The Kings kicked off the night with a performance of the National Anthem sung by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and the honoring of LGBTQ+ Hero of the Game, Captain Syleida Ellis, United States Marine Corps. Following the Anthem, Brynne Van Putten, the President of the Los Angeles Blades Hockey Club, performed the ceremonial puck drop at center ice. The LA Blades are the first openly Gay and Lesbian ice hockey team in the US. Their mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for LGBT and straight people to play the game of hockey and to help build understanding and eliminate homophobia in the hockey community.
Pride Night Presented by Blue Shield of California
The LA Kings hosted their annual Pride Night presented by Blue Shield of California this year against the Chicago Blackhawks and activated throughout the night to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles and the larger LGBTQ+ hockey community everywhere.