With the 2024-25 NHL season drawing to a close, the initial class of inductees into the Hockeywood Wall of Fame is now complete.
For those unfamiliar, the Hockeywood Wall of Fame is located at the Toyota Performance Center in El Segundo (also home to the Kings practice facility). It’s a multimedia display designed to showcase local heroes selected for their community work. Honorees are initially nominated for induction by other Kings fans through the Hockeywood website. This initial class were all chosen for the nature of their contributions. Those selected were rewarded with a Kings jersey, an engraved memento to memorialize the honor, as well as tickets to see the Kings play at Crypto.com Arena.
In partnership with the Kings, longtime sponsor Mercury Insurance helps drive the program; with both parties highly motivated to “celebrate ordinary people who make an extraordinary impact” in their communities throughout Southern California.
Over the course of the 2024-25 season, 13 of these everyday heroes claimed a spot in the Mercury Insurance Hockeywood Wall of Fame. In each case, the honorees were deemed community heroes who do amazing things for their neighbors, often without being recognized for their efforts.
“Every community is home to heroes who don’t get the recognition they deserve,” said Erik Thompson, VP and CMO for Mercury Insurance. “They are what make our communities great, and we wanted to say thank you for everything they do to help make Los Angeles a better place to live.”
Included in the first class of Hockeywood Wall of Fame inductees were multiple entrepreneurs giving back through humanitarian deeds; several educators and volunteers; a pair of first responders who made a sizable impact during the LA fires, and a teen who has recycled more than 105 tons of trash found on LA beaches.
During the group’s gathering at the Kings regular season finale, they shared their experiences with one another and met with Kings President Luc Robitaille, as well as received a visit from Bailey, the team’s mascot.
“Induction into the Hockeywood Wall of Fame isn’t about hockey; it’s about resilience, purpose, and staying rooted in the belief that one person can spark change,” said Kendal Troutman, Hockeywood Inductee and Founder of Thru Guidance Ministries. “Being in a room with so many others who are also deeply committed to their communities was both humbling and energizing. Each person carried a story of impact, sacrifice and heart — and it reminded me that while our paths may be different, our purpose is shared.”
There’s still more to come, though.
“We will continue to add new inductees throughout the year, even in the offseason,” added Thompson. “I encourage everyone to nominate their heroes so we can continue to honor and recognize those who make LA great.”
Here’s a brief recap of this season’s honorees:
Ryan Hickman – Founder of Ryan’s Recycling, Ryan collaborates with the LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks in beach cleanup initiatives, emphasizing environmental sustainability.
Khloe Thompson – Founder of Khloe Kares, Khloe is a young philanthropist recognized for her efforts in aiding the homeless community.
Kathey Haas – Joining spcaLA as a volunteer in 2001, Kathey has been fostering cats since the day she completed her orientation. Over the years, Kathey has opened her home to nearly 600 spcaLA cats and kittens, taking care of them until they were ready to be adopted.
Helen Wang – Helen is an author and speaker focusing on China’s middle class, contributing insights into global economic shifts.
Jean Mendoza – Jean is an advocate for indigenous education, working to integrate accurate Native American histories into early learning.
Kendal Troutman – Kendal is Founder of the 24 Degrees of Color program and was the first honoree inducted into the Hockeywood Wall of Fame for promoting diversity in hockey.
Nancy Alcarez – Nancy serves as Director of the Mi Casa after school program director + Little Tokyo Service Center.
Chris Sweeney – Chris owns and operates Right Mealz, a meal prep company and brick and mortar in Long Beach.
Nick Rose – Nick is a LAFD captain who is stationed at station 9 in LA. LA Station 9 is the skid row fire station and happens to be the busiest fire station in the entire country.
Justine Vargas – Justine is a dispatcher for Los Angeles County Fire who worked throughout the Palisades and Eaton Fires, helping to direct sending units and water drops.
Erin Maxick – Erin is the founder of The Little Zoo in Los Angeles, a non-profit organization that offers low- to no-cost visits with their animal family for specific communities.
Lisa Monie-Peralta – A longtime teacher at Griffith Middle School in Downey, Lisa is responsible for the school adopting the STEAM curriculum, creating its gifted program and making the school a safe place for all students.
Maxine Sealey – Maxine is the founder of Sharing Love With Others, a nonprofit that serves warm meals, water, medical supplies and clothing to the homeless community of Skid Row.
Fans interested in learning more about the Mercury Insurance Hockeywood Wall of Fame can visit the program’s official website here. Nominations for future honorees can also be submitted at that site.
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