Los Angeles Kings Host Pride Night at STAPLES Center
AEG’s LA Kings Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion with ‘Hockey Is For Everyone’
Last night the Los Angeles Kings hosted Pride Night at STAPLES Center for the Kings-Arizona Coyotes game. As part of the NHL’s ‘Hockey Is For Everyone’ initiative, LA Kings Pride Night in support of You Can Play kicked off the game with a ceremonial puck drop by the LA Galaxy’s Robbie Rogers.
Rogers, the first openly gay man to compete in a top North American professional sports league was joined in the pre-game show by Dr. Drew Pinsky, celebrity doctor and LGBT ally who performed the national anthem and Jeff Archibald, an openly gay marine and recreational ice hockey player, who was honored as the Hero of the Game. Also in attendance, at her first LA Kings game in support of the LGBT community, was activist, philanthropist, restauranteur and TV personality, Lisa Vanderpump.
All Kings players including Jeff Carter and Jeff Zatkoff warmed up prior to the game using rainbow stick tape – that the Kings Care Foundation auctioned to raise almost $20,000 – in addition to an in-arena You Can Play PSA featuring the Kings’ Dustin Brown and Tanner Pearson. The Kings’ mascot Bailey and Ice Crew also sported Pride-themed attire throughout the evening.
A portion of all ticket proceeds purchased through www.lakings.com/pride were donated to You Can Play.
