LAS VEGAS -- The Los Angeles Kings and the Colorado Avalanche squared off in the annual "Frozen Fury" exhibition game at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday. The event attracted nearly a sell out crowd of more than 9,000.
Jeff D'Alessio and his son, J.T., says there is a hunger, and it is for hockey.
"I live here in Vegas now, but I travel back and forth to Los Angeles just to go to games," said D'Alessio.
"At home on the TV I don't watch it that much. I'm like 'oh my God, I don't want to watch hockey,' but when I come here it's really fun," said son, J.T.
The goal of going to the Frozen Furry, for the duo, is cheering the Los Angeles Kings to win and to strengthen their bond.
"Coming here and being able to take him here is great," said D'Alessio. "I just wish I could do it more often."
"They score and I like when hockey scores," said Rylie, 6. She went to her first game Saturday with her dad, Tom Grogan.
"Being able to have some one-on-one time with her and show her the best sport on earth," is what Grogan says he likes about the Frozen Furry.
Las Vegas landed this year's National Hockey League (NHL) awards at the Palms, but so far has not been selected for a team.
"You hear rumors that Las Vegas is in the running to get a team," said Grogan. "Look around, it's a great fan base."
League officials visited the city in January but decided it needed an arena before it was considered a serious contender.
"If you see the success of the minor league teams here with the IHL, the Thunder, and the Las Vegas Wranglers, I think that the NHL could be really successful here," said D'Alessio.
Grogan agrees. "I couldn't think of another place, a better place where you can have an NHL team. You'll sell tickets here."
If you're keeping track, the Kings beat the Avalanche in a close match, 3 to 2.
