The year 2025 marks the end of an era for several legendary faces in the world of hockey. Last year, Rangers broadcaster Sam Rosen announced his retirement after 40 years, leaving behind a massive void. However, Rosen isn’t the only famous broadcaster retiring this season. Recently, 71-year-old Kings broadcaster Nick Nickson also announced his retirement after 44 years of service.

The LA Kings will honor Nickson with a pre-game ceremony on April 1, 2025, before their matchup against the Winnipeg Jets at Crypto.com Arena. Fans will receive a commemorative poster to celebrate his iconic career.

Nickson’s retirement marks the conclusion of an illustrious 44-season career as the “Voice of the Kings.” Over the course of his career, he called over 4,300 professional games, including more than 3,800 with the Kings and nearly 500 in the AHL. He has been a fixture in Southern California for decades, earning numerous accolades, including the 2015 Foster Hewitt Award and induction into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2009.

Though he originally planned to retire sooner, Nickson, then 69 years of age, was called into a meeting with the Kings’ board in 2023, where they surprised him by requesting he simulcast the radio and TV calls for two more years. Reflecting on the delayed retirement, Nickson said, “Had it not been for the change, last year might have been my last.”

Despite contemplating retirement, Nickson accepted the challenge of simulcasting, ensuring the focus remained on the players. He said, “I told the two of them, ‘I’m at the point of my career where I want to do the games. Obviously, I want to do them well. But I want you two guys to be the stars of the show. So Jim, if you think you have something you want to talk about with Daryl, go right ahead,” he said as he accepted the challenge with both hands. he said as he accepted the challenge with both hands.

Although it has been a tough decision for Nickson to end his career, at 71, he wants to enjoy his post-retirement life. During an interview, he also revealed the actual reason behind his decision to call it quits.

The timing is right for Nick Nickson

Having served the Kings for close to half a century, the legendary broadcaster would leave a massive void to fill. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to broadcast, stating, “It has been an absolute privilege to bring the game to the listeners and viewers from one season to the next. Through it all, I have enjoyed calling every shot, every save, every goal, and two Stanley Cups. To my family and the Kings organization, thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty. To the great fans of Kings Hockey, thank you for your encouragement and kind words over the years. It has always meant the world to me.”

The fans have become used to hearing his voice during the Kings’ games, something which would be sorely missed after this season. Nonetheless, Nickson believed that it was the right time for him to retire.

He said, “I’m doing this on my own terms, which I’m grateful for. Some people around the league said, ‘Nick, why? You still sound so good.’ And yeah, I appreciate that. But I want to be able to enjoy doing what I want while I’m still healthy. The timing is right.”

Meanwhile, the Kings are in the second spot in the Pacific Division and are well-placed to make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It would be a dream ending if the Kings manage to win the Stanley Cup in Nickson’s final season as a broadcaster for the team and it would be the perfect sendoff for him. However, only time will tell if the Kings end their season on a high in Nickson’s farewell year.