Hollywood comedy legend Will Ferrell rang in the New Year in typically eccentric fashion, stealing the spotlight at an NHL game by dressing as a fully-kitted-out referee.
A Comedic Call to Action in the Stands
The incident occurred on New Year's Day at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where Ferrell's hometown team, the LA Kings, were facing off against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The actor was spotted in the stands wearing the complete uniform of an NHL official, including the iconic black-and-white striped shirt, a black helmet, and red armbands.
Never one to break character, Ferrell fully embraced the role, enthusiastically miming penalty calls from his seat behind the glass. His antics delighted fellow spectators and quickly became a viral sensation online after he was shown on the arena's big screen.
Ferrell's "Expert" Commentary Goes Live
The moment escalated when the FanDuel Sports Network team pulled the actor into a live broadcast interview. With his trademark deadpan humour, Ferrell claimed unwavering support for NHL referees. "In fact, I trained two of the guys out here," he joked. "They are two of my prized students, Brandon and Francis. They are calling a heck of a game."
He then quipped about being ready for emergency duty, stating, "You never know if one of these guys goes down, I may have to put on the skates and get out there."
A Fan Known for Theatrical Support
This is not the first time the diehard Kings fan has attended a game in a bizarre costume. In a memorable 2024 appearance, he famously dressed as Buddy the Elf, his character from the 2003 Christmas comedy. Beyond hockey, Ferrell is a familiar face at sporting events; he is a co-owner of Los Angeles FC and regularly attends their Major League Soccer matches.
Unfortunately for the Kings, even an extra (celebrity) referee in the stands couldn't swing the game in their favour. They fell to a 5-3 defeat against the impressive Lightning on Thursday night.
The result leaves Tampa Bay with a strong season record of 24-13-3. The LA Kings now sit at 16-14-9, placing them sixth in the Pacific Division. The team is on a four-season playoff run but has been eliminated in the first round by the Edmonton Oilers each time.
