The hockey club Los Angeles Kings has apologized to the Armenian community after it was revealed that scarves prepared for Armenian Heritage Night were manufactured in Turkey. This fact sparked a wave of discontent among Armenian fans, as Turkey plays a painful role in the history of the Armenian people.
In a joint statement, the club, its partner Rank & Rally, and the TEAM LA Store acknowledged the mistake and expressed regret over the situation. "We, the LA Kings and our partners at Rank & Rally, sincerely apologize to all our friends in the Armenian community and beyond for this oversight, which may have inadvertently affected your experience of an event that was meant to be a joyful celebration. We procure, store, and sell merchandise from a limited list of league-licensed manufacturers and were unaware of the origin of this item," the statement read.
Following criticism from Armenian fans and community leaders, TEAM LA Store announced that it would offer full refunds or the option to exchange the scarves. Returns can be made in person at the TEAM LA Store, which operates daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, as well as during Los Angeles Kings games. For those unable to visit the store, a prepaid return shipping label is available upon request via email at support@teamlastore.com.
This incident caused significant dissatisfaction within the Armenian community, as a souvenir meant to honor Armenian heritage was produced in a country with a complex historical relationship with Armenia. Many fans expressed their disappointment on social media, noting that such an oversight reflects a lack of cultural awareness.
While the apology and return policy help address the immediate issue, this case has once again raised questions about corporate responsibility and cultural sensitivity in the sports industry.
The traditional Armenian Heritage Night took place during an NHL game on February 20. Similar events are held in various cities across the United States in sports such as American football, soccer, baseball, hockey, and basketball. These events highlight Armenian history, feature Armenian music during intermissions, and showcase Armenian national dances.