Fans know that Bill Foley owns the Vegas Golden Knights. They probably know the Stanley Cup champion also owns FC Bournemouth, a Premier League soccer team (or as they call it across the pond, football). Heck, they even know about his property in Whitefish Lake, Montana.
But there's more to the owner than meets the eye. Some fans don't know what else is happening with Foley as a person.
For example, how did he fall in love with the game of hockey? What other pursuits does he have in life? More importantly, what other sports team did he look at prior to getting the Golden Knights?
All of that will be answered shortly. Let's get to know the wonderful owner of one of the hottest NHL teams around, shall we?
1.) Bill Foley served in the U.S. Army
Foley was a cadet during his U.S. Army days. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force after graduating from West Point. If you're wondering, the Golden Knights were almost the Black Knights and the Knights.
The London Knights had a stake in the Knights name and there was a conflict with the Army. Thus, the Army's Parachute Team was honored instead.
2.) He developed his love for hockey through playing shinny
While Foley spent a majority of his life living in Texas, there was a small period where he lived in Ottawa, Ontario. Here, it's when he played a similar style of hockey called "shinny." That's where he developed his love for hockey, eventually leading him to owning an NHL franchise.
"Shinny" is essentially pick-up hockey. It's where the kids play on the pond until dusk. You play with a ball and a curved piece of wood. It's also used as a term for street hockey. Foley's journey shows that a love for hockey doesn't just come from playing on travel teams.
3.) He almost bought the Jacksonville Jaguars
Imagine this scenario, dear reader. Imagine a world where Bill Foley has a quarterback like Josh Allen or Jack Eichel lookalike, Patrick Mahomes, under center (okay, there's a slight resemblance). Instead of seeing Mr. Hand's son play as a quarterback, you have a Pro Bowl quarterback who leads the Jaguars to the Super Bowl.
That almost became a reality as Foley was in the bidding for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ultimately, that bid went to Shahid Khan and Foley passed on the opportunity. Eventually, it led to him becoming the Golden Knights' owner, where the rest is history.
4.) He has a family winery
I'm sure you've heard about the Foley Family Wine and Spirits. The Golden Knights' owner acquired the legendary Chalk Hill estate in Healdsburg, California, in 2010. His website showcases a love for the finer things in life.
"Bill and his wife Carol’s passion and love of Burgundian varietals made Chalk Hill an intriguing venture. In addition to his role as vintner, Bill Foley is the Chairman, CEO and Governor of the National Hockey League’s 31st franchise, the Vegas Golden Knights."Foley Estates
Sometimes, you just need a glass of wine after building a prominent NHL franchise.