Kings will retire jersey of ex-BGSU player Blake

Los Angeles Kings' Rob Blake in action in 1998.

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Kings will retire Hall of Fame defenseman Rob Blake’s No. 4 jersey on Jan. 17.

Blake played at Bowling Green State University. The Stanley Cup champions announced the honor Monday.

Blake played 14 of his 20 NHL seasons with the Kings, including six seasons as their captain. The seven-time All-Star won the franchise's first Norris Trophy in 1998 and became the club leader in games played, goals, and assists by a defenseman.

The former fourth-round draft pick finished his career in San Jose in a move that irked many Kings fans. He has since returned to Los Angeles as the club's assistant general manager.

Blake will be honored before a home game against Anaheim. He is the sixth Kings player to have his number retired.