An icy evening

Here's a riddle for you: Where can you go in Los Angeles when it is 90 degrees outside, but you can still comfortably wear a fleece jacket, boots and a scarf?

Why, a Kings hockey game, of course!

My thoughtful mother got me tickets to the game, so the boy and I and our roomie, Brook, piled into the car Sunday night and drove to downtown L.A. While the weather wasn’t exactly reflective of the season this past weekend (though it is suddenly chilly outside as I write this), inside that rink, wearing my layers, it almost felt like fall.

Now, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t really that cold inside the STAPLES Center, but I was happy just the same to finally have the chance to wear the Coach scarf the boy got me last Christmas, which has not been worn nearly enough times to make up for the steep price tag that I know came with it.

Funny enough, despite my longing for a cool night, when it came time to choose a refreshment I opted to sip a frosty strawberry daiquiri during the game. It chilled my hands but I couldn’t resist. I really am a California girl.

Sunday’s game was a night of firsts: my first time at the STAPLES Center—also home to the L.A. Lakers and Clippers—and my first time at a NHL game. I’ve never been a big hockey fan (though I’m sure my Canadian readers can’t understand why!) but I found myself surprisingly interested in the game, even if I did have a hard time keeping track of the puck.

For those who do enjoy hockey, it truly was a great game. The Kings scored two goals against Ohio’s Columbus Blue Jackets within the first five minutes of the first period and ended up winning the game 6-2. Even as a novice, I know that’s a high-scoring game.

Several players also came to blows on the ice after one of the Kings undercut one of the Blue Jackets—it was pretty gnarly; the guy did a full flip and landed on his head! Later in the game, a Blue Jacket checked a Kings player into his own bench. (I couldn’t help but laugh at that one.)

Another exciting moment was when the Blue Jackets were given a penalty shot against the Kings. The boy informed me that such an occurrence is very rare, which became obvious when the crowd stood to its feet to watch, boo and then cheer when the Kings goalie deflected the puck. Oh, yeah!

There were a lot of broken sticks, too. I didn’t realize how often players break their sticks! I would have thought those would be difficult to break… wouldn’t you?

All in all, I would say it was a fun, sometimes confusing and yet educational experience. I'd go again, for sure. I think I've warmed up (pun most definitely intended) to the machismo on ice that is hockey.

I'll admit, when the end game buzzer sounded, I was a bit reluctant to leave the STAPLES Center. Once we walked through the glass doors and out onto the city streets, the warm evening air hit us, reminding us of where we were and prompting us to peel off our jackets.

My icy evening may have been short-lived, but it was good while it lasted.

P.S. Thank you for all your lovely comments about my costume! You guys are so sweet. I can't wait to wear it again this Saturday!