Wednesday’s game between the Kings and Calgary Flames has been postponed amid proliferating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, as confirmed by the NHL, Kings and Flames.
There was no immediate date available for the rescheduled contest, which had been slated as the Kings’ final clash at home before a five-game road trip set to begin Friday in Winnipeg. Tickets for Wednesday’s game against Calgary will be valid for the rescheduled match.
More than 1,000 structures had burned in the Pacific Palisades fire alone and at least two people were confirmed dead in the Eaton Canyon blaze on Wednesday morning. Then, there were at least three active infernos in what may already be the most destructive firestorm in the state’s history, spread rapidly by the frenetically swirling Santa Ana winds.
“Our hearts are with our entire Los Angeles community. We appreciate the hard working First Responders who are diligently working to contain the fire and protect our community,” the Kings said in a statement. “We appreciate the league’s support in keeping our fans, staff, and players safe.”
The league offered encouragement to one of just two markets with multiple NHL franchises.
“The thoughts of the entire NHL family are with the Kings, hockey fans and the people of the Los Angeles area during this difficult time,” the NHL’s statement read.
One of the more robust regions in the nation was nearing a standstill Wednesday as closures impacted seemingly everything, from at least 22 school districts to movie studios, with classes, filming, events and more being suspended and postponed throughout the metro area.
Local fire officials said Cal Fire had begun to assume control of efforts to contain the Pacific Palisades and protect those in its path, which branched both eastward and westward.
The Kings had carried nine consecutive home victories into the clash with Calgary, but will play their next five contests on the road in Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Seattle.
Two of those games will unfold in the Canadian province of Alberta, where wildfires in the Fort McMurray area destroyed some 2,400 structures and two people were killed while evacuating in 2016