I Am An LA Kings Hockey Fan - Going to a Play-Off Game

While I am not a particularly sports-minded person, by virtue of having 3 sons, sports have always been a part of my life.  Working in the snack stands, washing grass-stained uniforms, bringing treats for the team was all in a day's work.  Whether it was football, baseball, basketball or golf I took my place in the stands and loudly cheered while whispering little prayers that their team would win.

Today, many years later, I again found myself sitting in the stands cheering for one of their teams.  My second son, Michael, has been a part of the Los Angeles King's Hockey staff for many years and I have had the pleasure of attending my share of  games as a spectator, but today's game was special because the Kings were hoping to "sweep" the second round of play-off games...this round against the St. Louis Blues...in their attempt to ultimately capture the 2012 Stanley Cup.  Hockey games are always exciting and hockey fans are a rare, avid breed.  We reached the Staples Center in downtown LA well before the noon game so we could wander around LA Live and see all the pre-game activity.

LA Live is the Sports and Entertainment District that has been created around the Staples Center and the Nokia Theater.   It was filled with people getting into the play-off spirit, wearing King jerseys and other emblems of their team loyalty...even purple hair!

Kids were playing street hockey, 

Luc Robitaille's son was entertaining with his band, 

Jay even got to check out the new hybrid plug-in Prius on display.

The entire family supports the Kings and I was happy to see Joey who had driven up from San Diego with his buddy Nick to attend the game.

Nick and Joey

Gabriel, a die-hard King and Hockey fan, was sitting with his Uncle Marc.

Gabriel with Marc

Once in our seats Michael came to see us.  

Michael sporting his beard!

He, like the Kings' players and other staff members, is participating in a Beardathon...growing a beard throughout the playoffs and getting sponsors to contribute to the Kings Care Charity for their efforts.  Being a good Mom I supported this activity, just like I supported his jogathons when he was a young boy!

The game was fantastic and began immediately with the King's scoring a goal.

For the entire three periods the Kings were never behind and at the end, with the crowd going wild, the Kings did it, they won 3 - 1, sweeping the round by winning the first 4 games of the series and knocking out the first and second seeded teams in their conference.

Even Jay was excited!

Next they will advance to the Western Conference Finals.  

It was a lively day and an exciting game.  I cheered hard, I waved my King's towel and I even whispered a little prayer during the tense last 2 minutes.  While I was happy for the Kings, I have to admit that I was happier for Michael.  A mom always wants her son's team to win!