The Los Angeles Kings recognized firefighters and first responders at their first game back at their downtown arena since the devastating wildfires that destroyed much of Los Angeles.
The Kings were scheduled to play Calgary on January 8, but that game was postponed due to the fire. Los Angeles then played its next five games on the road before returning home.
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Kings wore LAFD caps during pregame warmups. Before the game, firefighters and first responders from various departments in the area were recognized at center ice.
The Kings replaced their traditional logo in the center of the ice with a graphic that pays homage to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
“It was humbling to see the men and women there. I don’t know. It just felt that way,” Kings coach Jim Hiller said of the ceremony. We only saw it from a distance, but it felt like these people were doing some really great things. And we do what we have to do within our own little bubbles. It brought to life something very personal to me and I’m really disappointed that I couldn’t have done more. ”
Los Angeles’ Anze Kopitar and Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby then had a ceremonial showdown with fire engineer Qian Yu.
The Kings were looking to extend their home winning streak, but they played one of their worst games of the year, losing 5-1 to the Penguins.
“They are putting their lives at risk for their communities and for our city, and we cannot thank them enough,” Kopitar said. I am confident that the city will come together to support those who have lost everything in every way possible, to do everything in our power to help them again, to get them back on their feet, to essentially rebuild. ”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris flew to Southern California to visit Altadena and vowed to help the community rebuild after the Eaton Fire. Robert Kovacik reports on NBC4 News on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 11:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan knew his team was in an emotionally charged situation and knew it was important to manage 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,” Sullivan said, adding, “Our team supports the efforts of the King family and would like to extend our support to the fire department and all first responders. “We recognize and appreciate their heroic deeds.” They are putting themselves at risk trying to help others. That’s bigger than any hockey game.”
Pittsburgh goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, who made 25 saves in the win and wore an LAFD shirt after the game, appreciated the amount of recognition firefighters and first responders received throughout the night.
“It means a lot to them and their families. I’m sure it means a lot to them for them to get some recognition because they’re just doing it out of the kindness of their hearts and other “I’m just trying to help people and be a good person. I’m very grateful to have people like that in our world,” he said.
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