So far, the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings have played three home games in their first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs matchup against the Edmonton Oilers. For all three of those games, the Koreatown Senior and Community Center harmonica class was also in Crypto.com Arena.
The L.A. hockey team invited the amateur harmonica troupe to play the national anthem at Game 1 of the series, on April 21, after they were so well-received during the Kings’ Korean heritage night celebration last month. Then, when the Kings won that first match, the seniors were invited back for Game 2 on April 23 — and they went 2-for-2 with their lucky-charm opening act.
Unfortunately, even though the Koreatown Senior and Community Center harmonica class was back for Tuesday night’s Game 5 this week, that home winning streak snapped, and now the Oilers lead 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. The two teams meet next on Thursday night at Edmonton’s Rogers Place arena.
While Sophia Ko from the class was hoping for a win heading into their Tuesday night “Star-Spangled Banner” performance, she tells Billboard that “it’s hard to put into words” what this overall Stanley Cup Playoffs experience has meant to her.
“It feels like South Korea has grown so much, and that growth has brought us this amazing opportunity,” Ko tells Billboard. “I can truly feel the rising status of the Korean community here in L.A.”
She also says she’s “truly grateful” for the response from the Kings organization and the fans in supporting the repeat anthem performances. “As someone older, being treated with such warmth and respect has been incredibly moving,” Ko says. “It honestly feels like a dream — I can’t tell if this is real or not.
“This is our fourth performance, but I still clearly remember the emotions and excitement of that very first time performing in such a big arena. I’m so thankful to all the Kings staff who’ve been so kind to us, and above all, I thank God from the bottom of my heart.”
Below, watch the class’ Game 5 performance from Tuesday night:
