L.A. Kings take Stanley Cup to favorite Hermosa Beach hangout

It didn't take long for the Los Angeles Kings to bring the Stanley Cup to their favorite bar.

Just hours after the team claimed its first-ever championship with a 6-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Monday night, the celebration was on at the North End Bar & Grill in Hermosa Beach. Owner John Courts said the entire team, their families and some Kings employees gathered for a private celebration — and brought their trophy with them.

"The Stanley Cup was on the bar," Courts said. "To see it in the house, to touch it, it's just special…. I'm really speechless."

Nearly all of the Kings players live in the South Bay, and they train at a practice facility in El Segundo. The team has been hanging out at the North End since 2008, and locals say the players love to mingle with their neighbors, play in beach volleyball tournaments and help out with charity events.

In addition to the Stanley Cup, goaltender Jonathan Quick brought his Conn Smythe trophy to the victory party at the North End. Quick won the award as the playoff's most valuable player.

Courts said he had "no idea" the Kings would take their celebration to his bar, but he got a call early Tuesday telling him the players were on their way.

"It was amazing, it was beyond anything," Courts said. "Just tell the world these guys are really great."

ALSO:

L.A. Kings: Drinking chocolate milk out of the Stanley Cup

Stanley Cup: L.A. Kings parade, rally planned for Thursday

L.A. Kings fans still aglow over Stanley Cup: 'It wasn't a dream'

-- Sam Allen

Photo: Center Anze Kopitar show Los Angeles Kings fans an up-close look at the Stanley Cup afer they defeated the New Jersey Devils 6-1 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at Staples Center. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times