Sports stats



Fit to be King

August 28, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Long Beach Ice Dogs News Release


LONG BEACH, Calif. - The Long Beach Ice Dogs announced today that Head Equipment Manager / Medical Trainer Bobby Walls has been named the Rehabilitation Trainer with the Los Angeles Kings.

Walls has been a staple with the Ice Dogs organization since 1999, as he served at various capacities over his seven year tenure in Long Beach. The Torrance, CA native spent two years as the Ice Dogs Assistant Athletic Trainer (1999-2001) and then was promoted to Head Athletic Trainer. Bobby has also served as Head Equipment Manager on several occasions through his stay in Long Beach.

"I grew up a Kings fan," said Walls. "It would be like growing up in Montreal and being drafted by the Canadians. I grew up watching Dave "Tiger" Williams and Dave Taylor. It will be an honor to work for the Kings. It is a dream situation for sure."

Walls isn't the only Ice Dog that has made it all the way to the National Hockey League.

Stanley Cup Champion Nikolai Khabibulin, Patrik Stefan, and former Ice Dogs Head Coach John Van Boxmeer, to name a few, have all made it to the NHL from Long Beach. Bobby credits a lot of his success to Coach Van Boxmeer.

"John Van Boxmeer gave me the chance in Long Beach," said Walls. "He gave me my first professional hockey job as an un-certified trainer. I would not be with the Kings today if John hadn't believed in me from day one. I thank him for that."

The Los Angeles Kings are very familiar with Bobby. Walls has spent several off seasons assisting the King's Medical Staff at the Toyota Center in El Segundo where many NHL players work out and skate before the start of the season. Bobby may be moving to the Staples Center, but he will never forget the Ice Dogs.

"I look forward to going down to Long Beach and enjoying some games from the stands," said Walls. "I would like to thank all the fans, the Booster Club, my staff, the Kemp Family, and the new ownership for this opportunity. I will always be an Ice Dog."

Opening night is Friday, October 20th, versus the Idaho Steelheads at 7:30 PM. Season tickets for the 2006-07 season are on sale now, and can be secured by depositing just $100 per seat. Call (562) ICE-DOGS for visit www.icedogs.com for more information.

• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...

ECHL Stories from August 28, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central