History was made today for the Vegas Golden Knights who saw three players called up for the IIHF World Championship for the first time in franchise history.
Forwards Mark Stone and Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Shea Theodore were all named to the Team Canada roster for the tournament, which takes place in Bratislava and Kosice, Slovakia from May, 10 to May, 26.
This is a proud first for the Golden Knights who have never before had players involved at the international level since entering the NHL in 2017.
It is just rewards for Stone, Marchessault and Theodore who all enjoyed stellar years for the Knights in 2018-19.
Stone proved to a difference maker following his trade from the Ottawa Senators at the trade deadline, posting five goals and six assists for 11 points in 18 regular season games for Vegas, finishing the year with 73 points in total (33 goals, 40 assists).
He also produced 12 points (six goals, six assists) in the playoffs for the Golden Knights, and is a nominee for the Selke Trophy after leading the entire NHL in takeaways with 122 and blocking 71 shots.
Marchessault was his usual potent self in 18-19 after registering 59 points (25 goals, 34 assists), and he finished the postseason with four goals and two assists for six points in seven games.
Theodore enjoyed a career year for Vegas having achieved career highs in goals (12), assists (25) and points (37).
This will be the first time that both Marchessault and Theodore have played in the World Championship, but Stone has history with this competition having contributed ten points in ten games in 2016 to help Team Canada secure Gold.
And there may be more for Vegas to celebrate with the likes of Team USA and Team Sweden yet to release their rosters, which could mean nods for Max Pacioretty, Paul Stastny, Nate Schmidt and William Karlsson.
Sweden have won Gold in both of the previous two years, while Team USA has not tasted victory since 1960.
Team Canada are second in the Gold Medal stakes with 26 – Team Russia lead the way with 27.