Outdoor hockey has long been acclimated to cold-weather climates in Eastern and also Northern regions of the country, exactly where ice can be naturally created and maintained.
Recently, however, the game has been introduced to the atmospheric conditions of California, where the Kings have played a set of games in the last two years.
The Kings’ good reputation for playing outdoors goes entirely back to September 27, 1991, when they played the NHL’s first-ever outdoor sport – albeit an exhibition contest -- against the New York Rangers in Las Vegas right next to Caesar’s Palace.Reebok Montreal Canadiens #11 Brendan Gallagher Premier Blue Third Jersey
Thirteen years later, the Leaders played in the NHL’s first-ever outside regular season game took part in California in January 2015 up against the Anaheim Ducks at Dodger Stadium.
Unfortunately, the outcome of that game wasn’t because magnificent as the setting and the nature of the event – the actual Kings failing to score an individual goal in a 3-0 loss.
On Feb 21st of this past period, the Kings got an additional crack at the outdoor setting – playing the San Jose Sharks at the brand-new Levi’s Stadium in Father christmas Clara.
It didn’t take long for the Leaders to score – something they didn't do the season prior from Dodger Stadium. Not even three moments into the game, Kyle Clifford redirected a Jake Muzzin shot past Antti Niemi to own Kings a 1-0 lead.Youth Reebok Montreal Canadiens #27 Alex Galchenyuk Premier Blue Third Jersey
KYLE CLIFFORD?! YAAAAAAAS! @LAKings #LAKings
— Caitlin Michelle (@omfgitscaitlin) February 22, 2015
First outdoor objective!Reebok Montreal Canadiens #76 P.K Subban Premier White Heritage Classic Jersey!! WOOOOOOOOO! #LAKings
— Miguel Rodriguez (@friarpuck) February 22, 2015
WE GOT AN OUTDOOR GAME GOAL! #LAKings
— Mary (@gokingsgo88) Feb . 22, 2015
WE FINALLY SCORED An objective OUTDOORS! #LAKings
— David Begg (@David_Begg) February Twenty two, 2015
YESSS!!! CLIFFORD puts the #LAKings on the panel first! #GOKINGSGO Go get those Sharks! photo.twitter.com/G2bcWkkRts
— Gustl Kopitar (@GustlTweets) February 22, 2015