A South Korean independent hockey club said Tuesday it has established the foundation for exchange with the reigning National Hockey League (NHL) champion Los Angeles Kings.

The Waves, the Seoul-based hockey team founded in 2012, said its playing coach, Yoon Kuk-il, recently met with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in Seoul.

According to Waves officials, Yoon presented Garcetti, a self-proclaimed "crazy fan" of the Kings, with a Waves jersey.

During their meeting, Garcetti offered to help the Waves establish relationships with minor league affiliates of the Kings or other independent hockey clubs in the region, officials here said. 

The mayor also said he would arrange for Waves players to attend a Kings' game if they ever visit Los Angeles, according to Waves officials.

In June, the Kings defeated the New York Rangers in five games to claim their second Stanley Cup in three seasons.

During his trip to South Korea, Garcetti also presented the Kings' jerseys to the U.S. troops stationed here.

Kim Hong-il, president of the Waves, expressed his gratitude for Garcetti's generosity and said he'd like to offer the mayor a position as the Waves' honorary owner. (Yonhap)