Imagine your mom cheering you on from the stands, not just at home games, but on the road, witnessing the highs and lows of professional hockey firsthand. That’s exactly what’s happening for the LA Kings players during their special Moms Trip, a rare and cherished opportunity for both players and their mothers. But here’s where it gets heartwarming: for many, this is their first time experiencing life on the road with their moms, from travel and meals to downtime away from the rink. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the games; it’s about the bonding, the shared experiences, and the chance to say ‘thank you’ for years of unwavering support.
The Kings have been on a roll lately, bouncing back from a pair of losses to Washington and Chicago with a dominant 6-0 shutout against the Blackhawks and a hard-fought road win in Utah. But what’s truly stealing the spotlight is the presence of their biggest fans—their moms, who have been cheering them on with unmatched enthusiasm. For defenseman Cody Ceci and his mom, Karen Sylvester, this trip has been 13 years in the making. ‘I’ve been waiting my entire career for this,’ Sylvester shared, her excitement palpable. ‘We’ve had so much fun, and it’s been amazing to meet everyone and do things together.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: While dads’ trips and siblings’ trips are more common, moms’ trips are a rarity, leaving some to wonder why. Is it logistics, scheduling, or something else? Ceci himself pointed out, ‘She’s always seemed to miss the mom’s trip,’ highlighting the unique challenges moms face in joining these experiences. Yet, for Sylvester, the wait was worth it, especially as she got to celebrate Ceci’s 900th career NHL game during the trip. ‘I still remember his first game like it was yesterday,’ she said, her pride undeniable.
Ceci’s journey to this milestone is no small feat. Starting his NHL career in Ottawa at just 20 years old, he’s since played for Toronto, Pittsburgh, Edmonton, San Jose, and Dallas before joining the Kings. For him, this trip is about more than hockey—it’s about showing his mom the life he leads on the road. ‘She’s always asking how we travel and what we do, so now she gets to see it firsthand,’ he explained.
Forward Alex Laferriere, whose mom is also named Karen, had a high bar set after his dad experienced the team’s dads’ trip last season. One of the highlights for him was hearing General Manager Ken Holland speak at a group dinner. ‘You realize how special our life is,’ Laferriere reflected. ‘Being able to share that with our moms, who played such pivotal roles in our lives, is unbelievable.’ But here’s a thought-provoking question: Do these trips give players an extra edge on the ice? Laferriere believes so, noting, ‘Having loved ones with you definitely gives you a little bit of a boost. You want to perform for them and make it a fun trip.’
Sharon Moore, mom to Trevor Moore, is no stranger to her son’s games, but this trip is different. ‘She’s been really excited about this for a while,’ Trevor shared. ‘It’s exciting for us to share our daily routine with them because none of us would be here without their sacrifices.’ And this is the part most people miss: While moms often meet each other during visits or playoffs, this trip allows them to bond all at once, creating a unique sense of community.
Head Coach Jim Hiller couldn’t agree more. ‘I love seeing the moms,’ he said. ‘The dads get it pretty often, but for some of the moms, this is their first chance to experience this. It’s always such a proud moment for the players.’ The trip has also served as a much-needed reset for the team, coming at the perfect time. ‘The guys get out there and get after it, and now the moms have a chance to see the good and the challenging parts of the trip,’ Hiller added.
After a win in Salt Lake City, which also happened to be Drew Doughty’s birthday, Doughty’s mom, Connie, gave a heartfelt speech in the locker room. Hiller didn’t hesitate to credit the families for the team’s refocused play. ‘We’ve got the mothers with us here, so we’re going to give them all the credit in the world,’ he said.
As the Kings prepare for their next game in Seattle, the hope is that the momentum and family bonding will carry them to a third straight victory. But here’s a question for you: Do you think these family trips should become a regular part of professional sports? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!
