By Donevan Aceves, Nov. 9, 2021
On Nov. 5, Cal Poly Pomona students and alumni attended “CPP Night with the Kings,” an LA Kings match against the New Jersey Devils at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Offering a special edition CPP/Kings co-branded jersey for CPP affiliated attendees, the night ended in a 3-2 victory for the Kings.
Although the match started slowly with neither team scoring in the first period, the crowd echoed with cheers and support for the Kings throughout the first two periods, according to biology student Jasmine Venegas.
“The game was so much fun and I can honestly say that I am a Kings fan after tonight’s game,” said Venegas. “I never watch hockey, so it was so exciting to come watch a game.”
The Kings’ right wing, Adrian Kempe, managed to maneuver the puck past the Devils’ goalie, Mackenzie Blackwood, late in the second period. However, the Devils quickly evened the score in the third period, 1-1.
For Norma Camarillo (’18, agricultural business management), the neck-and-neck nature of the match made for a thrilling introduction to ice hockey.
“I thought the energy and overall hype of the CPP Night was a lot of fun especially because this was my first time watching a hockey game,” said Camarillo. “When it comes to CPP alumni nights, it is something that I can enjoy not only by myself but with my friends as well.”
Shortly after the score tied 1-1, the Kings followed up with another goal by left wing Arthur Kaliyev, taking a 2-1 lead.
In a last-ditch attempt to even the score during the last period, the Devils took a huge risk by substituting their goalie.
With only 24 seconds left in the third period, the Devils tied the score once more, sending the game into overtime.
Less than a minute into overtime, right wing Alex Iafallo scored the winning goal for the Kings, defeating the Devils by one point.
In addition to performances and interactive games during intermissions, some lucky CPP spectators won a popcorn giveaway courtesy of the LA Kings and Popcornopolis, a sponsor of the event.
Despite the positive feedback from some CPP attendees, other students, like kinesiology student Lia Jimenez, believed the event lacked school spirit.
“I thought they would do a students and alumni shoutout on the big screen. I’m not sure if I missed it in the beginning but I would have liked to see that,” said Jimenez.
For more information about future Cal Poly Pomona Alumni/ Family and friends events, visit the CPP Alumni and External Relations website.
Featured image by Donevan Aceves