The home opener for the Las Vegas Golden Knights was about way more than hockey. It was about bringing a city together.
The tragic loss of innocent lives could have ruined the home opener that the Las Vegas Golden Knights had been planning for more than two years. Instead, the Knights brought the city together, showing just what “Vegas Strong” means.
Oct. 10, 2017, was not just a home opener. It was a thank you to all the first responders and a memorial for the victims of the mass tragedy that occurred a weak earlier.
The city had been in a state of shock over the shootings that occurred at a concert last week. The Golden Knights and Arizona Coyotes intended to allow the fans to get some time away from the tragedy and have some fun. The opening ceremonies were something Las Vegas and the NHL will never forget.
The rink looked a little unusual because there were no advertisements on the boards at T-Mobile Arena. The team’s advertising partners agreed that Vegas itself would be the sole sponsor for this game. The words “Vegas Strong” all that could be seen on the boards.
Each Knight was introduced along with a first responder, and the pair walked/skated down the blue line. As the introductions concluded, the Arizona Coyotes skated onto the rink and lined up behind the Knights, all standing at the same blue line.
The PA announcer then called for a 58-second moment of silence—one second for each of the 58 people who lost their lives. The house lights went dark and illuminated on the ice were the words Vegas Strong along with the names of the victims. It was a heartbreaking moment to witness.
Vegas would go on to beat the Coyotes, 5-2, but on this night everyone won. In a tough situation, the team found a way to make a city smile and try to find some normalcy in an abnormal situation.
As the game concluded, the Knights and Coyotes saluted the fans in attendance. It was a great gesture by Arizona and one that was noticed by the home team.
#VegasStrong