Veteran Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar celebrated what is expected to be his final NHL appearance in Montreal with heartfelt words for the historic venue he calls his favourite hockey arena. The emotional moment occurred during the Kings' visit to face the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
A Special Ceremonial Puck Drop
The evening began with a poignant pre-game ceremony that honored Second World War veterans. Corporal Anne McNamara, assisted by Sergeant Florence Regimbald-Roy, and Flying Officer Howard McNamara, assisted by Corporal Samuel Namgung, participated in the ceremonial puck drop. They were joined by Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki and Kings captain Anze Kopitar, creating a powerful moment that bridged generations of Canadian heroes.
The ceremony took place at the Bell Centre, an arena that holds special significance for the veteran Kings forward. For Kopitar, this visit marked what is anticipated to be his last professional appearance in the iconic Montreal venue as he approaches the twilight of his illustrious NHL career.
Kopitar's Emotional Farewell to Montreal
Following the game, Kopitar shared his deep affection for the Montreal hockey experience. "My favourite rink," the Slovenian center declared, encapsulating years of memories playing in one of hockey's most storied buildings. His words carried particular weight given his extensive career and the knowledge that this likely represented his final competitive appearance in the city.
The November 11th date added additional significance to the occasion, falling on Remembrance Day when Canadians honor military veterans. The combination of the ceremonial puck drop featuring actual Second World War veterans and Kopitar's potential farewell created an emotionally charged atmosphere throughout the arena.
Legacy of Respect Between Opponents
The mutual respect between Kopitar and the Montreal organization was evident throughout the evening. As one of the NHL's most respected veterans, Kopitar has maintained a strong relationship with the Canadiens and their fans over his many visits to the city.
His acknowledgment of the Bell Centre as his preferred playing venue speaks volumes about the unique atmosphere Montreal provides for hockey. The city's passionate fan base and rich hockey tradition have long made it a favourite destination for players around the league, and Kopitar's comments reinforce this special status.
While the game itself represented another chapter in the Kings-Canadiens rivalry, the overarching story became Kopitar's respectful farewell to a city and arena that have meant so much to his career. His words and the evening's ceremonies created a memorable intersection of hockey history, military honor, and professional respect.
