Jim Fox – Los Angeles Kings Legend Celebrates 40 Years with the Franchise
Jim Fox has been a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Kings organization for over four decades. Starting as a first-round draft pick (10th overall) in 1980, Fox played 10 seasons with the Kings before transitioning to the broadcast booth. He’s served as the team’s television color commentator since 1990. His impressive dual career has made him one of the most recognizable voices in Kings history, providing expert analysis through two Stanley Cup championships.
The former right winger’s playing career included 477 games for Los Angeles, during which he tallied 186 goals and 293 assists for 479 points. Fox’s best season came in 1984-85 when he recorded 68 points (30 goals, 38 assists) in 77 games. Standing at just 5’8″, Fox didn’t let his smaller stature prevent him from making a significant impact on the ice. He utilized his speed and hockey intelligence to become a fan favorite.
Beyond hockey, Fox has expanded his interests to include winemaking. He co-founded Patiné Cellars, which specializes in single vineyard designate wines. His long-standing connection to the Kings organization represents a rare continuity in professional sports. He has witnessed and contributed to the franchise’s evolution from struggling underdog to champion.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jim Fox’s journey to becoming a prominent figure in hockey began in a small Canadian town and was shaped by his exceptional performance in junior hockey, which eventually led to his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings.
Coniston Childhood
Jim Fox was born on May 18, 1960, in Coniston, Ontario, Canada. This small mining community near Sudbury provided the backdrop for Fox’s early development as a hockey player.
Growing up in northern Ontario, Fox followed the typical Canadian path of learning to skate almost as soon as he could walk. The harsh winters and frozen ponds of Coniston offered perfect conditions for developing hockey skills.
Fox showed natural talent from an early age, standing out in local youth leagues. His speed and offensive instincts were evident even in his early teens, catching the attention of scouts from junior hockey programs.
OMJHL Success
Fox’s junior career took off when he joined the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League (OMJHL). His time with the 67’s proved to be transformative for his development as a player.
During his junior career, Fox established himself as an elite offensive talent. His ability to create scoring chances and finish plays made him one of the most dangerous forwards in the league.
Fox’s OMJHL Statistics
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977-78 | Ottawa 67’s | 68 | 47 | 91 | 138 |
| 1978-79 | Ottawa 67’s | 70 | 59 | 77 | 136 |
His impressive production in junior hockey caught the attention of NHL scouts. The Los Angeles Kings selected Fox in the first round (10th overall) of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, recognizing his potential to become an impact player at the professional level.
Los Angeles Kings Playing Career
Jim Fox spent his entire NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings, establishing himself as one of the franchise’s most impactful players of the 1980s. His tenure with the Kings was marked by impressive offensive production, thrilling moments, and unfortunately, career-altering injuries.
Drafting and Early Impact
The Los Angeles Kings selected Jim Fox in the first round (10th overall) of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. The right-winger from Coniston, Ontario made an immediate impact during his rookie season in 1980-81, appearing in 71 games and recording 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists).
Fox’s sophomore campaign showed his true potential. During the 1981-82 season, he nearly doubled his offensive output with 68 points (30 goals, 38 assists) in 77 games. His offensive instincts, combined with exceptional speed and playmaking ability, made him a cornerstone of the Kings’ offensive attack.
The young forward quickly earned a reputation for his ability to create scoring chances, using his agility to navigate through defenders.
Career Highs and Memorable Moments
Fox reached his statistical peak during the mid-1980s, becoming one of the Kings’ most reliable offensive threats. His best statistical season came in 1984-85 when he tallied 83 points, showcasing his development into an elite NHL forward.
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980-81 | 71 | 18 | 25 | 43 | 0 |
| 1981-82 | 77 | 30 | 38 | 68 | -15 |
| 1984-85 | 79 | 30 | 53 | 83 | -5 |
Fox was a key contributor during the “Miracle on Manchester” in 1982, when the Kings completed the largest comeback in NHL playoff history against the Edmonton Oilers. His speed and creativity made him a fan favorite at the Forum, where his ability to generate offense from seemingly impossible situations became his trademark.
Despite playing on Kings teams that often struggled in the standings, Fox maintained impressive individual production.
Injury and Early Retirement
Fox’s promising career took a devastating turn due to persistent knee problems. After several productive seasons, his knee issues began severely limiting his ability to utilize his greatest asset – his speed.
The injuries forced Fox to miss significant playing time. He underwent multiple surgeries and rehabilitation attempts, but the knee problems continued to plague him throughout the latter part of his career with the Kings.
By 1990, at just 29 years old, Fox was forced to retire from professional hockey. His final NHL statistics show 578 games played, all with Los Angeles, accumulating 479 points (186 goals, 293 assists).
Fox’s early retirement represents one of hockey’s unfortunate “what-if” scenarios, as his trajectory suggested potential for even greater achievements had injuries not derailed his playing career.
Transition to Broadcasting
After hanging up his skates, Jim Fox made a seamless transition to the broadcast booth, though the journey wasn’t without its challenges. His analytical mind and deep understanding of hockey provided a solid foundation for his second career with the Los Angeles Kings.
Working Alongside Bob Miller
Jim Fox began his broadcasting career partnered with legendary Kings play-by-play announcer Bob Miller. This partnership would span decades, becoming one of the most respected duos in NHL broadcasting.
Fox struggled initially with the transition. “I am fortunate that the people at FOX and the Kings stayed with me early on because the transition for me was not natural at all,” he admitted.
The Miller-Fox tandem developed remarkable chemistry over the years. Miller’s smooth play-by-play complemented Fox’s technical analysis perfectly. They covered numerous memorable Kings moments together, including the team’s first Stanley Cup championship in 2012.
Their partnership lasted until Miller’s retirement in 2017, giving Kings fans a consistent broadcast voice for generations.
Developing a Unique Style
Fox developed a distinctive broadcasting style characterized by detailed analysis and technical explanations that educate viewers without talking down to them.
His approach focuses on breaking down complex hockey concepts into digestible information. Fox’s ability to spot developing plays seconds before they happen became his trademark skill in the booth.
In 2023, the Kings organization made a significant change to their broadcast format. The team moved to a singular broadcast team for television and radio, with Fox working alongside longtime Kings radio announcer Nick Nickson in a television/radio simulcast.
This new format showcases Fox’s adaptability and continued evolution as a broadcaster. However, change is coming again as Nick Nickson announced his retirement for the 2024-25 season, marking another transition point in Fox’s broadcasting journey.
Legacy and Influence
Jim Fox’s impact on hockey extends far beyond his playing days with the Los Angeles Kings. His contributions have helped shape the sport’s culture in Southern California while creating pathways for future generations of players.
Promoting Hockey Culture in Los Angeles
Fox has been part of the Kings organization for four decades, transitioning from player to broadcaster with remarkable ease. As the Kings’ television color commentator, his analytical approach has educated countless fans about hockey’s nuances, making the sport more accessible to casual viewers.
His influence extends beyond broadcasting. Fox cleverly blended his hockey expertise with his passion for wine, co-founding a wine business in 2011. This entrepreneurial venture helped showcase hockey personalities as multidimensional figures to the Los Angeles market.
Fox’s consistent presence during Kings broadcasts has provided stability through championship runs and rebuilding years alike. His technical breakdowns and thoughtful commentary have elevated telecasts beyond simple play-by-play.
Impacting Future Generations
Fox’s commitment to growing hockey at the grassroots level stands among his most important contributions. His support of the Kings High School Hockey League has created competitive opportunities for young players throughout Southern California.
The former Kings forward regularly participates in youth hockey clinics, sharing techniques and wisdom gained through his professional career. His approachable demeanor makes him particularly effective when working with developing players.
Fox’s foundation work has focused on removing barriers to hockey participation, including equipment drives and scholarship programs for underprivileged youth. These initiatives reflect his understanding that hockey’s future depends on accessibility.
His analytical approach to broadcasting has inspired a generation of hockey commentators who prioritize education and insight over hyperbole. Many current analysts cite Fox’s influence on their communication style.
Life Beyond the Ice
Jim Fox has built a remarkable post-hockey career that extends far beyond his broadcasting work with the Kings. His ventures into wine and philanthropy showcase his diverse talents and deep commitment to giving back.
Wine Entrepreneurship with Patiné Cellars
In 2011, Fox partnered with Dean Nucich to establish Patiné Cellars, a boutique winery specializing in high-quality Pinot Noir. The name “Patiné” reflects Fox’s hockey background, meaning “to have skated” in French—a clever nod to his NHL career.
Fox’s approach to winemaking mirrors the dedication he showed on the ice. Working with renowned vineyards in California, Patiné produces limited quantities of premium wines that have earned critical acclaim in the wine community.
The former Kings forward has become a legitimate wine connoisseur, regularly hosting tasting events and wine pairing dinners around Southern California. His passion project has transitioned from hobby to respected business venture.
Community Engagement and Charitable Work
Fox’s commitment to charity work has been substantial throughout his post-playing career. As a longtime Kings ambassador, he’s been heavily involved with the team’s community outreach programs and the Kings Foundation.
His philanthropic efforts focus particularly on youth hockey development and education initiatives across Southern California. Fox regularly appears at charity events, youth clinics, and fundraisers.
Notable charitable activities include:
- Annual Jim Fox Golf Tournament: Raising funds for youth hockey programs
- Kings Care Foundation: Active board member supporting healthcare and education
- Hockey Development Clinics: Mentoring young players throughout LA
Fox’s genuine approach to community service has made him one of the most respected figures in Kings history, both on and off the ice.
Jim Fox’s Status in the NHL
Jim Fox carved out a significant place in NHL history through his playing career and continued influence with the Los Angeles Kings organization. His contributions both on and off the ice have established his legacy in professional hockey.
Player Profile and Statistics
Jim Fox, a skilled right winger, was drafted 10th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. He stood at 5’8″ and weighed 180 pounds. Fox wasn’t the most imposing physical presence, but he compensated with exceptional speed and technical skill.
During his 10-year NHL career (1980-1990), Fox compiled impressive numbers despite knee injuries. His statistics showcase a player with genuine offensive talent:
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | Los Angeles Kings | 578 | 186 | 293 | 479 | 446 |
Fox’s best season came in 1984-85 when he notched 30 goals and 53 assists for 83 points in 79 games. His career was unfortunately cut short by knee problems, which forced his retirement at age 29.
Comparison With Modern-Day Players
In today’s NHL, Fox’s playing style would align with skilled smaller forwards who excel in speed and puck handling rather than physical dominance. Modern comparisons might include players who leverage hockey IQ and acceleration rather than size.
Unlike today’s NHL prospects, Fox played in an era with fewer specialized training methods and medical treatments. If he played today, modern advancements might have extended his career.
Fox’s salary during his playing days pales in comparison to today’s contracts. While top Kings players like Drew Doughty now command $11 million annually, Fox earned a fraction of that amount during his prime years.
His technical skills would translate well to today’s game, where speed and puck movement are premium attributes. However, the defensive responsibilities for wingers have evolved significantly since Fox’s playing days.
