NHL postpones Kings home game with several wildfires burning
THE NHL postponed the Los Angeles Kings‘ home match against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, several massive wildfires still burning in the greater Los Angeles area.
The Kings and Flames were scheduled to play Wednesday night at the Kings’ downtown arena. The NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers are expected to host the Charlotte Hornets in the same arena on Thursday night.
“Our hearts go out to our entire Los Angeles community,” the Kings said. “We appreciate the hard work of the first responders working diligently to contain the fire and protect our community. We appreciate the league’s support in keeping our fans, staff, and players safe.”
The NFL is also paying close attention to the potential impact of the fires on both Los Angeles teams’ playoff preparations and the Rams’ playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings scheduled for Monday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Three major fires were burning Wednesday in parts of the sprawling Los Angeles metropolitan complex after two days of extraordinary winds. At least 70,000 people are under evacuation orders and more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed.
Related: Lakers coach JJ Redick says his family was evacuated due to LA wildfires
The Rams and Los Angeles Chargers both practice in non-fire-threatened areas, but both teams are monitoring air quality and its potential impact on their preparations.
The Chargers changed their practice schedule Wednesday to minimize their players’ time away on the El Segundo coast, while the Rams don’t return to practice until Thursday. The Chargers are on the road Saturday against the Houston Texans in the wild-card round.
The Rams said no players or staff have yet been affected by the fires. The team is headquartered in Woodland Hills, a neighborhood about 13 miles north of fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades but separated by the Santa Monica Mountains.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires,” Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp wrote on social media. “Thank you to the firefighters, first responders and everyone who is doing their best under unimaginable circumstances.”
At least two people were killed in the fire north of Pasadena, in another canyon several miles east of the venerable Rose Bowl.
The Kings said tickets for their postponed game would be valid for the rescheduled date, which has not yet been set.
2025-01-08 20:07:00
