SALT LAKE CITY – Hockey fans in the Beehive State showed out for the Frozen Fury preseason NHL game at Vivint Arena.
The LA Kings hosted the Vegas Golden Knights at the home of the Utah Jazz on Thursday, October 6.
Vegas defeated Los Angeles, 6-4.
#FrozenFury Final@GoldenKnights 6@LAKings 4 #GoKingsGo #VegasBorn #NHL pic.twitter.com/UpmyxCSfVQ
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 7, 2022
The crowd at Vivint Arena loved every minute of the action and filled a majority of the seats available in the modified venue. The fans filled the entire lower bowl and much of the upper bowl that was set aside as ticketed seats.
Although the event wasn’t filled to the capacity of a Jazz basketball game, it was loud throughout the night.
SLC is making some noise tonight! 🗣️ 🏒
Fourth “loud environment” alert I’ve had on my watch during this game. ⌚️ #FrozenFury @kslsports pic.twitter.com/7NEF0l9ScM
— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) October 7, 2022
Kings and Golden Knights jerseys were the most prominent of the night, but Avalanches, Sharks, and other NHL uniforms were sported by fans at Frozen Fury.
The in-game entertainment featured multiple sightings of the Jazz’s mascot, Bear, and the Kings’ mascot, Bailey. Bear and Bailey helped prepare the ice for action during pregame by driving Zambonis around the arena and waving to the fans as they poured into their seats.
During the break between the first and second periods, Bear and Bailey had a shootout with 20 pucks apiece.
The Kings did an excellent job making the contest feel like a home game for fans. In addition to having Bailey interact with the crowd, the graphics and jumbotron featured LA’s logos and even had a video of celebrity Will Ferrell to hype up the crowd with a “Go Kings Go!” chant.
Will Ferrell hyping up @vivintarena for the @LAKings 🔥#NHL #FrozenFury pic.twitter.com/j21WJc0E6e
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 7, 2022
The overall environment was great and proved that professional hockey has a place in Utah.
Vegas beats LA
Less than two minutes into the game, the Kings got on the scoreboard first.
That was quick, @LAKings. 😳#GoKingsGo #VegasBorn #NHL #FrozenFury pic.twitter.com/fsOA8J3vti
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 7, 2022
A few minutes later, LA added to its hot start with another goal that snuck across the line.
However, after LA took a 2-0 lead, Vegas got things rolling.
Near the end of the opening period, the Golden Knights found their first goal of the game thanks to Reilly Smith.
After a quick break, the Knights scored three more goals during the second period to take a commanding 4-2 lead into the final 20 minutes of action.
Both teams added a pair of scores to their total in the third period. Despite the hot start, the Kings weren’t able to keep pace with the Golden Knights over the final 40 minutes.
Vegas’ next game is against the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday, October 8 at 6 pm (MDT).
LA’s next contest is against the Anaheim Ducks on October 8 at 2 pm (MDT).
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