During the Tampa Bay Lightning-Los Angeles Kings game on New Year’s Day, a unique and comedic twist unfolded as actor Will Ferrell took on an unofficial role as a referee. Dressed in full officiating gear, complete with a Kings helmet, Ferrell entertained fans by mimicking penalty calls and playfully engaging with the game from his seat at Crypto.com Arena.
Known for his long-standing support of the Kings, Ferrell has previously donned face paint during playoff games and has humorously shown up in his iconic lime green “Elf” costume. This time, however, he was there to cheer on NHL referees Francis Charron and Brandon Schrader, whom he humorously claimed to have trained. In a first intermission interview, Ferrell expressed his admiration for their officiating, stating, “They’re calling a heck of a game. Heck of a game.”
Ferrell likened his presence to that of a coach, offering encouragement to Charron during the opening period. He shared, “I’m telling him, like, ‘Relax. It’s OK. You’re doing great. You’re doing great.’” While it’s been 15 years since Ferrell last wore skates, he was enthusiastic about being ready for action. “I’m very nimble. I’m still ready to go,” he said, humorously suggesting he could step in if a referee needed relief.
Despite his playful antics, Ferrell was mindful of the game’s rules—he refrained from blowing his whistle during play, a decision made to avoid disruption. However, once the period ended, he lively engaged with fans.
The game concluded with some disappointment for Ferrell as the Lightning mounted an impressive late-game rally, scoring three goals in the final minutes to secure a 5-3 victory. Yet, his spirits remained high, especially as he looked forward to future games and connections with players.
Ferrell’s lighthearted involvement in the game exemplifies not only his enduring passion for hockey but also how celebrity appearances can enhance the entertainment value of sports events, creating memorable experiences for fans.