Kings Honor Firefighters, First Responders During 1st Home Game Back After Wildfires
The Los Angeles Kings honored firefighters and first responders in the first game back in their downtown arena since the catastrophic wildfires that devastated large parts of Los Angeles.
The Kings were scheduled to face Calgary on January 8, but that game was postponed due to the fires. Los Angeles then played its next five games on the road before returning home.
Pre-Game Ceremony
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Kings wore LAFD caps during pre-game warmups. Firefighters and first responders from various departments in the region were honored at center ice before the game. The Kings replaced their traditional logo at center ice with a graphic paying tribute to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Coach’s Reaction
Kings coach Jim Hiller was visibly moved by the ceremony. "To see the guys out there and the gals, it was humbling. I don’t know. I just felt that way. I just felt like those people have been out there doing some pretty amazing things that we just saw a little bit from a long distance. And we’re in our own little bubble doing what we have to do. It brought it to life for me, pretty personal, and it’s just disappointing we couldn’t do more with it," he said.
Face-Off with Fire Engineer
Los Angeles’ Anze Kopitar and Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby then did a ceremonial face-off with Fire Engineer Chien Yu.
Post-Game Remarks
Kopitar acknowledged the sacrifice of the firefighters and first responders. "Those guys, you know, risk their lives for the community, for the city, and we can’t thank them enough. The city’s been going through some tough times, and, obviously, in situations like this, I’m sure the city is going to come together and help and pull their weight in every which way possible to the people that have lost everything and, again, try to help them out, get them on their feet and essentially rebuild."
Pittsburgh’s Perspective
Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan recognized the emotional atmosphere and the importance of managing the first 10 minutes of the game. "We knew it was going to be an emotional night in the building for all the right reasons. Our team is supportive of the endeavor with the Kings and acknowledging and recognizing the heroism of the fire department and all these first responders that are putting themselves in harm’s way to try to help people. That’s bigger than any hockey game."
Recognition and Appreciation
Pittsburgh goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, who made 25 saves in the win and wore an LAFD shirt after the game, appreciated the recognition the firefighters and first responders received throughout the night. "It means a lot to them and their families. For them to get some recognition, I’m sure it goes a long way for them because they’re just doing it out of the kindness of their hearts and trying to help other people and be good people. We’re very thankful to have people like that in our world," he said.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Kings’ game against the Pittsburgh Penguins was a special one, as it marked the return to their home arena after the devastating wildfires. The team honored firefighters and first responders with a pre-game ceremony, and the players and coaches spoke about the importance of recognizing their bravery and sacrifice.
FAQs
- When was the game postponed due to the wildfires? January 8
- How many games did the Kings play on the road before returning home? 5
- Who did the Kings wear LAFD caps with during pre-game warmups? The Pittsburgh Penguins
