Sweet Golden Knights
The Las Vegas Golden Knights are on a roll. The franchise is only four games into their existence and they have
tasted defeat once.
When the Las Vegas Golden Knights were announced as the newest franchise in the National Hockey League, the news was met with tremendous fanfare.
The Golden Knights are the first professional sports franchise in Las Vegas' 106 year history.
They say "everything happens for a reason" and the Golden Knights start is just what the city of Las Vegas needs after the horrific tragedy at the Route 91 fest on October 1st.
The city is still working to heal following an assault by gunmen Stephen Paddock in which he killed 58 innocent people from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.
When most people think of Las Vegas, they think of the bright lights and hitting the jackpot. What people don't realize is their is so much more to Las Vegas as a city. Communities like Boulder City, Henderson, and Summerlin are vital cogs that give Las Vegas its identity.
This past Tuesday, the Golden Knights gave the city of Las Vegas a face to a national audience. The Knights paid tribute to the lives lost and helped thank first responders for their bravery.
"We want to show that we're part of the Vegas community," said Golden Knights owner Bill Foley.
"We want to recognize first responders and show them that we appreciate everything that they've done. They're the ones who went out there and risked their lives and saved lives. We're trying hard to represent them."
All of the fanfare of the Golden Knights first home game has been delayed until they face the Detroit Red Wings tonight.
For one night it was all about the city of Las Vegas. Not about the franchise, not about tourist, but about the human beings that make up Las Vegas.
The Golden Knights opted not to put any advertisements on the boards. Instead opting for the #VegasStrong to show unity with the community.
Something was different about the crowd in T-Mobile Arena Tuesday night. Many of the observers were locals and from Las Vegas, rooting for their first professional team.
The fans wouldn't return to their hotel on the strip, but head home to be with their families after the Knights victory. The Knights are special to the city of Las Vegas and are being embraced by the community in a time of healing.
"This city is so much more than The Strip," said Golden Knights winger James Neal.
Our good friend Jillian Fisher was at the Golden Knights home opener and spent some time in the city. She provides a brilliant look at the atmosphere inside of T-Mobile Arena and in the city leading up to the game.
Here is her vlog:
Who knows how the Golden Knights season will play out, but hockey arrived in Nevada at the right time. Maybe hockey in Nevada will work out.