L.A. fires: Kings arrive in Winnipeg with thoughts for those in fire-ravaged city
The Los Angeles Kings Begin Road Trip with Thoughts on California Wildfires
The Los Angeles Kings started an eight-day road trip in Winnipeg, with their minds on the devastating wildfires raging through California. Players have found it difficult to focus on hockey as multiple fires continue to destroy neighborhoods in the greater Los Angeles area.
Trevor Moore, a forward for the Kings and the team’s lone California native, expressed the heartbreaking reality of the situation. He mentioned how difficult it is to be away from home during such a catastrophic event, describing the fires as the worst he has ever seen in California. Moore expressed gratitude towards the first responders and shared that the team is thinking and praying for everyone affected by the fires.
As the Kings embark on their five-game road trip, which includes stops in Seattle and Western Canada, Moore has been receiving updates from friends and family back home. He mentioned the heart-wrenching stories of people losing their homes and cherished memories in the fires.
Despite the proximity of the fires to Moore’s hometown of Thousand Oaks, none of the Kings’ roster members have lost their homes in the blaze. However, the devastation and impact on the community are deeply felt by everyone on the team.
The fires have resulted in reported deaths and forced over 150,000 people to evacuate. With the fires expected to continue into the weekend, uncertainty looms over what the players will return to when they go back home on January 18.
Teammate Phillip Danault shared his emotional farewell to his family before leaving for Manitoba, as his family home is located close to the fires. The team showed solidarity by wearing Los Angeles Fire Department stickers on their helmets during the game in Winnipeg.
Kings head coach Jim Hiller acknowledged the widespread impact of the fires, with almost everyone on the team being connected to someone affected by the disaster. The postponement of the Kings’ home game against the Calgary Flames highlighted the severity of the situation.
Despite the challenges and emotional toll of being away from home during this crisis, Moore emphasized the team’s determination to play hockey and provide a distraction for those affected by the wildfires.
As the Kings continue their road trip, they carry the weight of the wildfires in California with them, hoping for containment and relief for their community.
