LOS ANGELES — Francisco X. Rivera is the LA Kings broadcaster, and calling a Kings game means two very distinct things.

One, it is about providing entertainment and information for Spanish-speaking fans of a sport he has known all his life. 

“When I was little, I used to play Nintendo with my dad and we got this ice hockey game," Rivera said. "We used to play it all the time and I loved it. That was my first introduction to hockey.”

And two, it is about doing his best to bring exposure to new fans — introducing them to a sport that has not always been the most inclusive to those who look like him.

“For you to have more Mexican kids on the ice you need to have a future for them, you need to have some inspiration," Rivera explained. "So, I think the league has noticed that."

It is a thought that the entire National Hockey League has been pushing for the last few years — hoping to bring in new fans and expand the game.

For some it starts with getting more Hispanic players involved because while leagues like the NBA have had stars such as Pau Gasol or Manu Ginobili, who have prospered in Latino heavy markets, the NHL has not had a star like that yet come through its ranks.

For longtime Kings fans like David Villa — who's had season tickets for almost 20 years — the lack of representation and the lack of access to the game are two primary reasons many young Latinos don't grow up as hockey fans themselves.

“Hockey is sort of an expensive sport to play. You can’t just run outside and play hockey," Villa said. "Plus we’re not exposed to it just being out here in California.”

It is a big reason why the LA Kings and Rivera have focused on expanding their reach, but to bring in fans and new players they first have to provide access, whether that be locally or in places like Mexico City.

“Working with our Latin American partners, finding a good ice rink to work with," Rivera explained. "We established our Mexico City Junior Kings programs and recently had our first clinic there.”

Last month, Rivera joined the club for a youth clinic in his hometown of Mexico City. During the clinic, the Kings welcomed about 100 local youth for a free clinic, an extension of the youth programs they offer throughout Southern California to teach youth the game. 

For Rivera and Villa, it cannot stop there. For older potential fans, it is important to reel them in to actual live action.

“Once you go to a hockey game, you’re changed," Villa said. "I've brought dozens of people to their first hockey game and we’re exposing them to it at the Staples Center. Not one has not liked it, they love it.”

The goal is to get more fans inside the building and send an inclusive message that hockey can and does fit into their culture.

“I believe that when you spread the word and more people see, that’s what really helps," Rivera said.

A strong belief there is room on the ice for everyone.