get in the commentating business? And could you possibly share your thoughts and any anecdotes about possibly the greatest commentator of all time in Chick Hearns (God, I miss his calls)? I loved the fact that he would really call out the players/team and hold them accountable when they were stinking it up and not putting forth 100% effort. I know that the players really listened to what he had to say and respected him, because that particular player or the team as a whole would always seem to get their act together not long after chick would point something out. Do you think some of that comes into play with the Kings players with what you and Bob say on the air? Do they even hear about what you guys say and/or care?
Thanks for everything you do for us fans Jim!

Jim,

Why does the NHL insist on making teams wear their dark jerseys for home games? Gets a little repetitive seeing visiting clubs to Staples always in white. In my opinion, every game in every sport the home team should wear their white jerseys. Of course this phenomena has been occuring even before the lockout and in the NFL, however is the NHL using this as a marketing strategy for the new Reebok jerseys?

Thank you for taking my question. You and Bob are great.

Jim,

Marcassin or Kosta Browne?

Hey Jim,

Quick question that I'm sure everyone is thinking about.. Would YOU ever consider coaching the Kings (or any team for that matter). I remember the good times you had for the LA Blades! You're perfect for the job!! Did you even apply?

Thanks,
Ryan

I think I speak on behalf of all Kings fans when I ask, "When is the technicolor suit coming back?"

Heya Jim!
First off I would like to thank you and Bob for the great job you do on a regular basis. It's great to hear an objective analysis to the game, rather than the "homer" type announcers, like the guys to the south.
So my question: Have you ever had any aspirations to coach in the NHL? (I heard there's a team in need of a coach... and no, I'm not talking about the Islanders)

Hey Jim,

It's been awhile since the Fantasy Camp in Palos Verdes. I have since moved to Destin, FL and I miss my LA Kings. Thank God for Center Ice.

Have you ever considered getting into coaching? You run great clinics and your "Mad Skills" still impress.

On another note. I am trying to build a rink here. There is not a sheet of Ice within 180 miles. Especially since the Pensacola Ice Pilots were booted from the ECHL. There will be no hockey in the area. Do you know anyone interested in backing me? Call me!!

Michael

Jim,

Keep up the GREAT work, and I think I speak for all Kings fans when I say I hope to have you and Bob on the Kings broadcasts for the next 20 years!

2 questions for you:

1) Any interest in coaching this team, or becoming a coach at all?

2) Which goalies do you see making the Kings team this year, assuming the Kings don't trade for one (which I believe they have to do).

Jim, thank you for teaching me the game of hockey.

Assuming that you watch hockey games for pleasure, do you watch it differently than when you are doing it for work? There's so much action on the screen, what do you focus on?

Who was your favorite teammate(s)? Your favorite current player? You8r thoughts on the addition of Stoll and Greene and loss of Cammy and Vis?

Jim,
Do you plan on any altercations with Ottawa coaches this season?

From KQ949

Jim,

I'm afraid that DL will sqaulsh Teubert's toughness and grit like he did Jack Johnson if he makes the team. With one of the issues being lack of "toughness" and aggressive play, do you think this is the right thing to do to a kid that thrives playing this way? Won't it also soften his spirit?

Jim,
Thanks for making every game an enjoyable listen...even when we're losing.

What are your feelings on Jonathan Bernier? Do you think he has a good shot to make the team this year, and how high do you think his ceiling is?

Hi Jim,

What are your favorite "hang-outs" in the South Bay? Also, besides the great weather and proximity to the beach, why do so many players past and present choose to live here?

Jim,
Are you ever going to show up to the Kings 5K run or are you going to let Daryl Evans keep going till he drops?

Hey Jim,

How hard is to constanly cover a team that is not in the playoff picture by December, escpecially with the cross town rivald, being a consistent cup contender in recent years? As a Kings fan, I know it is so hard to watch a team lose game after game, even if there is chance that in a couple of years we will finally be contender. (Even though it seems that they may never come)

Thanks

Hi Jim, what do you think the hold up is at the FCC regarding the Sirius/XM merger? I have Sirius and cannot get the hockey package since the NHL went to XM. The proposed merger is over a year old! And the DOJ has already approved it! Whats going on????

Jim:

If you were to pick our next Coach, who would it be? Or, what kind of coach would it be, maybe referencing other NHL coaches that are already under contract with other teams?

Hi Jim,

The Kings future will rest on the shoulders of Bernier, Zatkoff or Quick (whoever wins out) and our young crop of blueliners: Johnson, Hickey, Doughty, Teubert, Voinov, Martinez, Campbell, etc. Assuming 4 or 5 of these players make it, considering their raw inexperience, do you foresee a major problem going forward with so many young defenders? In my estimation, this group (although talented) couldn't reasonably "contend for a Cup" for at least another 4 or 5 years due to the lack of veteran leadership (and I don't mean guys like Preissing and Modry). Am I wrong? Or has the NHL shifted to a "young man's game" and we should be fine?

I bring this up because I think a lot of fans are under the impression that we'll contend for a Cup sooner. You're thoughts...

Jim,
There has been some speculation on message boards that you might be a good choice for the next Los Angeles Kings head coach. There have been a couple of successful coaches come out of the broadcast booth in other sports. Have you ever considered going into the coaching profession?

#1-Do you remember in your first (or second) season of broadcasting you described a five-hole goal by Cam Neely by saying "Cam 'Neeler' goes 'tweenies"? Had me dying laughing, but it also endeared the rookie broadcaster with the nervous energy. You've come a long way!

#2- Any other gaffes, big or small, on air/off air, that you recall fondly in hindsight?

if offered the job would you take the reigns as head coach?

I can tell you first hand that Foxy still plays hockey ... I have the bruises on my lower back from his cross checks to prove it! :) He still plays the game the same way: you get in his way, you're gonna pay the price! Whether your someone he's never met or an ex-teammate!

We love you Foxy! But its time to take it down a notch! My bones and muscles aren't what they used to be! :)

Jim - from Mark Seidel, the chief scout for North American Central Scouting, on the 2008 NHL draft:

"A+, Los Angeles Kings – When you begin the proceedings with the best defenseman in the draft, Drew Doughty, things are looking up. But the Kings consistently made tremendous picks that will help the franchise rebound from some tough times. Along with Doughty, the Kings got stud defensemen Colten Teubert and Vyateslav Voinov who will combine to give the Kings the best back end in four years; we all know how valuable stud defenders are. Not being satisfied with these picks, they also added the skilled Robert Czarnik and Andrei Loktionov along with the biggest winner in this draft, Justin Azevedo. All in all, the Kings did the best job at this year’s gathering and the future looks very bright in Tinsel town."

Did he go too far??

Jim,

Thanks for all you do. You are in a class above.

I think the new marketing campaign for the Kings this year should be "Believe".

Tell me, as long as you've been following the organization, does this game plan excite you moving forward or have you been down this road before?

I think I speak for all of us when I say there is a genuine fear that we are all going to be in the same boat as the clippers fans.

Jim,

I've heard some crazy hazing stories (of Kings rookies) from the past. Any you'd care to share with us?

Hey Jim,

It is no mystery that the Kings current roster lacks veteran leadership for the upcoming season. If Dean Lombardi can’t swing a deal for a veteran defenseman, how detrimental will it be to the development of this young defensive core? With highly regarded players like Doughty, Hickey, and Teubert likely to step in over the next few years, don’t you think too much responsibility early on may disrupt their maturity? Typically an NHL team introduces 1 or 2 rookies per season and as it stands now it looks like the Kings may need to regularly play at least 4, (Doughty, Boyle, Purcell, Moulson) Don’t get me wrong, I am excited for what the future has for this team, but developing a winning team isn’t done on potential alone. Somebody has to show these guys the ropes.

Jim,

Who would win in a cage match? You or Haywood?

How do you think Terry Murray will do as our NEW head coach???

Terry Murray? Rumor or truth?

Hi Jim! You and Bob are two of the greatest sportscasters of all time. Thanks for calling the games and making hem enjoyable to watch.

Question:

1. Can you give us some insight into locking up restricted free agents ala Patrick O'Sullivan? What's everyone waiting for? Why the delay?

2. In your opinion, did Dean drop the ball on the Rob Blake issue? Do you think Rob's number should be retired?

3. Will you be checking out any Ontario Reign games? If you do, I recommend going a little further to Redlands and eating at Joe Greensleeves. They have an awesome wine selection and the chef is impressive.

4. I just had my first and hopefully last ACL reconstruction and know you've had your share of knee problems. Do you ever feel normal once you healed? I'm hoping to play again but don't have the King's access to round the clock therapy.

Thanks

Hey Jim, From what you hear around the league, does any of the ufa's even want to play for the Kings right now? We had tons of chances to get guys that would fit and we ended up empty. I know we have the money so why are we empty handed? No Stewy, no Blake, why not make a half hearted effort to get Smith? It's bad luck to have a letter on your jersey. We lost our captain and all three assistants, who will wear them this season?

Rich,

Any truth to the Terry Murray story from ESPN?

Thanks for all the effort.

so I have been in los angeles for 26 years , and a season ticket holder for 20 or so. But I grew up in Ottawa and followed your career there. Partly cause I was friends with Blake and Scott Dunlop since we were 4. When I moved here I decided to become a King's fan and let go of my adoration for all things Canadien, because i wanted my son to be able to cheer for his home team , not my favorite team. Which brings me to this: I sincerely believe that aeg intends to move this franchise to Kansas City, and that it will happen in the next 3-4 years , just as the team is truly ready to make a splash..therby building a strong fan base in KC (JUST LIKE DENVER... A LA THE AVALANCHE/NORDIQUES) I am wondering what your thoughts are about this. Because frankly I am a HOCKEY fan and a Kings fan, so I am not that concerned about salaries or cap space or even winning the cup..I enjoy going to the game , being with my son and sharing a bond....so the only thing that would really annoy me, would be to have taken my thousands of dollars and then stab me in the back. so?

Globe & Mail in Canada says it's truth:

http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080715.wsptkings15/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home

Looks like Terry Murray is on his way...

Quisp - obviously it is a rumor until the papers are signed. But if it turns out to be true, I am not sure what to think. Sounds like Mr. Lombardi is just going with what is familiar, not what is best. This isn't new, this isn't the new Kings. I thought Lombardi was an out-of-the-box thinker. Taylor showed more imagination when he hired Andy Murray.

Jim,

What is your best hockey memories as a player in the NHL?

What is is your favorite hockey memory as a broadcaster?

What players did you idolize growing up and did you ever get to play with or against any of your childhood favorites?

Thank you for your hard work, dedication and passion for the Kings and hockey in general.

1) Are you more a fan of the thicker, rich, berry forward wines that seem to be more popular in California? I love CA wines, but they sometimes seem to put almost too much emphasis on the sweet and not enough on the complexity...
2) Any thoughts on a truly great winery experience you've had? Great winery tour, friendly tasting room, etc?
3) Are you a member of any wine clubs?
4) What's your favorite wine? The ultimate, best wine you've ever had.

Foxy,

When are the Kings going to sign Brian Cooke? He's right here in our backyard. Sign him and play him in Ontario.

Well in that case have a great time up in Paso. I compiled a short list of MUST see wineries. Cheers!
1. Booker Vineyards
2. Linne Calodo
3. L'Aventure
4. Hug Cellars
5. Tablas Creek