Kyle Clifford on Anze Kopitar: 'You Respected the Way He Played'

Originally posted on Hockey Royalty | By Ryan Cowley | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 2:18 PM ET

Former LA Kings forward Kyle Clifford takes time to reflect on his career with soon-to-be-retired Anze Kopitar.

At the conclusion of this coming season, an era will end with the LA Kings. Anze Kopitar, the club’s captain and leader, will hang up his skates at season’s end. In doing so, he will be accomplishing the rare feat of playing his entire 20-year career with one organization. Nevertheless, Kopitar has laid a foundation on hockey in Los Angeles and is on the fast track to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

I recently spoke with Kyle Clifford, who was a teammate of Kopitar’s for a decade.

“It’s well known what an incredible career he had on the ice,” Clifford noted. “You just respected the way he played. There was zero cheat in his game. He’s probably a guy that could have put up even more points than he did – not that he didn’t put up a lot of points – but how that would have benefitted the team [even more].

“He was always defensively well-positioned. And look at some of the guys in the league that kind of cheat a little bit. But it doesn’t work out in terms of a team game. That’s not Kopi. Was just a guy that you respected the way he always played. He was consistent that way. He played hard. He’s a star in the league and gave it his best effort every night in terms of on the ice.”

As invaluable as Kopitar was on the ice, though, Clifford noted how privileged he was in getting to know the longtime Kings captain away from the rink – something he will take with him for the rest of his days.

“Just an all-around guy, incredible family,” Clifford emphasized. “Always welcoming to have everybody over at their house and between him and [Kopitar’s wife] Ines, those are the type of people that make it a family. I’m just thankful that I was able to play alongside him and watch him over the years, especially up front because it truly is special.

“He probably doesn’t get enough attention than he should get just being where he is in L.A. but I’m totally happy for him. He’s going to be a Hall-of-Famer, an incredible career, and just a good human being.”

Teammates from 2010 to 2020, Kyle Clifford and Anze Kopitar have shared a camaraderie. One that helped the long-suffering LA Kings win two Stanley Cups in three years. Both were equally as crucial to those ultimate victories. As he now looks back on his playing career as a retiree, Kyle Clifford holds the fondest memories of so many teammates throughout the years – and rightfully so.

Anze Kopitar is, for good reason, right at the top of that list.

This article first appeared on Hockey Royalty and was syndicated with permission.

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