On Thursday, one Olympian got to bear witness to Mitch Marner having the best day ever. He watched the Vegas Golden Knights double up the Calgary Flames, 6-3, as the superstar winger scored a hat trick. Not only that, but the Toronto Maple Leafs were also eliminated on the same day!
Okay, that's a story for another time. Still, the lucky soul who witnessed this was none other than Nick Itkin. In case you're unfamiliar with the fencer's work, he's an Olympian who won a bronze medal (two, in fact!), one in a team format (2020 Tokyo games) and one in an individual format (2024 Paris games). The Los Angeles native is also a decorated six-time Division 1 National Champion and a two-time NCAA individual champion with the University of Notre Dame!
Not only that, but he has gold medals from both the 2023 Pan American Games and the 2024 Pan American Games. Both of those came in the team format, adding more credibility to the seasoned athlete's resume. Don't forget about his two gold medals in the World Championship individual format! These achievements add to his legend, making him one of the most decorated athletes around.
With that, I talked with the Olympian about his time at the Golden Knights game against the Flames. Much of his experience touched on Marner himself, along with the similarities between fencing and hockey. Heck, there's even some trivia to get him into the Golden Knights' spirit!
How was the Golden Knights game day experience for you?
It was awesome, I had a great experience. We did a thing where we were in front of the castle and they showed us fencing. We said, "We were ready." After that experience, I'm going to be more tapped into the Golden Knights community. There was a lot of great energy [on Thursday].
Which Golden Knight would you love to meet?
I would say Mitch Marner because he scored a hat trick.
What parallels does fencing have with hockey?
Fencing might seem like a physical sport compared to hockey. But it's not at all. Being able to strategize and find an opening is what hockey has in common. In hockey, you're trying to find an opening to score in the net.
What other NHL teams have you seen in person?
I went to a Kings game as a kid and it was awesome. Hockey fans are awesome since they bring so much passion and energy.
What advice would you give to young people looking to play in a sport like fencing or hockey?
I would say that focus on enjoying the sport and don't be afraid to take risks. When you get comfortable in certain things, you don't grow as much as trying new things and developing new techniques.
Alright, so we're going to do some Golden Knights trivia. I have some softballs in here and some hard questions. Let's start with when the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup. What year was it?
2023. I saw one of the banners hanging up. *CORRECT*!
Who scored the hat trick in Thursday's game?
Mitch Marner. *CORRECT!*
Who was the Conn Smythe (Stanley Cup playoffs MVP) winner during that Stanley Cup playoff run?
Hmm... I'm not sure. I assume he's not with the team anymore?
Yes, that is correct.
I don't know. Who is it?
Jonathan Marchessault, he's playing for the Nashville Predators now.
Who was the first overall draft pick in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft?
Man, I don't know this one. I give up.
That would be Calvin Pickard. I wasn't kidding when I said some of these would be harder!