L.A. Kings to play game in Salt Lake City free of taxpayer dollars before heading to Quebec
The L.A. Kings will play a 2024 preseason game free of taxpayer dollars in the bettors' favourite next city to get an NHL expansion team... and it's not Quebec City.
The Kings announced that the team will play their "Frozen Fury" preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights in Salt Lake City's Delta Centre on Sept. 23.
Salt Lake City is home to the NBA's Utah Jazz, and neither the municipal nor state governments are involved in the game financially.
"Neither Salt Lake City nor the State of Utah has ever been involved with organizing Frozen Fury or Delta Centre's ability to host the event," said Utah Jazz Communications Director Caroline Klein. "Frozen Fury is held in partnership between the Utah Jazz / Delta Centre and the LA Kings and does receive some support from the Utah Sports Commission."
The game is days before the Kings are set to travel to Quebec City to play preseason games against Boston and Florida in the provincial capital on Oct. 3 and 5.
Quebec Premier François Legault defended his government's decision to pay upwards of $7 million to subsidize the games saying, "it's important to invest in leisure, whether it's sports or culture."
The Montreal Canadiens pointed out after the announcement that they would have played the games for free.
The Salt Lake City game is the result of Delta Centre Senior Vice-President of Events Mark Powell cold-calling Kings President Luc Robitaille on the idea of bringing a Kings game to the arena, Klein added.
"They developed a friendship over a few months and Luc finally expressed interest and they made a deal happen," said Klein. "Salt Lake City is known for hosting incredible events so the city was ready with infrastructure and Delta Centre was prepared to accommodate hockey."
Long odds for a Nordiques return
The game in Salt Lake City may be a preview of what an NHL game could look like in the city that hosted the 2002 Olympics, much to the chagrin of Quebec fans hoping for a second franchise in the province.
Legault added that he hopes NHL commissioner Gary Bettman attends the game and sees the possibility of having a franchise in Quebec City.
"What we're aiming for is to say, we have a, I would say, world-class arena ... it's time that the NHL agrees to give a franchise, to have the return of the Nordiques," said Legault.
Salt Lake City is the bookies.com betting favourite city to get the next NHL expansion team (+250 odds), followed by Houston (+300), Atlanta (+500) and Kansas City (+750).
Quebec has the fifth-highest odds at +1,200.
It should be noted that Houston, Atlanta and Salt Lake City all have world-class arenas that host NBA teams.
Kansas City's T-Mobile Centre can also host 17,544 hockey fans, and city officials have been in contact with the NHL about an expansion team in the past.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates
W5 Investigates Provinces look to Saskatchewan on how to collect millions more for victims of crime
A W5 investigation showed how convicted criminals ordered to pay restitution struggled to do so, and how just $7 million of more than $250 million had been confirmed to be claimed. While many provinces struggle to keep track, Saskatchewan is leading the way in making sure victims get their money.
PM Justin Trudeau planning to oversee sizable cabinet shuffle on Friday: sources
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a sizable cabinet shuffle on Friday, sources confirm to CTV News. The long-awaited reconfiguration of Trudeau's front bench comes amid turmoil for the Liberal government after the shocking resignation of Chrystia Freeland.
Child struck by vehicle south of London has died
According to an online fundraiser organized by a family friend, the boy who was hit by a driver south of London earlier this week has died.
Toronto officer dies after suspected medical episode while executing search warrant: TPS
A police officer who died after having a suspected medical episode on duty was executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation in North York, Toronto police confirmed Thursday.
N.B. Liberal government revises Policy 713, parental consent no longer required for students' preferred names
The New Brunswick Liberals are reversing course on the previous government’s decision to change Policy 713.
Manitoba man wins $40M Lotto Max jackpot, among top 5 jackpots in province's history
A Manitoba man has won one of the top five largest lottery jackpots in Manitoba history.
Conan O'Brien pays tribute to his parents who died within days of each other
Conan O’Brien is remembering his recently deceased parents. In an interview with the Boston Globe, the former late night television host talked about his mother, Ruth Reardon O’Brien, who died last Thursday, and Dr. Thomas F. O’Brien, who preceded his wife in death three days earlier.
How stimulating the body's largest nerve may relieve severe depression
A yearlong trial of 493 adults, with an average age of 53, found vagus nerve stimulation therapy led to improvement in participants' depressive symptoms, ability to complete daily tasks and quality of life.
Amazon workers strike at multiple facilities as Teamsters seek labour contract
Workers at seven Amazon facilities went on strike Thursday, an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the e-commerce company for a labour agreement during a key shopping period.
Toronto
-
Toronto officer dies after suspected medical episode while executing search warrant: TPS
A police officer who died after having a suspected medical episode on duty was executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation in North York, Toronto police confirmed Thursday.
-
PM Justin Trudeau planning to oversee sizable cabinet shuffle on Friday: sources
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a sizable cabinet shuffle on Friday, sources confirm to CTV News. The long-awaited reconfiguration of Trudeau's front bench comes amid turmoil for the Liberal government after the shocking resignation of Chrystia Freeland.
-
'It's on us to make it right': Interim TTC CEO apologizes for service issues
The interim CEO for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is apologizing for an increase in service disruptions over the past month.
Ottawa
-
OPP charge three former hospital employees with patient privacy breach after unrelated incidents
Three former hospital employees have been charged following investigations into unrelated alleged breach of patient privacy incidents that took place over the course of last year in different parts of the province, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
-
Close to 30 per cent of OCDSB schools below ‘state of good repair,' according to financial watchdog
Close to 30 per cent of Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) schools are below a “state of good repair,” according to a new financial report.
-
'We know we need to do more': Ottawa Police Service addresses Abdi inquest findings
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) says it is committed to repairing the "fractured relationships" it has with the local Somali community in the wake of the inquest into the 2016 death of Abdirahman Abdi.
Atlantic
-
N.B. Liberal government revises Policy 713, parental consent no longer required for students' preferred names
The New Brunswick Liberals are reversing course on the previous government’s decision to change Policy 713.
-
Snowfall warnings issued ahead of Friday night nor'easter in Maritimes
A developing storm moving northward just off the U.S. eastern seaboard looks likely to bring a heavy early winter snowfall to much of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the southeastern corner of New Brunswick.
-
Police investigate robberies in Halifax and Dartmouth, N.S.
Halifax Regional Police (HRP) are investigating a robbery at a gas station Wednesday night.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland man facing more charges related to youth sex crimes
A 64-year-old Newfoundland man charged with dozens of sex crimes involving young people is facing several new charges.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
-
Backhoe used to tear the front off Newfoundland bank, four facing charges: RCMP
Four people in eastern Newfoundland are facing charges after a stolen backhoe was used to tear the front off the RBC bank in Holyrood.
Northern Ontario
-
Most properties in massive northern Ont. real estate insolvency sold
The 323 most profitable of 407 properties in northern Ontario owned by insolvent real estate companies have been sold.
-
Sudbury man charged with online child sexual abuse material
A Sudbury man, 33, is facing online child sexual abuse material charges after the internet child exploitation unit raided a local home, police say.
-
North Bay woman accused of throwing coffee, spitting on victim
A woman who had been banned from a North Bay business is charged with assault with a weapon after allegedly returning and causing a scene.
London
-
Community in mourning after boy struck by vehicle while getting off school bus dies
The Lambeth and area community is in mourning after learning a young boy passed away after being struck by a vehicle while getting off his school bus Monday afternoon.
-
Threat of tariffs & food inflation won't break the 'magic' as Business Cares Food Drive marks 25 years
The Business Cares Food Drive is celebrating 25 years of giving in London. The annual campaign concluded with a ‘Morning of Magic’ celebration Thursday.
-
Farmers use insurance company lands to raise funds for food banks
In the spring of this year, a group of farmers, who also sit on Axiom Mutual Insurance’s Board of Directors, planted 40 acres of beans outside Axiom’s headquarters near Zurich.
Kitchener
-
Ontario appoints reviewer for Catholic school board after pricey Italy art trip
Ontario has appointed a reviewer to look into expenses at the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board after four trustees spent $45,000 on a trip to Italy to buy $100,000 worth of art.
-
Inquest rules Fergus man's death a homicide after he was shot by police
A jury has ruled that a Fergus man's death in 2021 was a homicide.
-
Police believe Cambridge jewelry store robberies are connected
Police have made an arrest in a jewelry store robbery at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo, Ont.
Windsor
-
Recognize them? Vehicle theft suspects sought in west Windsor
Windsor police are looking for two suspects after a vehicle was reported stolen outside an apartment building in the west end.
-
Waste management program featuring locked bins launching in downtown Windsor
A new waste management program is launching in downtown Windsor as part of the Strengthen the Core initiative.
-
Some improvements unveiled at Tecumseh Arena
A tour was held for the media on Thursday to see the updated interior spaces.
Barrie
-
'Wow, wow, wow,' Barrie couple turns $1 Encore purchase into $100,000 lottery win
A Barrie couple is celebrating their first big lottery win after playing together for a decade.
-
Barrie man arrested on child pornography charges
Barrie police executed a search warrant at a Barrie home Wednesday.
-
Ont. father says police failed his family after 911 calls went unanswered
An Orangeville man is calling for accountability from Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) after he says thieves armed with a gun broke into his home and left his family traumatized.
Vancouver
-
B.C. court dismisses appeal of 'prolific and sophisticated' shoplifter
British Columbia's highest court has rejected an attempt by a "prolific and sophisticated offender" to overturn his jail sentence for a $40,000 shoplifting scheme.
-
Vancouver Police Union criticizes handling of sexual assault case after officer's death
The president of the Vancouver Police Union has criticized the handling of a sexual assault case that ended in the suicide of a Central Saanich Police officer.
-
Landslide halts passenger rail service between Vancouver, Seattle
Train service between Vancouver and Seattle has been halted after a landslide near White Rock, B.C., according to Amtrak.
Vancouver Island
-
Vancouver Police Union criticizes handling of sexual assault case after officer's death
The president of the Vancouver Police Union has criticized the handling of a sexual assault case that ended in the suicide of a Central Saanich Police officer.
-
B.C. court dismisses appeal of 'prolific and sophisticated' shoplifter
British Columbia's highest court has rejected an attempt by a "prolific and sophisticated offender" to overturn his jail sentence for a $40,000 shoplifting scheme.
-
BC Ferries cancels sailings on Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route
BC Ferries has cancelled a number of sailings between Horseshoe Bay and Departure Bay because one of its vessels requires maintenance, according to the company.
Winnipeg
-
Former Winnipeg teacher faces new charges involving four underage girls, three of whom were students
A former Winnipeg teacher who had been previously charged with voyeurism, sexual assault, and accessing child pornography is facing more charges related to a number of incidents throughout 2024.
-
Manitoba man wins $40M Lotto Max jackpot, among top 5 jackpots in province's history
A Manitoba man has won one of the top five largest lottery jackpots in Manitoba history.
-
84-year-old man dead after being hit by car: Winnipeg police
An 84-year-old man is dead after he was hit by a car on Wednesday in Winnipeg.
Calgary
-
Green Line report says elevated track through downtown Calgary needs study
A report on the Alberta government's proposed alignment for Calgary's Green Line light-rail transit project says noise, ease of construction and impact to existing properties need to be studied further if the city moves forward.
-
Alberta's new pay model promises better conditions for doctors and patients
Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta's health minister are set to announce details on an updated pay model for family physicians Thursday afternoon.
-
Veterans Association Food Bank filling more than 325 hampers for veterans and their families over holidays
Volunteers at the Veterans Food Bank work constantly in the warehouse to empty food donation bins and fill holiday food hampers for hundreds of families. The problem is there's not enough food being donated and the hampers will be delivered on December 21st.
Edmonton
-
Dozens of dogs surrendered to SPCA by Brazeau County man
Seventy-two dogs were recently surrendered to Alberta SPCA by a Brazeau County property owner.
-
Inmate dead after 'incident' at the Edmonton Remand Centre: officials
An inmate has died after what the province describes as an "incident" at the Edmonton Remand Centre on Wednesday.
-
No charges against Mounties in arrest of prominent Alberta chief
Alberta's police watchdog says there's no evidence an offence was committed when Mounties used force to arrest a First Nation chief outside a Fort McMurray, Alta., casino in 2020.
Regina
-
Train derailment in west Regina leads to road closures
Police responded to the scene of a minor train derailment in west Regina.
-
Sask. women under 50 will soon be eligible for breast cancer screening
Beginning on Jan. 1, more Saskatchewan women will be able to access breast cancer screening as the province takes a phased approach to lower age eligibility.
-
W5 Investigates
W5 Investigates Provinces look to Saskatchewan on how to collect millions more for victims of crime
A W5 investigation showed how convicted criminals ordered to pay restitution struggled to do so, and how just $7 million of more than $250 million had been confirmed to be claimed. While many provinces struggle to keep track, Saskatchewan is leading the way in making sure victims get their money.
Saskatoon
-
How do THC gummies impact driving? Sask. researchers use simulator to find out
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are conducting a study to learn how THC edibles impact driving performance.
-
'Should move forward': Still no plea from Saskatchewan student who allegedly set teen on fire
More than three months have passed since a Saskatoon girl was set on fire, yet her classmate charged in connection with the incident has still not made a plea.
-
Saskatoon police investigate city's 15th homicide
Major crime and forensic investigators are searching for evidence in what’s been deemed Saskatoon’s 15th homicide of the year.
