Los Angeles Kings supporters at Johnny's Tacos & Sports in Redlands reveled in their team's Game 7 victory Tuesday night in the NHL Western Conference Semifinal series.
Scott Newell, 38, of Redlands, a physical education teacher in Beaumont, and Casey Albertson, 28, of Redlands, watched a live broadcast at Johnny's on East Lugonia Avenue, and Newell said "It was a great game!"
"I'm from Canada so I grew up playing and watching hockey, so I gotta catch all the games," Newell said. "The Maple Leafs are out of it, and the Kings are the next team in line.
"I come from Newfoundland, grew up playing and watching hockey since I was four years old. We played on all kinds of different ice, putting the hose out in the backyard and letting it freeze overnight, ponds, to playing on a rink."
Albertson was wearing a Kings T-shirt and she was pleased to see L.A. advance.
"I don't know much about hockey but I love watching the game," she said. "It's fast, and when they get it in the net I cheer. Without a doubt we are with the Kings all the way."
Newell said he's been in Southern California 22 years and he is still a Leafs supporter but he loves the Kings too.
"I grew up loving the Blue Jays and the Maple Leafs," he said. "In Newfoundland you're either Maple Leafs or Canadiens, or you're not a hockey fan. . . . But I always keep up with the Kings. Last year was absolutely crazy and I hope they go all the way again this year."
Newell said he's looking forward to the Kings' next opponent, Detroit or Chicago.
"That's going to be a great series," he said. "The Red Wings or the Blackhawks, they're from the original six NHL teams, so there will be a lot of people watching."
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