Los Angeles Kings apologize for Armenian History night controversy

The Los Angeles Kings have issued an apology for a mistake that marred the NHL club’s annual Armenian History Night celebration.

The team handed out scarves to fans during the Kings’ 5-3 win over the Utah Hockey Club on Feb. 22.

The scarves were made in Turkey, which has been a historic enemy of Armenia for more than a century, dating back to atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire in World War 1.

“We, the LA Kings and our partners at Rank & Rally want to sincerely apologize to all our friends in the Armenian Community and beyond for the oversight that may have inadvertently impacted your experience during what should’ve been a joyous celebration,” the Kings said in a statement. “We source, stock and sell merchandise from a select list of manufacturers that are officially licensed by the league, and we were unaware of the item’s production origin.”

More than a million Armenians perished in death marches, massacres and deportations that began in 1915 in what many consider to be an act of genocide. Turkey has rejected that characterization.

The Los Angeles area is home to the world’s largest Armenian community outside Armenia.

The Kings are offering refunds or exchanges for anyone who purchased the scarves from the TEAM LA store.