From Lindstrom to Los Angeles: Meet Blake Lizotte

You may have heard about the newcomer turning heads for the LA Kings this season: No. 46 Blake Lizotte.
The undrafted 21-year-old center from Lindstrom, Minnesota signed with the Kings at the end of last season after completing his sophomore year at St. Cloud State.
After playing in one NHL game last season and making the Kings Opening Night roster this season, the rookie had the opportunity to return home and play in front of his family and friends on Saturday. As the Kings visited the Xcel Energy Center to face the Minnesota Wild, Lizotte was given the opportunity to take it all in as his teammates let him take the ice for a few solo warm up laps.

"It's pretty surreal," Lizotte said to
The Athletic.
"If you'd told me a year ago you'd be in my shoes, I'd say, 'No way.' A lot has happened in the last year. So, it's all surreal every day for me. It's something that I've been dreaming about."
Lizotte had over 500 members of his community in attendance - from the hockey association to family and friends. Though the Kings didn't come out with a win, the game offered the Lizotte family a lifelong memory.
"To have all my friends and family and supporters there was pretty cool with all the signs and everything. That's the experience I'll forever be grateful for," Lizotte said. "I'm a competitor, so when we lose, it's hard to take the positive out of it. But it's like a dream come true to play here."

Get to know Blake Lizotte:
- Instagram handle: @blizotte46 - Pets: Dog, Puggle named Bauer - Favorite food: Poke bowls - Favorite activities outside of hockey: Golf and guitar - Favorite podcast: Spittin' Chiclets - Last binge-watched show: Mindhunter - Favorite song: Chapters by Brett Young - Favorite band: Old Dominion - Favorite movie: Happy Gilmore - Best summer memory: Banff hiking trip - Dream vacation: Bora Bora - Favorite charity: Roo's Rescue for Dogs